Golden Eye Chef 2026 has been featured in the November 2026 issue of The Chefs Arena, in a special article celebrating the global achievements of visually impaired chefs.
The feature highlights Mozambique’s Dani, winner with “Boat of Nations”, and North Macedonia’s Bojan Veljanovski, recognised for “United by Taste”. It also celebrates the participation of chefs from 11 countries and the spirit of culinary inclusion that defines Golden Eye Chef.
The article recognises the work of Antardrishti in creating an international platform where culinary talent, creativity and determination take centre stage.
News feature – The Chefs Arena, November 2026
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Mozambique’s “Boat of Nations” Wins Golden Eye Chef 2026, Celebrating Global Culinary Inclusion
Blind and visually impaired chefs from 11 countries showcased extraordinary talent and resilience, with Mozambique and North Macedonia emerging as the top winners at the prestigious global competition.
The spirit of inclusion, creativity and culinary excellence was on full display at the Golden Eye Chef 2026 Awards, where “Boat of Nations” by Dani from Mozambique claimed the competition’s highest honour, while “United by Taste” by Bojan Veljanovski from North Macedonia secured top recognition in the partially blind category.
Golden Eye Chef, widely regarded as the world’s only international culinary competition dedicated to blind and visually impaired chefs, brought together participants from 11 countries under the theme “The Global Table – Many Kitchens, One Family.” The 2026 edition featured 19 competition entries and a special showcase, highlighting not only culinary skills but also powerful stories of perseverance and independence.
The winning dish, “Boat of Nations,” represented Mozambique through a powerful combination of culinary craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Prepared by Dani, a totally blind participant, the dish stood out for its creativity, presentation and ability to convey a message of unity through food.
Equally inspiring was “United by Taste,” created by North Macedonia’s Bojan Veljanovski, which earned top honours among partially blind contestants. The dish resonated with judges for its celebration of shared culinary traditions and the unifying power of gastronomy.
Organised by Antardrishti, Golden Eye Chef has evolved into a global platform celebrating the abilities of visually impaired chefs while challenging traditional perceptions of disability in professional kitchens. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has provided an international stage for chefs whose talents often remain unseen despite their remarkable skills.
This year’s contest carried additional significance with participation from countries facing challenging circumstances, including Iran and Ukraine. Their presence underscored the competition’s central message that food can transcend borders, cultures and even conflict, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions.
More than a competition, Golden Eye Chef continues to champion accessibility and inclusion, demonstrating that culinary excellence is defined not by sight but by passion, skill and determination. The achievements of the 2026 winners serve as a powerful reminder that talent knows no boundaries.
Publication: The Chefs Arena – November 2026, Page 41.