SOFIA – The international culinary competition Cupid’s Spoon will take center stage in front of the Hilton Sofia Hotel on March 25, 2025, marking its third consecutive edition in the Bulgarian capital.
Designed to showcase the capabilities of people with disabilities, the event promotes inclusivity and highlights how, with the right support, individuals can excel in everyday tasks, including cooking and mixology.
The competition features two main categories: Cooking and Cocktails, with participants demonstrating their skills in front of a live audience and a panel of esteemed judges.
The winners from the Sofia round will earn an exclusive opportunity to travel to Zagreb for a seven-day professional training experience with renowned chefs.
The final stage of the event will see them compete against participants from 31 countries, making it a platform for international exchange and recognition.
For the third year in a row, young individuals supported by the Cedar Foundation will take part in the competition.
The foundation, which provides residential and social services for people with disabilities, has been a key partner in fostering culinary talents among its residents.
In 2024, one of its participants, Stefcho, won first place for Bulgaria in the Cooking category, securing a spot in the final round in Zagreb.
His experience extended beyond the kitchen, as he spent eight days training under professional chefs and even had the rare opportunity to visit the Vatican and meet Pope Francis.
This year’s event is expected to draw even more participants and supporters, as the competition continues to break down barriers and challenge societal perceptions about the role of people with disabilities.
The contest is open to anyone with a disability who wishes to take part, offering them a chance to hone their skills, gain confidence, and showcase their culinary talents. Spectators are also encouraged to attend, providing an enthusiastic audience for the competitors.
The Cupid’s Spoon initiative was founded by the Croatian association UNUO, which has been dedicated to training people with disabilities in the culinary arts since 2009.
Led by Croatian chef Vedran Habel and his wife, Silvia Habel, the organization has conducted over 1,000 workshops, equipping individuals with professional skills that have led many to secure full-time employment in the hospitality industry.
Their work has been instrumental in proving that people with disabilities, when given the right opportunities, can thrive in professional kitchens and bars.
As anticipation builds for the Sofia round of Cupid’s Spoon, organizers emphasize that the competition is not just about winning—it is about empowerment, inclusion, and the celebration of human potential.
The event serves as a reminder that talent knows no boundaries, and with the right support, anyone can achieve excellence.
Those interested in participating can find further details and registration information in the competition’s official entry form.
Meanwhile, supporters and spectators are invited to witness an inspiring display of culinary skill and determination at the Hilton Sofia Hotel this March.