Five Croatian chefs, members of the Alliance of Chefs of the Mediterranean and European Regions, have been awarded with 12 medals at the recent international competition of professional chefs held at the International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival, Croatian Tourism Minister Damir Bajs told a news conference on Monday.

The Istanbul Gastronomy Festival was held in March (18-21). The festival aims to bring together Turkish cuisine with other cuisines from around the world. It also gives an opportunity to Turkish national chefs with the best of those around the globe and allow an exchange of knowledge of the cookery profession that will result in personal growth and achievement.

The festival joined the World Association of Chefs Society (WACS) in 2008, and its competitions are being coordinated and executed based on the standards outlined by the WACS. The chef’s who are awarded receive medals as well as internationally accredited certificates.

In related news, the Huffington Post published article last week featuring Croatia as one of top 5 new culinary destinations.