Harghita County has been recommended to become the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027. Dr. Diane Dodd, President of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) and founder of the World Region of Gastronomy Award, announced the decision on behalf of the international jury on Friday 11 October at the Ugron Castle in Filiaș/Fiatfalva.
The Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) launched the application for the European Region of Gastronomy of 2027 in 2023. The county's unique gastronomic heritage is the result of the combination of Hungarian, Romanian, Armenian and Szekler traditions, which the consortium formed to apply for the title aims to develop further through sustainability, innovation and community collaboration. By bringing together local producers, chefs and community actors, the aim is to create a sustainable food ecosystem that supports the local economy, protects the cultural values and enriches European gastronomic diversity. The main message is: Taste Harghita County!
From 6 to 11 October, the international jury of seven IGCAT members visited Harghita County for the first time. They learned about the history of the region at the Szekler Border Guard Memorial Centre. They visited the Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, met the mayors of Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda, Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely, Gheorgheni/Gyergyószentmiklós and Praid/Parajd, and members of the consortium formed to apply for the title. They learned about the activities of organisations and businesses such as the Association of Szekler Farmers' Organisations, the Development Agency of Harghita County, Caritas Rural Development, Boro Info Group, "Helyénvaló" Shop, Jamy Distillery, RibON, etc. They explored local gastronomy, from Szekler Products to chimney cake preparation and fine dining. They enjoyed culinary experiences at Páva, Fenyő Hotel, Almárium Restaurant, K&K Bistro, Sasfészek Gastropoint, Zsigmond Malom Inn, Jakab Antal House, Küküllő Hotel, etc.
The jury was particularly impressed by the well-preserved landscape, the harmonious cultural coexistence and preservation of the Hungarian language and the strategic efforts, activities to promote slow, green and family-friendly tourism, and the idea of thematic tourism years. Dr Diane Dodd said: "I think it is the region that has surprised me the most. I was not expecting this at all. The traditions, the culture, the bonding, the well-living, the herbs, the seeds, it's just incredible (...) I think Harghita is one of our stars in the family of European Gastronomic Regions and I look forward to seeing the projects and events in the autumn of 2027." She stressed that in 2027, Harghita County will be the focus of the world's attention.
The application booklet of Harghita County is available on igcat.org.
Members of the Harghita County Consortium:
- Harghita County Council
- Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita)
- Honline Media (Szekler Kitchen and Garden)
- Development Agency of Harghita County
- Association of Caterers of Ciuc
- Pava KulinarIQum Association
- Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania
- Miercurea Ciuc/Csíkszereda Mayor's Office
- Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely Mayor's Office
- Gheorgheni/Gyergyószentmiklós Mayor's Office
- Pro Economica
- Boro Info Group
European Region of Gastronomy
European Regions of Gastronomy (candidate and awarded), guided by IGCAT, aim to contribute to a better quality of life for their citizens by raising awareness about the importance of cultural and food uniqueness, and in doing so:
- stimulate creativity and gastronomic innovation
- nourish children and adults through culinary education
- improve sustainable tourism standards
- strengthen circular economies in both urban and rural settings
- support community and environmental well-being and health
IGCAT provides the Award, with the support of International and European institutions. The regions also join a World Platform of awarded and candidate Regions of Gastronomy in order to foster long-term benefits, increase international visibility and support sharing of knowledge.
The title of European Gastronomic Region recognises communities (cities, counties, regions, islands or countries) that place a strong emphasis on their gastronomic heritage through community collaboration and sustainable development. They attach particular importance to the preservation and protection of local food, drink, agricultural products and their cultural and natural values.
The label is a recognition that widely promotes the region's achievements, programmes, community cohesion and responses to future challenges, but it does not come with a cash prize.
Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)
