Banat in front of the IGCAT jury: 5 days for a European gastronomic identity

The visit of the international jury of the World Region of Gastronomy to Banat was an assessment for the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2028 and an authentic demonstration of a region that builds its gastronomic identity through people, collaboration and respect for local resources.

During the visit Banat presented a complex ecosystem where gastronomy becomes the meeting point between tradition, innovation, sustainability and community.

Day 1: Identity, diversity and local roots

The first day brought the jury to the heart of Timișoara, where urban culture blended naturally with the region's gastronomic heritage. From culinary experiences on the Bega canal, to meetings with local initiatives and producers, the message was clear: Banat is not just a destination, but a living ecosystem.

Organizations such as Visit Timis and local initiatives have highlighted the strong urban-rural connection, supported by short supply chains and an active community.

Day 2: Building bridges between producers and restaurants

The second day focused on the essential relationship between producers and the HoReCa sector. The event hosted at Casa del Sole Restaurant demonstrated how this collaboration translates directly into the quality of the culinary experience.

Traditional dishes reinterpreted by local chefs, together with ingredients supplied by regional producers, illustrated a functional and sustainable model. Dialogue between industry professionals underlined the importance of real partnerships in developing authentic gastronomy.

Day 3: Gastronomy as a tool for rural regeneration

On the third day, the focus turned to the link between heritage and gastronomy. Projects like the one coordinated by the Salbek Castle Association show how heritage restoration can generate economic and cultural opportunities for local communities.

The culinary experiences organized in places with historical value, such as the Sîntar Mansion, have shown that gastronomy can become a real tool for rural regeneration and strengthening local identity.

Day 4: Sustainability, nature and the future

The last day highlighted the direction Banat is heading towards: a model of development in balance with nature.

At WeWilder EcoCampus, initiatives developed in partnership with WWF Romania showed how biodiversity, education and entrepreneurship can work together.

The day ended with a memorable experience at the Mocioni Mansion, where the „Imperial Dinner” reinterpreted the refinement of noble dining in a contemporary context. Ambassador chefs and local producers created a dialog between past and present in an experience that highlighted the cultural diversity of the region.

Day 5: Confirming a common path

The jury's visit ended with the press conference on the fifth day, when the IGCAT jury's recommendation that Banat should become European Gastronomic Region 2028 was officially announced.

The announcement confirmed the result of a collective effort, built over time through collaboration between the HoReCa sector, local producers, administration, education and organizations involved in the development of the region.

The speeches emphasized not only the gastronomic value of Banat, but also the strength of a community that has managed to turn cultural diversity and local resources into a competitive advantage at European level. It was a collective effort of:

• local producers
• restaurants and HoReCa professionals
• administration and institutions
• the educational environment and organizations involved

For all involved, this moment was not just a validation, but a starting point. A commitment for what is to come.

A journey that continues

The recommendation for Banat to become European Gastronomic Region 2028 marks the beginning of a new stage. For the HoReCa industry, this moment brings not only recognition, but also the responsibility to continue the sustainable development of the region and to further show how gastronomy can unite communities and support the local economy.