Croatia national round

Croatia asserts its place on the international gastronomic stage

Located at the crossroads of Central Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans, Croatia boasts a rich culinary identity shaped by regional diversity, local ingredients, and a blend of cultural influences. Through its participation in the Bocuse d’Or, Croatia takes a decisive step toward sharing this heritage with the world and embracing the realm of high-level gastronomy.

From Istrian olive oil and truffles to Adriatic seafood and hearty mountain dishes, Croatian cuisine expresses both authenticity and finesse. Deeply rooted in local traditions, it is now evolving thanks to a new generation of chefs who celebrate Croatia’s terroirs while integrating cutting-edge techniques.

The Croatian national selection for the Bocuse d’Or is a space for growth, transmission, and excellence. With dedicated training facilities, candidates prepare in optimal conditions — guided by the values of discipline, creativity, and passion that define the spirit of the competition.

This milestone marks a turning point: Croatia is no longer just delighting local diners and curious travelers — it is stepping confidently onto the global culinary stage.

The Croatian selection will take place on September 28, 2025

On behalf of the Croatian Chefs Association, we are proud to announce the upcoming Days of Croatian Gastronomy, to be held at the Zagreb Fair (Zagrebački Velesajam) from September 25 to 28, 2025. This extraordinary event is set to transform Zagreb into the epicenter of Croatian culinary excellence, bringing together chefs, pastry chefs, students, restaurateurs, and food lovers from around the globe.

A major highlight of the event will be the Bocuse d’Or Croatia – National Selection, a high-stakes competition that will determine who represents Croatia in the world’s most prestigious culinary event, the Bocuse d’Or.

Competing teams will include chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants and elite establishments throughout the country. The level of technical difficulty, creativity, and performance expected in this competition is unparalleled. Under the pressure of the clock and the scrutiny of expert judges, each team will present elaborate dishes that combine artistry, flavor, and precision.

The winner of the national selection will earn the honor of representing Croatia in the European Bocuse d’Or qualifying round, and potentially in the global final in Lyon. The competition symbolizes the highest aspirations of the Croatian culinary community — striving for excellence on the global stage.

For the national selection, Boškarin will be used as the main ingredient, with cinnamon and anise as the chosen spices. Boškarin is a traditional Istrian breed of ox, known for its impressive size, strength, and distinctive long, curved horns. Once primarily used as a working animal in agriculture, Boškarin is now highly valued for its premium-quality meat, which is rich in flavor and marbled with fat, making it ideal for gourmet cuisine. Its meat is considered a delicacy, often featured in high-end restaurants across the region. Using Boškarin in a national selection highlights both culinary heritage and a commitment to preserving indigenous breeds.

While competitions are at the core of the event, Days of Croatian Gastronomy is much more than a battleground for chefs. It is a comprehensive culinary festival open to professionals, students, media, and the general public.

Throughout the four days, attendees will enjoy:

Live cooking shows and masterclasses by Croatian and international culinary stars
Product presentations by top food producers, kitchen equipment suppliers, and industry innovators
Tasting zones featuring traditional and modern Croatian food and wine
Panel discussions on sustainable gastronomy, food tourism, and the future of the culinary profession
Networking events for professionals, educators, and stakeholders from the hospitality industry

This dynamic mix of activities ensures that every visitor — whether a chef, food blogger, student, or gourmand — will find something inspiring and memorable.

Would you like more information about this team? Please contact [email protected].