The winner of the regional final of the 2022-23 S.pellegrino Young Chef Academy competition has been announced

Grigoris Kikis – who with his talent defeated nine other chefs from all over the world – will be able to measure himself at the grand final held in Milan in 2023 as the next stop of the competition. Hungary was represented at the competition by Dominik Kovács, the former chef of MÁK Bistro – who currently runs Christie’s Urban Bistro.

Grigoris won the recognition of the prestigious local jury with his unique dish called “The Story of Codfish”, in which he combined the traditions and modernity of Greek gastronomic culture. With his food, he tried to prove that even simple things can have many nuances, and for inspiration it is worth turning to our own roots and history.

“The SPYCA competition provided me with a unique opportunity to push my own limits and show a more creative side of me. It was a fun and inspiring experience to meet so many talented, up-and-coming chefs, participants, mentors and judges, brainstorm together and build relationships – for me, this was the best part of the competition. I am grateful to S.Pellegrino for allowing me to participate, and thank you to everyone who believed in me and helped me become the chef I am today. These two prizes that I hold in my hands belong to them too, see you in Milan!”

– said Grigoris Kikis, this year’s winner of the South-East European and Mediterranean region finals.

Georgianna Hiliadaki accompanies Grigoris Kikis on his way to the grand final in Milan as a professional mentor.