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The Culinary Arts Institute offers a unique combination of academic studies, practical training with renowned chefs from around the globe, and management skills coaching to lay the foundations for a successful culinary career for our graduates.

The Culinary Arts Institute (CAI) is an academic school of Varna University of Management that encompasses the undergraduate programmes in culinary arts offered by the leading business university in Eastern Europe.

We are the first in Eastern Europe to offer recognised culinary education at a university level, and even more: our graduates have the opportunity to earn two degrees upon successful completion of our programmes – a Bulgarian and a British Bachelor’s degree.

We are located in the beautiful city of Varna, Bulgaria, and take pride in our multicultural community of chef instructors, students, and partners from over 50 countries around the world.

In 2007, Varna University of Management, known as International University College at that time, took the first step towards what we have today as leading culinary arts programmes in the region. Together with our partners, we established the first-ever international vocational culinary programme in Bulgaria, which attracted students from four continents. In 2010, the first-ever professional culinary TV reality show in Bulgaria was filmed at Varna University of Management. Years later, following the formal transformation of International University College into Varna University of Management, we invested in becoming a pioneer in Eastern Europe with accredited Bachelor’s degree programmes in culinary arts.

Today, we offer two undergraduate programmes that lead to the award of recognised Bulgarian and British degrees. We partner with more than 80 Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe to provide top industry internship experiences for our students and focus on every detail of the actual operation of restaurant and catering businesses, thus shaping the values and skills required of future entrepreneurs and leaders in the food industry.

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Months of internships included in the programme
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Michelin star rated partner restaurants
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Events and dinners organized by the students
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Hands - on training

WHAT WE OFFER

Bachelor Programmes

We prepare students for a professional career by offering the first and only accredited programmes in Eastern Europe that provide higher education in the field of hospitality and culinary arts. The two educational programmes—Gastronomy and Culinary Arts and Hospitality and Culinary Arts—are fully delivered in English and lead to the award of two degrees: one from Varna University of Management (VUM) and a second from our strategic academic partner, Cardiff Metropolitan University in the UK.

The training is practice-oriented and characterised by innovation, research elements, and an unconventional approach to culinary arts. Along with academic knowledge and practical skills, students receive a unique opportunity to gain experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe. The advantage of working with world-famous and recognised chefs not only contributes to professional development and growth but also helps in creating valuable business contacts.

The team of chef instructors at CAI includes both international and Bulgarian professionals with extensive practical experience, always ready to go beyond the “standard culinary arts studies” and delve into the arts. By focusing on creativity, they cultivate generations of innovators, culinary designers, and food ideologists.

  • GASTRONOMY AND CULINARY ARTS

  • HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY ARTS

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Events

 A key part of the practical kitchen work of CAI students is our thematic   dinners, which are open to the public and are extremely delicious.   Throughout the semester, students practice different techniques and styles   of cooking to master the skills needed in a professional kitchen. Under the   supervision of their chef-instructors, they plan and organize more than 30   thematic events, with real guests booking their seats to enjoy a unique fine   dining experience.

 In addition, our chef-instructors frequently organize various culinary   presentations and demonstrations, masterclasses, and other engaging   events. Among their latest projects is a show-cooking event called Chef’s   Table, which is broadcast live on the CAI Facebook page.

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Short Courses

At the Culinary Arts Institute, we offer a diverse range of short culinary  courses designed to meet the needs of participants with varying levels of  experience and interests. Our courses include:

  • Basic Cooking Courses: Suitable for beginners who want to master the fundamentals of cooking and familiarise themselves with essential techniques and ingredients. These courses provide an excellent starting point for anyone looking to learn how to prepare delicious and healthy meals at home.
  • Evening Classes: Ideal for busy individuals who wish to acquire new culinary skills after the workday. These classes offer an opportunity to learn specialised techniques and recipes while enjoying an evening of relaxation.
  • Themed Gourmet Courses: Focused on specific cuisines or specialised techniques, these courses allow participants to immerse themselves in the world of gourmet cooking. They may include studies of cuisines such as Italian, Japanese, or French, as well as specialised techniques like molecular gastronomy or pastry decoration.
  • Specific Culinary Technique Classes: Aimed at advanced cooks who wish to refine their skills. These classes may cover techniques such as sushi preparation, mastering sauces, working with chocolate, or advanced baking methods.

Our courses vary in duration to accommodate different schedules and  needs. They can be short-term – lasting just one day – or long-term,  extending up to three months, providing depth and intensity to the training. Each course is designed to offer not only practical skills but also   inspiration and creativity for your culinary journey.

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Catering by CAI

Whether you are planning a private dinner or a celebration for up to 200 guests, a corporate event, a wedding, or any other special occasion, our professional culinary team will be at your service to create delightful and memorable experiences.

Our new boutique catering service is both affordable and innovative. We craft food that not only looks spectacular but, more importantly, tastes incredible. Additionally, we offer a private dining room for up to 60 people and the unique opportunity to hire a professional chef for your event.

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