From October 13 to 20, 2025, the web platform of the Donetsk Youth Palace "Yunist" was full of real magic of taste, creativity and culinary art.
On the occasion of the International Day of the Chef and Culinary Arts, the regional culinary challenge "Magic of the Kitchen" was held here, bringing together more than 150 participants - students of vocational (vocational-technical) and professional higher education institutions of Donetsk region who are studying to become a cook or pastry chef. The participants competed together with their mentors, demonstrating imagination, skill and love for the profession.
The competition was held in two categories: "Palette of Taste, a photo contest where each dish was transformed into a work of art, and Skilled Chef, a video contest that showed not only the result but also the process of creating culinary masterpieces.
The results were determined not by the culinary jury, but by the audience, because the real taste is in the recognition of the public. The online voting on the Palace's website brought together more than 2500 culinary connoisseurs who determined the winners of the first, second and third degrees in each nomination.
The winners of the competition are: Daniil Yegorom, Natalia Ivantsiv (Kramatorsk Center for Vocational Education), Alina Zharkikh (Kramatorsk Higher Vocational School) in the "Palette of Taste" nomination; Tetiana Lytvynenko (Kramatorsk Higher Vocational Trade and Culinary School), Danylo Perepelyatnik (Kramatorsk Vocational College of Kryvyi Rih National University) in the "Skilled Cook" nomination.
The Magic of the Kitchen culinary challenge has become a platform for unity, inspiration and professional growth of young culinary professionals in Donetsk region. It proved that modern Ukrainian cuisine is a combination of traditions and creativity, and that every young chef is a real magician who creates for the benefit of taste and soul.
Cooking is not just a craft. It is the art of bringing people together, even when they are competing. Because real magic is born where talent, heart, and sincere passion for your work come into play.