International Stars of Gastronomy — Gorna Oryahovitsa, Bulgaria, 2–4 October 2026

Executive Chef Stylianos Dingas — International Gastronomy Ambassador | Founder & President of Tastynation Global. Recognized as one of the most influential and dynamic figures in contemporary Greek gastronomy, with an international presence spanning culinary education, innovation, gastronomic research and cultural diplomacy through cuisine. With a professional career exceeding 33 years, he has dedicated his life's work to the evolution of Greek gastronomy, its international promotion and the creation of bridges between culinary cultures around the world.

Born in Kavala, Greece, he discovered his passion for culinary arts at an early age, which led him to study at Le Cordon Bleu Madrid. His philosophy: Innovation without tradition has no roots, and tradition without evolution has no future. He has taught at the Institute of Vocational Training, the Horeca Academy, and is Co-Founder of the Institute of Hellenic Gastronomy.

Internationally recognized for his expertise in food smoking techniques and flavor technology development, he is among the pioneers in applying liquid smoke techniques in modern gastronomy. His book The Secrets of Smoke is used as educational material in culinary schools. He currently holds the position of Executive Chef R&D – Artemisia Spices (Thessaloniki).

Creator and host of culinary television shows Meet the Chef and Favorite Dish, with a new international project A Dish from the East. Institutional roles: President of Tastynation Global; President of Tastynation Greece; President of the Federation of Professional Chefs of Greece; Honorary President of the Chefs Club of Hellenic Gastronomy; Member of the World Association of Chefs Societies.

As an international culinary judge, he participates in global gastronomy competitions and professional forums. He founded TASTYNATION GLOBAL to unite chefs and gastronomy professionals worldwide through education, collaboration, cultural exchange and professional development. Official Motto: One World • One Kitchen • One Family.

Alexandra Agrafioti is a graduate of the Faculty of Philology of Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" with extensive professional experience in communications, editorial work, translation, and international business development. She has significant experience in the tourism sector in Greece, developing strong expertise in managing international partnerships and cultural initiatives.

She is the founder and managing director of A BALKAN Ltd., a company operating internationally in the organization of exhibitions, business presentations, conferences, seminars, and cultural festivals. Through her work she promotes gastronomy as a tool of cultural diplomacy, strengthening cooperation between nations.

For many years she has collaborated with the Chefs Club of Hellenic Gastronomy, serving as a representative for the Balkan region. She is considered a leading figure within Tastynation Global, actively contributing to the development of the organization's international strategy and global partnerships.

Through the joint initiative of Ms. Agrafioti and Executive Chef Stylianos Digkas, the project Tastynation Greece was established. She has been a speaker at numerous international conferences, collaborates with Inter Expo Center Sofia, and serves as a representative of the international tourism exhibition Holiday & Spa Expo for Greece.

A leader. A record breaker. A unifier of cultures through gastronomy. Öner Gulfaz is not simply a chef — he is a driving force in the international culinary world.

As President of TEŞPAKON, one of the largest culinary federations globally, and President of the World Islamic Culinary Society (WICS), he represents leadership at the highest international level. With participation as an international judge in more than 300 global culinary competitions, he stands as a guardian of excellence and professional standards.

His career is marked by three Guinness World Records: the world's largest baklava, the world's largest cake, and 1453 varieties of appetizers. Since 1992 as an Executive Chef within international hotel groups, he has built a legacy of leadership, innovation and culinary diplomacy. He is the creator of more than 360 international gastronomic festivals, bringing together chefs from 60 countries.

Eda Tuncel is a modern representative of the new generation of women leaders in gastronomy, combining entrepreneurship, creativity and social contribution. As the founder of Harzemmutfak, she created a culinary brand that expresses the modern identity of Turkish cuisine.

She is the first woman to develop the concept of Night Döner, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for women in professional cuisine. Active since 2017 in Taşpakon (Turkish Chefs Federation) as Jury Member, Gastronomy Consultant, and Conference Coordinator.

Career: Founder of Harzemmutfak (2020 – Present); Executive Kitchen Manager at Sultan Sarayi Meat Restaurant (2016 – 2020); Concept Operator at ÇAMPARK Cafe Restaurant (2023 – 2025); Entrepreneur at Ortonomi Medikal (2021 – 2025). Education at MSA Culinary Arts Academy with Pastry & Chocolate specialization. President of Taşpakon Women's Branch.

Chef Ameur Letaief is an internationally respected Executive Chef with nearly two decades of experience in the global culinary industry. His journey spans Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, where he has led numerous culinary projects as a chef consultant, restaurant developer, and gastronomic strategist.

He has collaborated with major hospitality groups including Holiday Inn Riyadh, and contributed to several international concept restaurants in Bahrain featuring Italian, Brazilian, and contemporary international gastronomy. Notable projects include New York Café and Camelot Bistro Restaurant.

Roles include: Vice President of Tunisia Culinary Associates; Board Director of WICS; Financial Affairs Coordinator of WICS; General Director of AMAL AL TEEB; International Judge of WIICS and WICS; President of HALAL STAR. His appointment as President of Tastynation Global Tunisia represents a strategic milestone for the organization's global expansion.

Born in 1981, Chef Petkov built his culinary foundation through formal education at a Culinary Technical School, graduating with distinction in 1998, followed by advanced studies at the Inter Menu Culinary Academy. His path has been defined by discipline, continuous improvement and a passion for culinary excellence.

He has gained extensive experience working in restaurants in Bulgaria and internationally, developing a strong professional identity that blends classical culinary values with contemporary techniques. Since 2024, he has held a leadership position within METRO Academy Bulgaria, contributing to the education and development of culinary professionals.

As President of Tastynation Global Bulgaria, he plays a key role in strengthening international collaborations, supporting culinary education initiatives and promoting Bulgarian culinary identity within the global gastronomic community.

Chef Georgios Tzikas brings a distinguished thirty-year career in professional gastronomy, characterized by a commitment to quality, continuous development and deep respect for culinary creation. His professional philosophy combines creativity, discipline, leadership and cultural expression.

He began his career in 1994, evolving into positions of responsibility as Chef and Sous Chef, while creating and managing his own catering businesses. He worked in five-star hotels and high-quality restaurants in Halkidiki, Kos and Alonissos.

He holds degrees in Business Administration (Tourism and Hospitality), Automation, and the School of Meat Professions, plus postgraduate studies in Management and Organization of Educational Units. He is dedicated to education and knowledge transfer for young professionals.