Young Chefs Competition invites Romania's pastry talent to revisit a classic dessert

Young pastry chefs across Romania are encouraged to register for the second edition of the Young Chefs Competition, which will take place in 2026. This year, participants will reinterpret the beloved Tortul Diplomat, an emblematic dessert of Romanian patisserie, while preserving its essence.

Organized by Elle & Vire Professionnel® and Valrhona, the competition is open to qualified pastry chefs under 35 years of age. Each team must consist of a Chef and an assistant, with no age limit for the latter. Registrations are open until August 15, 2026, and can be completed online at youngchefs.ro.

The competition is structured in two phases: a pre-selection and a final stage. During pre-selection, participants must upload a sketch of their reimagined Diplomat and propose a second dessert, the deconstructed Diplomat. The final live competition will be held in Bucharest on September 19, 2026, at Born2Bake, where finalists will showcase their creations.

The reinterpreted Tortul Diplomat must have a diameter of 20 cm, feature three distinct textures, and weigh no more than 1.3 kg, including decorations. The challenge invites young chefs to reorganize the components and enhance the experience of enjoying this traditional dessert.

The esteemed jury will include renowned pastry chefs such as Ana Consulea, Ioana Romanescu, Peter Schuller, Robert Eisler, and Andreea Moldovan. Ana Consulea, the ambassador of Elle & Vire Professionnel® in Romania, expressed her excitement about the challenge, stating, 'Diplomatul has the taste of childhood for many of us.' She added, 'To reinterpret it means to take on a story that everyone knows. It's one of the bravest things you can do as a young pastry chef.'

Finalists will be announced on August 31, 2026, and will have the chance to win significant prizes, training sessions, and masterclasses. This competition not only celebrates culinary creativity but also fosters a sense of community among Romania's emerging baking talent.