Colombia's Bocuse d'Or national selection took place on 25 August 2025 at a prestigious university campus in Bogotá.
The competition brought together some of the country's most talented chefs, selected following a rigorous review process conducted by the national committee.
The event was designed to identify the chef who would go on to represent Colombia in the next stage of the Bocuse d'Or cycle and showcase the country's gastronomy and culinary culture on the international stage. Three to four candidates competed for the opportunity to earn this distinction.
Results of the National Selection
Following the competition, the jury selected Juan Buitrago as Colombia's representative.
Executive Chef at W Hotels Bogotá, he has built his career over more than a decade in hospitality and fine dining. His professional journey has taken him through renowned establishments, where he developed a strong foundation in culinary techniques and kitchen leadership.
Today, through his restaurant project JAIRO, he combines technical expertise with the richness of Colombian products and culinary traditions, creating a cuisine that reflects both innovation and national identity.
Juan brought team Columbia to victory during the 2026 Americas Continental Selections, which took place in New Orleans on the 26th of July 2026. The team came 3rd on the podium, thus earning a bronze medal and a qualifying spot to the Grand Finale, in January 2027.
Practical information
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