PR ON THE GO • April 28, 2026

Sharena Fabrika to Host Young Chefs' Week in Bulgaria

Youth Summer Camp

Sharena Fabrika is transforming a region of small villages in the heart of Bulgaria's Balkan Mountains into an international hub for culinary arts, heritage crafts, and cultural exchange. This initiative attracts students, artisans, and visitors from around the world.

Euro Summer: This July, Sharena Fabrika is offering culinary training to youth from around the globe. The program is designed to provide career orientation for 16- to 18-year-olds. Students will learn from professional chefs from around the world. The campus language is English.

Here are the three culinary directions that will be explored, along some of the experienced chef instructors:

Pastry

Pastry chef and instructor Yoanna Yordanova trained at the École Ducasse in France, specializing in classic and contemporary pastry techniques.

Craft a classic Vanilla Flan from scratch: From preparing the perfect shortcrust base to mastering smooth, rich vanilla custard, this session emphasizes precision, technique, and presentation. The pastry experience will leave participants with a professional-level introduction to the art of dessert making.

Bread & Bakery

At the summer camp, students explore the science behind baking techniques and their process by French master baker Julien Cassin.

Julien has years of experience working in French artisan bakeries and has had an international career, from co-founding Maison Coco in Sarajevo to teaching at Le Cordon Bleu in Seoul and working as head baker at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa. Julien has taught the craft to bakers around the world, and his teaching experience includes leading professional courses at the prestigious culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, helping students build confidence, skills, and creativity. Currently in Bulgaria, Julien is preparing to share his global expertise with a new generation of professionals.

French & Balkan Cuisine

Martin Nikolov is a chef instructor specializing in French and Balkan cuisine. After graduating from culinary school, he gained international experience in Europe and the United States, including at Michelin-recognized restaurants. He specializes in casual fine dining inspired by bistro culture with a focus on terroir cuisine, local products, sustainable practices, and modern Balkan gastronomy. He relies on advanced techniques, minimalist plating, and balanced flavors in his work.

Martin also explores techniques such as fermentation and minimalist plating in the context of modern Balkan cuisine, focusing on sustainability and zero waste.

Farm-to-table & food photography

Unlike most culinary schools, which are located in urban areas, Sharena Fabrika is located in a rural area of the Balkan Mountains in Bulgaria. From that point forward, everything has followed the “roots-to-table” philosophy. Nature becomes both the classroom and a constant source of culinary inspiration. Students cook with local ingredients, some of which are grown in the campus gardens. These gardens are cultivated through regenerative practices and are designed to be future permaculture landscapes.

They are guided by agriculture instructor Daniel Dimov, who created his first food forest at age 22.

Participants will also develop their skills in plating, presentation, and food photography.

Young Chefs' Week at Sharena Fabrika

July 12 to 19, 2026

Young Chefs’ Week will take place at the Sharena Fabrika Permaculture Gardens and the joyful Casa Art Hotel - a partner of the Sharena Fabrika campus. The all-inclusive package includes accommodations, activities, meals, excursions, insurance, and transfers to and from Sofia Airport.

To participate, register here.

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