International Chefs Day is just around the corner on October 20th. Established in 2004 by the late Chef Dr. Bill Gallagher, this global celebration honors the culinary profession and inspires the next generation. Each year, chefs around the world share their passion for cooking and promote healthy eating in their communities.
Since joining Worldchefs in 2018, the Albanian Chefs & Cooks Association has enthusiastically embraced this mission. Known locally in Albania as “Chefs Day,” their celebration has become a national tradition. Each year, they unite chefs, children, and partners for an experience filled with healthy food and community.
Tradition of Culinary Celebration in Albania
From their first event at the Hilton Garden Inn Tirana in 2018, the association has united chefs each year on this special day to showcase Albania’s culinary talent and engage with younger generations. Over the years, “Chefs Day” has evolved into an annual festival focused on education, inclusion, and the joys of cooking.
The 2018 edition marked the first time that the country’s National Team gathered after becoming a Worldchefs member. The day was filled with many activities, including cooking and an award ceremony. The festivities continued in 2019, with a day said to have been one that children will remember for a long time.
In 2020, the association hosted activities at Tirana’s New Market, dedicated to culinary exploration. Throughout the day, children had the opportunity to grow their passion for cooking and understand different gastronomic tastes. The children learned to cook traditional pancakes, preparing the dough and later decorating them in this hands-on workshop. By 2022, the event had grown. Still promoting the career of chefs, educating children about healthy eating and promoting local cuisine, the event now also included educational activities for a healthy lifestyle, including yoga exercises and an olive oil workshop.
The 2023 and 2024 editions marked two more successful years of Albanian chefs sharing their passion while teaching children how to cook and eat healthy. Chefs guided children through fun cooking sessions centered on the theme “Growing Great Chefs” underscoring their commitment to teaching good nutrition through experience.
This year, the Albanian Chefs & Cooks Association is once again leading by example. Their 2025 celebration will welcome children with Down syndrome to take part in culinary workshops and community festivities.
“It’s a great feeling because Chefs Day is the day for our chefs, to celebrate and do their best to promote healthy food for children. In Albania, we are doing just that,” says Asim Prengëzaj, Founder and President of the Albanian Chefs & Cooks Association.
“This year, we also will have a Chefs Night in collaboration with the Albania Bartender Association and Tirana Cocktail Bar, a wonderful way to close our celebration and unite the community.”
Watch the video recaps from the last few editions:
Food Explorers: The 2025 International Chefs Day Theme
In partnership with Nestlé Professional, Worldchefs is proud to present this year’s International Chefs Day theme: Food Explorers. This theme invites children everywhere to embark on a culinary adventure. Discovering the joys of cooking, the importance of healthy eating, and the value of sustainable practices, young “food explorers” will explore fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients ,as well as gain a curiosity and deeper understanding of cooking.
Chefs around the world are encouraged to join the movement by hosting hands-on cooking sessions, garden tours, or fun nutrition activities, that can connect children to the world of cooking. Let’s inspire the next generation!
Ways to Get Involved
You can make a difference in your community by taking part in International Chefs Day 2025. Download the official toolkit to access recipes, workshop tips, posters, certificates, and a recipe book for kids to take home. Every event, no matter the size, will make a masting impact.
Follow the Albanian Chefs & Cooks Association on Instagram to see their 2025 Chefs Day celebrations and ongoing projects.
Around the World: International Chefs Day 2025 Events
Here are just a few examples of how Worldchefs members are celebrating this year:
- Discover the Australian Culinary Federation‘s celebration on October 20th
- Don’t miss the Chefs Association of Pakistan‘s celebration on October 20th
- Read how the British Culinary Federation is joining the celebration on October 20th
- Check out the Mauritian Chefs Association‘s Wedding Cake Contest on October 18th
- Stay tuned to see how the Singapore Chefs Association is celebrating
- Discover how Montessori School in the Philippines is celebrating International Chefs Day
Join chefs across the globe on October 20th to celebrate our profession, inspire the next generation, and continue building a healthier future through food.
