American Hotel Academy

April 29, 2025 – Brașov

Plates that told a story. Dishes that reflected passion, precision, and purpose. On Tuesday, April 29, the WorldSkills Sustainable Gastronomy Competition brought together some of Romania’s most talented high school culinary students at American Hotel Academy in Brașov — and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

Supported by Carrefour Romania and organized by WorldSkills Romania, the event was a vibrant celebration of culinary artistry and environmental consciousness. Competing students demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical skills, all while adhering to sustainable cooking principles such as reducing food waste, sourcing responsibly, and crafting menus with a low environmental footprint.

Each dish presented to the jury was more than just visually stunning — it was a testament to the students’ ability to tell compelling stories through food. The competition challenged them to think beyond technique, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and innovation in shaping the future of gastronomy.

Meet the Winners

After a thrilling round of presentations and tastings, the top scorers were announced, earning a place on the 2025 National WorldSkills Sustainable Gastronomy Team:

• 🥇 1st Place: Sandu Vasilica Ionela – Vasile Deac Technological High School, Vatra Dornei
• 🥈 2nd Place: Nedelcu Daria Gabriela – Constantin Istrati Technological High School, Câmpina
• 🥉 3rd Place (tie): Claicneht Crina – Francesco Saverio Nitti Economic College, Timișoara
• 🥉 3rd Place (tie): Boitor Laurențiu – Iuliu Maniu Technological High School, Carei

These students will now embark on an intensive training journey under the guidance of Executive Chef Florin Kiss, WorldSkills International Expert. Together, they will prepare to represent Romania at international competitions, including WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

A Platform for Future Leaders

The event served not only as a competition but as a platform to highlight the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals. It underscored the powerful role of education, mentorship, and industry support in driving positive change toward a greener, more responsible culinary world.

Congratulations to all the competitors and their dedicated teachers for their exceptional performances and commitment to excellence. The future of sustainable gastronomy in Romania is bright — and it’s in very capable hands.