Gorna Oryahovitsa: Sharing the Soul of Local Gastronomy with the World

Фестивал на горнооряховското гърне

Gorna Oryahovitsa: Sharing the Soul of Local Gastronomy with the World

From 2 to 4 October 2026, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Bulgaria, became a meeting place for flavours, cultures and people. The festival celebrated the region’s rich culinary heritage and opened a meaningful dialogue with the cuisines of other countries, offering visitors an experience filled with authenticity, creativity and hospitality.

At the heart of this event was the outstanding collaboration between the Municipality of Gorna Oryahovitsa and Tastynation Global. A partnership built on a shared vision: to showcase local traditions, connect them with the international culinary community and carry the region’s identity beyond Bulgaria’s borders.

With energy, an outward-looking approach and a strong commitment to its community, the Municipality demonstrated how gastronomy can become a driving force for cultural promotion and development. Local flavours took centre stage as living expressions of the region’s history recipes that preserve the memories of its people, family traditions and their connection to the land.

The event was particularly honoured by the presence of Tastynation Global’s international leadership and certified judges, distinguished culinary figures with significant professional achievements. Participants included Global President Stelios Digkas, Global Vice President Alexandra Agrafioti, Tastynation Global National President of Türkiye Öner Çulfaz, Tastynation Global National President of Tunisia Ameur Eltaief, Tastynation Global President of Thessaloniki Georgios Tzoikas, and Tastynation Global Ambassador of Türkiye Eda Tuncel.

Through their knowledge, artistry and creative contributions, they brought a special energy to the festival, filling it with international flavours and aromas. The culinary traditions of Greece, Türkiye and Tunisia met the authentic cuisine of the region, taking visitors on a journey of taste beyond borders.

At the same time, the visiting chefs discovered local gastronomy and met the people behind it, building bonds of friendship and mutual appreciation through a meaningful exchange of cultures.

The value of this gathering continues beyond the festival itself. The international chefs return to their countries as ambassadors of Gorna Oryahovitsa’s gastronomy and hospitality, carrying with them flavours, images, personal experiences and the soul of the region. Through their own accounts and media coverage in their home countries, the region is reaching a wider international audience and creating new opportunities for connection and cooperation.

The event of 2–4 October marked an important step towards establishing a growing international culinary festival one that strengthens Gorna Oryahovitsa’s place on the culinary events map and contributes to Bulgaria’s international visibility through the culture of food.

Tastynation Global extends its warmest thanks to the Municipality, local culinary creators and everyone who contributed to this gathering. The outstanding cooperation, hospitality and shared effort gave the event real substance and created a strong foundation for its future.

Gorna Oryahovitsa opened its arms to the world and its flavours began their own journey beyond borders.

Tastynation Global

One World • One Kitchen • One Family