Setting the course for the Bocuse d'Or

Denmark's Bocuse d'Or national selection took place on 16 May 2025 in Nykøbing Falster, on the island of Falster. For the first time, the competition was held as part of the Food Summit Festival, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the Bocuse d'Or and witness some of Denmark's most talented chefs in action.

Four candidates competed for the opportunity to represent their country: Christian Wellendorf (Restaurant Babette), Jens Vincent (Restaurant Domæne), Kristoffer Madsen (Restaurant Molskroen) and René Trane (Restaurant Brokilde Herregård).

Following a day of competition, the winner was announced during a public ceremony held on the Town Square Stage.

Results of the Selection

Following the competition, Christian Wellendorf was selected to represent Denmark.

At the time of his selection, he was Head Chef and Partner at Restaurant Babette in Copenhagen, where he had built a reputation for technical excellence and leadership. His career includes experience at Restaurant Babette in Vordingborg and Falsted Kro, and he previously served as captain of Denmark's National Culinary Team from 2019 to 2023.

Christian has also achieved notable success in culinary competitions, including a gold medal and Best Commis award at the Bocuse d'Or in 2019 as assistant to Kenneth Toft Hansen, as well as a bronze medal at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017. Speaking about the Bocuse d'Or, he described it as a unique opportunity for intensive professional development and a platform through which he can pursue his passion for creating memorable culinary experiences.

On the road to Lyon and the Grand Finale

Following an exceptional performance at the Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026 in Marseille, Team Denmark claimed the gold medal and secured first place among the twenty nations competing in the continental selection.

Represented by candidate Christian Wellendorf, commis Gustav Spurré and coach Kenneth Toft-Hansen, the Danish team impressed the jury across the competition's three challenges, which celebrated the products and culinary heritage of the Mediterranean region.

This victory allowed Denmark to successfully defend its European title after its triumph in 2024 and secure qualification for the Bocuse d'Or Grand Final, which will take place during Sirha Lyon in January 2027.