On March 15, the Latvian national culinary team, comprised of the country’s leading chefs, represented Latvia at the prestigious international competition 'Bocuse d’Or Europe 2026' European qualifiers in Marseille, France. The team celebrated a commendable achievement by securing the 11th place, which showcases the growing recognition of Latvian cuisine on international stages.

The 'Bocuse d’Or' is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in high-level gastronomy, often referred to as the 'culinary Olympics'. The participation of Latvia in the European qualifiers is not only a testament to the professional level of the team but also a significant step in promoting the awareness of Latvian gastronomy internationally. The event allows Latvian chefs to showcase their skills among elite culinary professionals.

A member of the team reflected on the experience, noting that this was not their first time participating in the 'Bocuse d’Or'. Each competition brings different challenges and a consistently high level of competition, accompanied by a very intense atmosphere. Months of preparation and the hard work of the entire team culminate in these few hours on the competition floor, with the emergence of new participants highlighting the ongoing growth and development of the professional chef community in Latvia.