Culinary Arts Institute Showcases Spanish Gastronomy at the SOLE Festival in Burgas
For the second consecutive year, the Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) at Varna University of Management took part in the SOLE Festival, dedicated to Spanish music, culture, and gastronomy, held last weekend in Burgas.
Bringing together enthusiasts of Spanish culture, music, dance, and Mediterranean cuisine, the festival offered the perfect setting for CAI to showcase its expertise in culinary education and international gastronomy.
A highlight of the festival programme was the participation of CAI chef-instructors Hugues Boutin and Stanislav Kubarev, joined by Chef Robin Villarreal, Ambassador of the Culinary Arts Institute. Together, they presented some of Spain’s most iconic dishes and culinary traditions, introducing visitors to authentic flavours, techniques, and ingredients that define Spanish cuisine.
The institute was also proudly represented by Chef-instructor Kaloyan Kolev, winner of Bulgaria’s national paella qualification competition in 2025 and the country’s representative at the World Paella Championship Final in Valencia. This year, Chef Kolev served as a member of the competition jury, while also demonstrating his culinary expertise in front of festival attendees.
CAI’s participation in SOLE reflects the institute’s commitment to providing students with an internationally oriented culinary education that combines academic knowledge, practical training, and direct engagement with global food cultures. Through events such as SOLE, the institute continues to strengthen its connections with industry professionals, culinary communities, and future hospitality leaders.
During the festival, visitors also had the opportunity to learn about all the educational programmes offered by VUM in business and management, IT, hospitality and tourism, and culinary arts.
As one of the leading culinary education providers in the region, CAI remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals through innovation, excellence, and hands-on learning experiences.
