Veronika Georgieva Represented Bulgaria on the World Stage and Received the YCO Ambassador Award

When a young chef steps onto the global stage, they carry with them not only their skills but also the identity of their country, culture, and education. At the 12th edition of the International Young Chef Olympiad 2026 in India, one of our trainees, Veronika Georgieva, represented Bulgaria with dignity, professionalism, and confidence, earning the prestigious YCO Ambassador Award.
Her participation was a strong statement about the place of Bulgarian culinary education on the global map.

International Young Chef Olympiad – A Stage for the Future Leaders of Gastronomy

The International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) is among the most prestigious international culinary events for young talents, held in India. The Olympiad gathers the best young chefs from leading culinary academies around the world.  The competition in Delhi places participants under intense professional pressure – limited time, an international jury, high technical requirements, and strict standards. It is an environment where not only technical skills stand out, but also resilience, discipline, cultural awareness, and the ability to work in a global context. It was precisely in such an environment that Veronika Georgieva represented Bulgaria.

Presenting Bulgarian Traditions to the World

One of the strongest aspects of Veronika’s participation was the authentic presentation of Bulgarian culinary tradition. Through carefully selected ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles, she demonstrated that Bulgarian cuisine possesses depth, character, and strong potential for international recognition.

Meeting participants from different cultures turns the Olympiad into a platform for genuine intercultural exchange. Discovering India, its cuisine, and its traditions broadened her professional horizons and added new inspiration for her future development.

When creativity takes place – the dishes with which Veronika represented Bulgaria

The signature dishes, prepared by Veronika for the competition, combined classical techniques with modern gastronomy, created with careful attention to texture, balance of flavors, and visual composition.

The main course featured a combination of chicken ballotine with shiitake mushrooms, leek, and garlic, enriched with a delicate chicken farce. The dish was served with onion velouté, an eggplant fondant with aromatic spices paired with an eggplant and yogurt mousse, a crispy chicken skin element, sautéed chickpeas, and glazed baby carrots. The final touch was an airy aquafaba foam.

The dessert was inspired by citrus flavors, built on a contrast between creamy and crunchy elements. It included a pistachio dacquoise base, lemon curd, lime-scented coconut mousse, crispy strudel pastry layers, and caramel toffee with a delicate salted note. The final accent was a ginger jelly with golden syrup, adding a fresh spiciness and balancing the sweetness of the dessert.

Through these dishes, Veronika demonstrated not only technical precision but also the ability to combine different culinary elements into a harmonious and refined gastronomic experience.

The YCO Ambassador Award – Recognition Beyond the Competition Ranking

During the Olympiad, Veronika was honored with the YCO Ambassador Award, which is presented to participants who demonstrate professional ethics, respect for cultural diversity, and an active contribution to the spirit of the international culinary community. It is a recognition of the person behind the chef’s jacket – for their conduct, leadership, and the way they represent their country.

“This award showed me that true professionalism is measured not only by skills, but also by attitude”,  shares Veronika Georgieva.

For HRC Culinary Academy, this recognition confirms that the academy is shaping globally minded professionals with high standards.

 International Connections and Future Opportunities

The event also creates real opportunities for the future. Strong professional relationships were established with the Colombian team, along with new friendships and connections with participants from many different countries. These interactions open the door to future collaborations and strengthen the international network of young culinary professionals.

“Meeting so many different cultures taught me that gastronomy is a universal language – it connects people beyond borders,” shares Veronika.

During the Olympiad, a memorandum of cooperation was also signed between all participating countries – a strategic step toward more active international exchange and future partnerships.

 The Preparation Behind the Success

Behind every international participation in a competition stands serious preparation and a strong team.

Veronika went through an intensive training program under the guidance of her mentor, Chef Ivaylo Kolev. The practical training at HRC Culinary Academy played a key role – daily work in a real kitchen environment, strict adherence to professional standards, and a strong focus on detail gave her the confidence to perform with distinction on the global stage.

We would also like to thank our partners and sponsors from Ludogorsko Pile for their trust and support in Veronika’s preparation!

For Veronika, this is only the beginning. The international experience, new professional connections, and confidence gained on the world stage form the foundation for her next steps.

For HRC Culinary Academy, this is yet another confirmation that when ambition meets discipline, and talent meets quality education, the result is global success.

Bulgarian chefs have a place on the world stage.

At HRC Academy, we prepare those who are ready to take it.

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