Valentina Lipieva-Ivanova
Valentina, 48 years old from Sofia, is a culinary researcher. She created her first paella intuitively in a fish shop in 2022, turning a “recipe sheet” into her own gastronomic story, full of flavor, courage, and the aroma of the sea. For her, World Paella Day is a chance to unleash her creativity, draw inspiration […]
Jose Alonso
Jose Alonso, 53 years old, was born in Spain, but today he creates culinary wonders in Bulgaria. He prepared his first paella as a young man, under the loving gaze of his grandmother – and to this day he keeps its taste in his heart. For him, paella is a taste of home and it […]
Nikolay Genchev
Nikolay Genchev, 43 years old from Plovdiv, fell in love with paella in 2017 in Elche, Spain, where he drew inspiration from a master chef. Since then, he believes that paella is an art that combines tradition, fire and passion. He participated in the competition to glorify Bulgaria with the aromas and flavors that unite […]
Manuel Casado
Manuel Casado, 52 years old from Varna, is originally from Barcelona and has had paella in his heart since 1990, when he first cooked at the legendary Restaurante Imperial. Today, he combines Spanish passion and Bulgarian soulfulness in his cuisine and in life. For him, paella is a cultural bridge between two worlds — and […]
Lachezar Lachev
Lachezar Lachev, 58, is a chef with over 15 years of experience in Greece, Turkey and Italy, and the owner of several restaurants. He prepared his first paella back in 2001 on the island of Paros, inspired by a Spanish master. For him, paella is a journey of flavors, and the competition is a stage […]
Кrasimir Dimov
Krasimir Dimov, 50 years old from Burgas, prepared his first dish at the food corner of Saxa Beach in 2022, and today he competes with his favorite recipe “Paella Valenciana” with chicken and rabbit. He calls himself an adventurer who cooks with his soul and seeks inspiration among people who also believe that food can […]
Atanas Alexandrov
Atanas Alexandrov, 43 years old from Varna! After many years of international experience in Norway and Sweden, he now works as a private chef and believes that paella is a “composition of aromas, flavors and colors.” His favorite version? Exotic and forest — with pheasant, red deer and morels!
Kaloyan Kolev
Kaloyan Kolev, 39 years old from Varna, is a proven name in the culinary world with over 19 years of experience, work on three continents and dozens of awards from international competitions. A teacher, innovator and author of the culinary book “The Book from the Kitchen for the Kitchen”, he dedicates his talent to inspiring […]
