Harghita County has won the title of European Region of Gastronomy for 2027, according to the official decision of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism).
The award ceremony took place on February 6, 2025, at a festive event in Miercurea Ciuc.
Between October 6 and 11, 2024, an international jury of experts from IGCAT visited Harghita to assess the local gastronomic heritage, community initiatives and strategies for developing sustainable tourism.
Harghita – European Region of Gastronomy in 2027
Dr. Diane Dodd, president of IGCAT and founder of the World Region of Gastronomy Award, highlighted the uniqueness of the cultural values, the harmony of the natural landscape and the close cooperation between local communities.
During the visit, the jury met with more than 100 representatives of various sectors.
An authentic and sustainable gastronomic heritage
Harghita's cuisine reflects the meeting of Hungarian, Romanian, Armenian and Székely traditions.
The consortium that coordinated the bid aims to develop a sustainable food ecosystem that supports the local economy, protects cultural values and enriches Europe's gastronomic diversity.
The slogan chosen to promote this initiative is “Taste Harghita County!”
At the Romanian Tourism Fair, held from February 20 to 23, 2025, the Visit Harghita stand will include a demonstration kitchen to offer visitors an authentic culinary experience.
The partners behind the success
The bid for the title of European Region of Gastronomy for 2027 was launched in 2023 by the Harghita Intercommunity Development Association (Visit Harghita). The consortium includes:
Harghita Intercommunity Development Association (Visit Harghita)
Honline Media (Székely Kitchen and Garden)
Harghita County Development Agency
Csíki Vendéglátósok Egyesülete Association
Páva KulinarIQum Association
Sapientia EMTE – Faculty in Miercurea Ciuc
Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
Odorheiu Secuiesc City Hall
Gheorgheni City Hall
Pro Economica Foundation
Boro Info Group
Click here for details on Harghita's bid book.
Why the European Region of Gastronomy title matters
The European Regions of Gastronomy program, coordinated by IGCAT, promotes the cultural and gastronomic uniqueness of European regions.
Regions recognized by IGCAT benefit from an international platform for cooperation and promotion, which contributes to greater visibility and long-term development.
In 2024, the European Region of Gastronomy title went to Saimaa in Finland, and in 2023 this distinction was awarded to Hauts-de-France in France.
For 2025, Sicily will hold this title, while in 2026 it will go to the regions of Crete in Greece, Kvarner in Croatia and Gozo in Malta. See more details here.
In Romania, Sibiu was awarded the European Region of Gastronomy title in 2019.
The title does not come with prize money, but it brings global recognition and support for local initiatives.
With this distinction, Harghita asserts its place on Europe's gastronomic map, attracting tourists and strengthening its cultural and economic identity.
Harghita County is a multifaceted destination. See also Borsec Resort, Praid Salt Mine, Bicaz Gorges, The Cheapest Ski Resorts in Romania.
