“It is difficult to put into words what representing Menorca at the European Young Chef Award means to me. It is an overwhelming feeling and an opportunity to share part of my island with others. I am really looking forward to meeting the other participants, to discover the traditions and products of their regions and form friendships that continue long after the competition,” affirms Gabriel Pons, chosen to represent Menorca, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2022 at the 10th European Young Chef Award.
Gabriel grew up in Menorca, a Mediterranean island where traditional cuisine is deeply rooted in local culture. His culinary path began while studying pharmacy in Barcelona, where cooking in his student apartment sparked a passion for gastronomy. After working in Menorca for a year as a pharmacist, he returned to Barcelona to attend the Hofmann Culinary School, for a diploma in hospitality and pastry.
Gabriel continuously explores techniques, ingredients, and traditional wisdom passed down by local farmers and older generations. For him, cooking is a way to express care for others. Looking ahead, he aims to collaborate with fellow chefs and eventually run a small restaurant in his hometown, building meaningful connections with guests through food.
At the 2026 European Young Chef Award, Gabriel will present OU TALAIÒTIC. An innovation on the traditional Ous plens amb salsa d’ametlles (Stuffed eggs with almond sauce), for which the recipe is recorded in the oldest found Menorcan cookbook, L’art de la cuina. The dish has been created to bring renewed attention to the Menorcan hen, an endangered breed that has largely fallen out of use. The dish is inspired by the role eggs have played in feeding people throughout history. The dish explores the different possible preparations of eggs, turning one ingredient into a variety of textures and flavours.
About IGCAT’s European Young Chef Award
The European Young Chef Award is an annual competition organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT) that gathers young culinary talents from the awarded and candidate European Regions of Gastronomy. Selected each year through local contests, finalists to the European Young Chef Award compete by innovating traditional recipes from their regions using local ingredients.
The 10th edition of the European Young Chef Award is organised and promoted by IGCAT and hosted by Gozo, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026. The competition will be held at the ITS-Institute of Tourism Studies on 29 November-2 December 2026.
About the World/European Regions of Gastronomy
World/European Regions of Gastronomy, guided by IGCAT, are working together to strengthen food security through the celebration of distinctive food cultures; create employment by stimulating creativity and gastronomic innovation; nourish children and adults through culinary and cultural education; driving environmental sustainability in tourism, hospitality and agricultural sectors; supporting balance and sustainable tourism practices; highlighting and supporting expertise from within rural and urban communities, creating connections and sharing good practices; and contributing to community health and well-being.
About IGCAT
IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguarding our planet, health, wellness and local economies.
IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2012, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.
IGCAT founded the World/European Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World/European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Websites for Foodie Travelers Award and the international Food Film Menu.
