The 6th "Golden Shah" National Culinary Championship officially commenced in Baku on May 5 as part of the 31st International Food Industry Exhibition (InterFood Azerbaijan).
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the four-day championship is organized by the Azerbaijan Culinary Specialists Association (ACSA) with the support of the State Tourism Agency and the Azerbaijan National Culinary Center, in partnership with the World Association of Chefs' Societies (Worldchefs).
The competition, which runs until May 8, features participants from 10 countries, including Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Serbia, Russia, Belarus, Croatia, Romania, and Ukraine. The jury consists of international licensed judges from the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, Germany, and other nations. The program includes individual chef categories, pastry arts, team competitions, and junior categories, with a specific focus on innovation, sustainable development, and the fusion of national culinary traditions with modern international trends.
The event serves as a vital platform for enhancing the gastrotourism potential of Azerbaijan and integrating national culinary methods with global standards. Since its inception in 2019, the "Golden Shah" has evolved significantly, and as of 2024, it has earned the right to host the "Gold Shah" continental chefs championship in collaboration with Worldchefs. As the first locally organized championship to receive official recognition from Worldchefs, the event continues to promote Azerbaijan as a premier destination for global gastronomy while fostering professional development and cultural exchange within the international culinary community.
