Baku: On October 4, the opening ceremony of the International Barbecue Festival, organized for the first time in Azerbaijan, was held in the village of Meysari, Shamakhi city, APA reports. The festival was organized with the support of the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, the Nasimi Gardens Complex, the Abgora restaurant, and international culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov (Don David). It saw participation from renowned chefs from over 30 countries, alongside presidents of culinary associations, Michelin-starred chefs, and culinary judges.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, distinguished speakers at the opening ceremony included international culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov (Don David), Willem Vink, President of the World Barbecue Association (WBQA), and Thomas Gugler, former President of the World Chefs Association (WACS), who is also the personal chef of the King of Saudi Arabia. They highlighted the purpose of the event. The main goal of the festival, known for its barbecue presentations, is to strengthen cultural exchange and showcase Azerbaijan’s hospitality, cuisine, and cultural values to the world.
Guests at the festival toured the pavilions, learning about the cuisine of different cultures and tasting various dishes. In designated zones, professional chefs from Azerbaijan and other countries presented the richness of world cuisine, while guests viewed presentations from different restaurants and brands.
The festival also included a team cooking competition, where each team prepared a dish according to a specific recipe. Teams excelled in taste, cooking level, and presentation, competing for certificates, medals, and the main trophy awarded by the partners.
Throughout the day, the festival stage featured performances by musicians, while visitors enjoyed culinary presentations accompanied by local and international music. The festival is set to conclude on October 5.