A historic day awaits Lithuania’s culinary masters, as the latest Michelin Guide ratings will soon be revealed and the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition will be held for the first time in the country

On May 28, Lithuania will become the epicenter of exceptional gastronomy events – on this day, not only will the updated list of Michelin-starred restaurants be announced, but the country will also host its first national Bocuse d’Or competition, offering winners a gateway to the global culinary stage.

“Promoting tourism is one of our priorities, and the Michelin Guide in Lithuania contributes to that. This globally recognized guide helps increase tourist flow and strengthens Lithuania’s international visibility. It also shapes our image as an attractive travel destination. Likewise, participating in international competitions such as Bocuse d’Or further enhances Lithuania’s gastronomic potential. These initiatives open up opportunities for our businesses, encourage the use of local produce, and attract tourists,” said Minister of Economy and Innovation Lukas Savickas.

After last year’s successful debut of Lithuania in the Michelin Guide – where 34 restaurants were recognized and four were awarded prestigious Michelin stars – the culinary community eagerly awaits this year’s evaluations. The updated list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Lithuania will be published on the official Michelin Guide website on the morning of May 28.

To mark the occasion, representatives of the gastronomy community will gather at “Dūmų fabrikas” in Vilnius, not only to celebrate the new recognitions but also to witness the first Bocuse d’Or competition ever held in Lithuania.

“Both the presence of Lithuania in the Michelin Guide and the launch of our national Bocuse d’Or competition are significant steps in placing our country on the global gastronomic map. These events attract culinary tourists and inspire the growth of the nation’s food culture. It’s not only a recognition of our chefs and restaurants, but also a powerful motivation to keep evolving and crafting unique culinary experiences that bring Lithuania recognition worldwide,” said Olga Gončarova, Director of the national tourism promotion agency Lithuania Travel.

During the national Bocuse d’Or competition, young and talented chefs will demonstrate their skills and creativity. Bocuse d’Or is a prestigious international culinary competition founded by the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse in 1987. Held every two years in Lyon, France, national selection rounds are organized around the world.

The contest is regarded as one of the most prestigious culinary events globally. It emphasizes not only aesthetics, technique, and flavor diversity, but also cultural traditions, sustainability, food conservation, and support for local farms. Participation in this competition is a dream for many chefs – a pathway to the global culinary elite.

The organizers of the event at “Dūmų fabrikas” – Lithuania Travel – emphasize that this unique gastronomic occasion is just the beginning of broader initiatives aimed at elevating Lithuanian cuisine on the international stage.

“Working in parallel with two exceptional names in gastronomy – Michelin Guide and Bocuse d’Or – we are taking an important step toward strengthening Lithuania’s culinary identity. We hope this event becomes a tradition, uniting the country’s most talented chefs, food critics, gourmets, and everyone passionate about authentic, creative, and high-quality gastronomy,” added Olga Gončarova.