For the first time in history, Romania enters the prestigious Bocuse d'Or circuit, the world's most prestigious gastronomic competition. Business Review reports that on November 27, 2025, five professional chef teams will compete in Brașov for the national selection that will determine who represents Romania at Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026 in Marseille.

What is Bocuse d'Or?

Founded in 1987 by legendary Chef Paul Bocuse, Bocuse d'Or is considered the most prestigious gastronomic competition in the world. Every two years, the final brings together the most talented chefs on the planet in a spectacular showcase of culinary excellence. Over nearly four decades, more than 70 countries have participated, with only 52 chefs achieving the supreme title, making it a benchmark for gastronomic perfection worldwide.

Romania's entry into this exclusive circuit marks a significant milestone for the country's culinary scene, bringing international recognition to Romanian gastronomy and providing a platform for local talent to compete on the world stage. According to Romania Insider, the National Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs (ANBCT) secured the country's participation by meeting Bocuse d'Or's rigorous standards and opening registrations for the Brașov selection.

The Perfect Team Structure

Each Bocuse d'Or team consists of three mandatory roles that remain unchanged throughout the competition, from national to European and world stages:

  • Chef: A professional Romanian chef with proven competition experience, responsible for concept and execution
  • Commis: A young chef born after January 24, 2004, representing the new generation
  • Coach: A professional with strategic coordination and jury communication role, without direct cooking involvement
Professional chef team working together in kitchen Source: Unsplash
Each team brings together experience and innovation in perfect harmony

How the National Selection Works

Business Review describes the Brașov event as a six-hour marathon where each team must deliver an intricate platter and plated dish that elevate Romanian ingredients through Bocuse d'Or technique. Judges assess precision, taste, creativity, and teamwork, mirroring the scorecards that will be used again in Marseille.

Romania Insider adds that ANBCT—the only Romanian organization recognized by SIRHA/Bocuse d'Or—opened online registrations this autumn and will formally announce finalists on October 27. The winning trio earns Romania's first berth at Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026, where an international jury will evaluate their menus under the "Tradition Reinterpreted" brief.

"This first Bocuse edition represents a generation that has grown through competitions, hard work, and pride in taking Romanian gastronomy where it truly belongs," said Chef Cezar Munteanu, ANBCT president and official organizer, in his interview with Business Review.

The Five Finalist Teams

The selected teams represent Romania's finest culinary talent, bringing together chefs from top restaurants across the country and abroad. Each team has earned their place through impressive track records in international competitions. Business Review profiled the finalists and their standout credentials:

Team 1: Chef Vasilică-Marinică Bejenaru

Chef: Vasilică Bejenaru - Silver and bronze medalist at IKA Culinary Olympics 2024, winner of Arena Bucătarilor, and GastroPan laureate
Coach: Liviu Preda - Over 30 years of experience, multiple international distinctions, medalist at Salon Mondial de Gastronomie and Global Chef Challenge
Commis: Andrei Fabian Lupoi - Student at "Maria Baiulescu" Technical High School in Brașov, kitchen assistant at Restaurant Belvedere

Team 2: Chef Emanuel Mocan

Chef: Emanuel Mocan - Winner of Arena Bucătarilor 2017, "Les Chefs en Or" Paris (1st junior, 3rd senior), silver medalist at Global Chef 2023 and double silver at IKA 2024
Coach: Dragoș Bercea - Multiple international medals, most recently at IKA Culinary Olympics 2024 (2 silver medals)
Commis: Alexia Stan - Graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University in Culinary Business Management, currently Sous Chef at One Soul Brașov, with international experience in Cyprus

Team 3: Chef Laurențiu Neamțu

Chef: Laurențiu Neamțu - Michelin-starred restaurant experience, finalist on "Chefi la Cuțite" TV show, specializing in contemporary fine dining
Coach: Daniel Nistor - Double silver medalist at IKA 2024, bronze at IKA 2020, multiple GastroPan and Arena Bucătarilor awards
Commis: Mihai Pușcalău - First-year student at American Hotel Academy in Brașov, passionate about gastronomy and Michelin-star ambitions

Team 4: Chef Bogdan Cozma

Chef: Bogdan Cozma - Medalist at IKA Culinary Olympics (3rd place), Villeroy & Boch World Cup (3rd place), coach of the National Junior Team with double world bronze
Coach: Dadiana Munteanu - Double bronze medalist at IKA 2024, silver at Global Young Chefs Challenge 2023
Commis: Andrei Nicolae Miron - Head Chef at D.A.R Events Restaurant & Barn in Botoșani, with over five years of experience and international distinctions including gold at Croatian Culinary Cup 2025

Team 5: Chef Mihai Ciprian Necula

Chef: Mihai Ciprian Necula - Over 25 years of international career, trained in Italy and Germany, participant at IKA 2024, promoting Mediterranean cuisine based on simplicity and refinement
Coach: Cristian George Mihali - Romanian chef based in France, Michelin-starred restaurant experience, included in Top 100 Romanians Everywhere (2024), member of International Association of Disciples of Auguste Escoffier
Commis: Andra Maria Huțanu - Student at Economic Tourism Technical High School in Iași, kitchen assistant at Hotel Unirea Iași, self-taught and ambitious young talent

Brașov's Culinary Connection

Brașov plays a significant role in this competition, with several team members having strong connections to the city. The competition itself takes place in Brașov, highlighting the city's growing importance as a culinary destination in Romania. Local institutions like the "Maria Baiulescu" Technical High School and American Hotel Academy are represented among the commis chefs, showcasing the city's educational contributions to Romania's culinary future. Visitors can explore Brașov's farmers markets to discover local ingredients that inspire these talented chefs.

Elegant culinary plating and presentation Source: Unsplash
Precision plating demonstrates the artistry required at Bocuse d'Or level

Road to Europe 2026

The winning team from Brașov will represent Romania at Bocuse d'Or Europe 2026, scheduled to take place in Marseille as part of Sirha Méditerranée. Romania Insider notes that 20 nations will cook under the "Tradition Reinterpreted" brief, using sturgeon, champignon mushrooms, and Jerusalem artichokes to show how local ingredients can be elevated for fine dining.

For a few days, Marseille will be transformed into the world capital of gastronomy, providing a spectacular stage for the 20 European candidates who will present their vision of contemporary "haute cuisine." Top performers will advance to the Lyon 2027 Grand Finale, giving the Romanian team a chance to bring national flavors to the world's culinary spotlight.

Need live updates? For the latest information about competition results, schedules, and ticket information, visit the official Bocuse d'Or website or the Romanian National Association of Professional Chefs and Confectioners.

Visiting Brașov for the Competition

If you're planning to attend the Bocuse d'Or Romania selection in Brașov, you'll find yourself in one of Romania's most beautiful cities. Brașov offers a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for culinary tourism. Getting around Brașov is straightforward with buses, rideshares, and intercity rail, and our city guide covers essentials from Council Square landmarks to seasonal events.

Late November weather can be crisp, so consult the weather and seasons guide before packing, then slot in cozy cafés or museum stops using our rainy-day itinerary if the mountain climate turns.

Beyond the competition itself, visitors can explore Brașov's historic center, enjoy local cuisine at traditional restaurants, and discover why this Transylvanian city is becoming increasingly recognized as a gastronomic destination worth visiting. The city regularly hosts food festivals like Oktoberfest and farmers markets, underscoring its vibrant culinary scene year-round.

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