Karina Fruman wins the Bocuse d'Or Switzerland
On Monday, June 16, 2025, Karina Fruman triumphed at the Neuro Campus Hotel DAS MORGEN in Vitznau during the Swiss selection of the Bocuse d’Or 2025. She will represent Switzerland at the European selection in 2026.
Organized in an intimate setting on the shores of Lake Lucerne, in the prestigious Neuro Campus Hotel Das Morgen, the Swiss Bocuse d’Or selection brought face-to-face Karina Fruman and Simon Grimbichler.
After five and a half hours of cooking, the 25-year-old, alongside her commis Emanuel Sarbach, claimed victory and made history by becoming the first woman ever to represent Switzerland at the Bocuse d’Or Europe.
According to the competition’s theme, both candidates first presented a plated dish featuring turbot, accompanied by refined garnishes and elaborate sauces. They then presented a meat platter composed of two Appenzell ducks, elevated with two distinct garnishes – one of which was based on Swiss carrots – along with a carefully crafted sauce. “I am proud that I was able to send out my dishes on time,” said Karina. “It was a wonderful experience. From now on, I will focus on what lies ahead. I intend to learn from this national stage and turn it into a strength for the preparation to come.”
The 2025 selection proved particularly relevant, especially since it had not been easy to find candidates. In the end, the duel between the two proved a stroke of luck, and the outcome soon became evident.
Jean-Michel Martin, head of the competition, commented: “We could feel that both candidates competing today were not limiting themselves to this selection — they were already looking ahead. The team that is now taking shape carries great potential. And it is a tremendous satisfaction to see, for the first time, a woman represent Switzerland at the Bocuse d’Or Europe.”
Karina Fruman had long dreamed of becoming the first woman to represent Switzerland at the Bocuse d’Or — and that dream has now come true. Living with celiac disease, she also wants to prove that excellence in gastronomy is fully compatible with the constraints of a food allergy. Dynamic, curious, and perfectionist, she draws her inspiration from the leading nations of the competition, with the ambition of shining the spotlight on Switzerland at the very highest level.
