Our Chefs Take Center Stage in Prestigious Bocuse d’Or National Final

On October 2, the Hungexpo Congress Center in Budapest will host the jubilee edition of the Bocuse d’Or Hungary national final, where three top Hungarian chefs will go head-to-head for the chance to represent the country at the European selection round in Marseille in March 2026.

The prestigious culinary competition, regarded as the world’s most elite cooking contest, will spotlight iconic Hungarian ingredients, including Makó onions, grey cattle goulash, and catfish.

 Meet the Finalists:

• Péter Várnai has been living in Germany for nine years and currently serves as Head Chef at Hotel Württemberger Hof in Öhringen. His culinary journey began at the age of 15, and he continues to seek renewal and professional growth—this year’s competition is part of that commitment.

• Ákos Illés grew up near Lake Balaton and trained as a chef in Pécs (southern Hungary). After participating in the Czifray competition course, he worked at Morzsa Bistro, and later proved himself as a young head chef in Helsinki. Now, he fulfills a long-time dream by competing on the Bocuse d’Or stage.

• Roland Kelemen, currently Head Chef at Hunguest Hotels Sóstó, is a familiar face in the competitive culinary world. He led Hungary’s team in the previous Bocuse season, where they won Best Platter at both the European final in Trondheim and the world final in Lyon. Now, he is aiming for a return to Lyon.

For the first time, the Hungarian final will feature a parallel competition for culinary students, launched by the Hungarian Bocuse d’Or Academy to foster future talent.

Two student teams—from Pest and Fejér Counties—will compete, guided by acclaimed chefs István Volenter and Bence Dalnoki, both serving as mentors. The program aims not only to test their skills, but also to provide a learning experience that could one day help them join Bocuse d’Or teams as commis chefs.

Event Details:

• Start time: 10:00 AM (open to the public)

• Plating begins: 1:00 PM

• Award ceremony: Expected at 3:30 PM

• Entry: Free of charge, but requires pre-registration.

Via turizmus.com; Featured image: Facebook/Magyar Bocuse d’Or Akadémia

The post Our Chefs Take Center Stage in Prestigious Bocuse d’Or National Final appeared first on Hungary Today.

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