Bocuse d'or estonia
Estonia’s Culinary Champions. Global Stage. Timeless Craft
The Bocuse d’Or is the world’s most prestigious culinary competition, founded in 1987 by legendary chef Paul Bocuse. Held biennially in Lyon, France, it brings together 24 nations to compete live in front of thousands.
Team Estonia proudly carries our culinary heritage to this global stage—where precision, creativity, and passion define every dish.
Team Estonia proudly carries our culinary heritage to this global stage—where precision, creativity, and passion define every dish.
Estonia’s Journey in
the Bocuse d’Or
the Bocuse d’Or
Estonia’s participation in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition reflects a growing legacy of culinary ambition, innovation, and national pride. The journey began in 2009, when chef Vladislav Djatsuk became Estonia’s first-ever representative at the Bocuse d’Or Europe selection in Stavanger, Norway. His impressive 7th-place finish among 20 competitors—surpassing chefs from culinary giants like the UK, Italy, and Spain—marked a bold and promising debut for Estonia on the world stage.
This pioneering effort was championed by Dimitri Demjanov, the first president of Bocuse d’Or Estonia, whose leadership and vision helped establish the country’s presence in the competition and nurture its culinary talent. Demjanov played a key role in building the national selection process and promoting Estonia’s gastronomic identity internationally.
In 2020, Estonia made history by hosting the Bocuse d’Or Europe selection in Tallinn—the first Baltic country to do so—showcasing its hospitality and organizational excellence on a continental scale.
This pioneering effort was championed by Dimitri Demjanov, the first president of Bocuse d’Or Estonia, whose leadership and vision helped establish the country’s presence in the competition and nurture its culinary talent. Demjanov played a key role in building the national selection process and promoting Estonia’s gastronomic identity internationally.
In 2020, Estonia made history by hosting the Bocuse d’Or Europe selection in Tallinn—the first Baltic country to do so—showcasing its hospitality and organizational excellence on a continental scale.
A major milestone followed in 2021, when chef Artur Kazaritski, sous-chef at Copenhagen’s three-Michelin-star restaurant Geranium, achieved Estonia’s highest-ever placement in the Bocuse d’Or finals in Lyon, France—again securing 7th place,
this time among a global field of elite chefs. His menu paid tribute to the flavors of South and West Estonia, blending seasonal ingredients with refined technique and heartfelt storytelling.
In 2025, Bocuse d’Or Estonia entered a new era under the leadership of Emmanuel Wille, a Belgian-born chef who has lived in Estonia for over two decades. Known affectionately as “Manu,” Wille has trained past Estonian candidates and passionately promoted Estonian food culture through education and mentorship. His appointment signals a renewed commitment to excellence, innovation, and international collaboration.
Each year, Estonia’s representatives bring forward a distinct Nordic sensibility, rooted in local ingredients and traditions, while embracing modern techniques and bold presentation. Estonia’s evolving presence in the Bocuse d’Or is not just a testament to individual excellence, but a symbol of the nation’s rising influence in international gastronomy.
Meet the Bocuse d'Or Estonia 2026 team
Representing Estonia at Bocuse d’Or is an honor earned through excellence. Meet the chef, commis, and mentor who bring our flavors to life and compete among the world’s best.
News (EST)
New Chapter Dinner Series
Bocuse d'Or Estonia: New Chapter
Bocuse d’Or Estonia opens an exciting new chapter under the leadership of its newly appointed president, Emmanuel Wille.
With a fresh vision and deep respect for culinary excellence, the organization is expanding its mission to bring Estonia’s finest flavors to a broader audience.
Join us in celebrating the artistry, ambition, and flavors that make Estonia shine—one plate at a time.
With a fresh vision and deep respect for culinary excellence, the organization is expanding its mission to bring Estonia’s finest flavors to a broader audience.
Join us in celebrating the artistry, ambition, and flavors that make Estonia shine—one plate at a time.
The Bocuse d’Or Estonia Evening Series is a cultural and gastronomic initiative designed to elevate Estonia’s culinary reputation on the international stage. Through exclusive dinners and curated wine presentations, guests are invited to experience high cuisine crafted by Estonian chefs who have competed in the world-renowned Bocuse d’Or competition.
Each event is a journey into modern Estonian gastronomy, blending fine dining with storytelling, expert-led tastings, and behind-the-scenes insights. Guests will discover the techniques, traditions, and innovations that define our national culinary identity.
Each evening in the series is dedicated to one of Estonia’s Bocuse d’Or candidates, spotlighting their personal journey and the signature dishes they presented during competition. It’s a rare opportunity to taste the very creations that represented Estonia on the world stage—reimagined for an intimate, local audience.
These evenings serve as a platform to:
- Showcase Estonia’s top culinary talent
- Educate the public about high-level gastronomy
- Promote Estonia as a vibrant player in global food culture
- Foster pride in our local ingredients and culinary heritage
Our Sponsors and Partners
We extend our gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their invaluable support. View sponsor logos and learn more about those who made this possible.
Tilda Publishing
of Bocuse d’Or Estonia
Golden Sponsor
As a proud Golden Sponsor, ETS NORD plays a vital role in supporting Estonia’s culinary excellence on the international stage. Known for their innovation in ventilation and indoor climate solutions, ETS NORD shares Bocuse d’Or Estonia’s commitment to precision, quality, and forward-thinking design. Their partnership helps empower Estonian chefs to compete at the highest level, while strengthening the bridge between world-class engineering and world-class gastronomy.
Sponsors
Partners
Our gratitudes to
Support Bocuse d'Or Estonia
Support
Your one-time donation helps representatives of Estonian culinary art grow and shine at the world’s most prestigious competition.
Why to support?
- You help bring Estonian culinary art to the world stage
- You contribute to the team’s growth and continuity
- You gain access to exclusive benefits designed specifically for supporters
Bocuse d'Or Estonia:
Organizing Committee
Organizing Committee
Get to know the key individuals behind
the Estonian Bocuse d'Or organizing committee.
the Estonian Bocuse d'Or organizing committee.
- Emmanuel Willeknown affectionately as Manu
is the current president of Bocuse d’Or Estonia (since 2025). A Belgian-born chef with over 30 years of experience, he has lived in Estonia for more than two decades and is celebrated for his work at Olde Hansa and DoubleDecker Café. Wille has coached multiple Estonian Bocuse d’Or candidates and is deeply committed to mentoring young chefs and promoting Estonian food culture both locally and internationally. - Vladislav Djatsukis a pioneering figure in Estonia’s Bocuse d’Or history. As the country’s first-ever competitor in 2009, he placed 7th in the European selection—an achievement that put Estonia on the global culinary map. A former president of Bocuse d’Or Estonia, Djatsuk is also the executive chef of Mon Repos and has played a key role in elevating Estonia’s fine dining scene through his leadership, training, and international collaborations.
- Olga ProkofjevaPR and Media Manager
brings strategic insight and organizational expertise to the committee. With a background in project management and event coordination, she plays a vital role in shaping the structure and outreach of Bocuse d’Or Estonia’s initiatives. Her work ensures that the competition and its surrounding events run seamlessly, while also helping to build meaningful connections between chefs, sponsors, and the public.
Contact us
Please contact us using the details below.
Main Contact:
+372 5015 761
manu@bocusedorestonia.ee
PR, Sponsorship and Collaboration:
+372 5025 974
olga@bocusedorestonia.ee
+372 5015 761
manu@bocusedorestonia.ee
PR, Sponsorship and Collaboration:
+372 5025 974
olga@bocusedorestonia.ee
Tallinn, Estonia