Double success at the Worldchefs semi-finals, with qualification for the world finals in pastry and junior cooking!
Two Cypriot entries, two gold medals and two qualifications for the global finals. Cyprus returns from the Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge semi-finals with an outstanding result, securing places in Shanghai in 2027 in both the pastry and young chefs categories.
Behind this double success are Andreas Melanarkitis, accompanied by his assistant Christina Aristidou, and Konstantinos Konstantis, who represented Cyprus in two different categories of the international competition. According to the Cyprus Chefs Association, both Cypriot entries won gold medals, securing two places in the global finals.
Gold in Pastry
Andreas Melanarkitis, a member of the Cyprus National Culinary Team, competed alongside his assistant, Christina Aristidou, at the Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge South Europe Semi-Finals 2026, representing Cyprus in the Global Pastry Chefs Challenge category.
The Cypriot pastry entry concluded with a gold medal and qualification for Shanghai. The objective set before the competition was achieved, giving Andreas and Christina the opportunity to continue their journey on the global stage.
This achievement also highlights the art of pastry, a field in which precision, technical execution and creativity play a decisive role. For the two Cypriot representatives, the next challenge will be to present their work in an even more demanding international environment.
Qualification for the Next Generation of Cypriot Chefs
The second gold medal was won by Konstantinos Konstantis, a member of the Cyprus National Junior Culinary Team, who represented Cyprus at the Global Young Chefs Challenge 2026 semi-final in Belgrade.
The young chef competed for a place in the global final and achieved his goal, securing Cyprus’s second qualification for Shanghai. His success gives particular significance to the participation of the next generation, showcasing the potential of young professionals who choose to test their skills beyond Cyprus’s kitchens.
At the same time, competing at this level offers valuable exposure to international culinary competitions. Konstantinos’s qualification recognises his hard work and creates opportunities for further development and experience at the next stage.
The Vital Contribution of Sponsors
This double international achievement also recognises the valuable support of the Cyprus Chefs Association’s sponsors. Their contribution directly supports the preparation and participation of the National Culinary Teams in international competitions, enabling Cypriot chefs to represent their country and compete for distinctions at the highest level.
The Association extends its sincere thanks to all its sponsors and partners. Their trust and support are an essential part of this success and of the continued effort to achieve even greater distinctions in the future.
The Next Destination: Shanghai
Cyprus’s double achievement is only the beginning. According to the official Worldchefs schedule, the Worldchefs Global Championships will take place from 30 March to 2 April 2027 in Shanghai, as part of the HOTELEX Shanghai exhibition. The event will bring together competitors from seven world regions, with competitions across nine categories.
Qualification for the global finals is earned through the Worldchefs regional semi-finals, highlighting the significance of these two Cypriot qualifications. Andreas Melanarkitis, Christina Aristidou and Konstantinos Konstantis will now have the opportunity to represent Cyprus at an international event where technical excellence, creativity and consistency in execution are at the forefront.
Until then, Cyprus has every reason to celebrate the double success of its representatives. The two gold medals mark an outstanding achievement, while the qualifications open a new chapter for Cyprus on the international culinary stage.