An event organized by the Explore Dobrogea and UNPR-RSE at Zbor Hub Constanța brought together local producers, chefs, and young people eager to rediscover the authentic flavors of the region, as part of the Dobrogea European Region of Gastronomy 2029 project.

On Dobrogea Day, dozens of high-school students from Constanța took part in an interactive workshop dedicated to education through taste, organized by Explore Dobrogea at Zbor Hub Constanța.
The Taste of Dobrogea | Local Food Challenge brought forward the simple yet essential values of local gastronomy: food made with clean ingredients and with respect for the Dobrogean land.

Stories about rare seeds and authentic flavors

The workshop was opened by Anamaria Balmuș and Florin Bidașcă, founders of Moșia Generalului, , who spoke to the students about the responsibility of preserving biodiversity and the deep connection between people, nature, and food.
Participants had the opportunity to explore some of the products grown on their farm at a specially arranged stand: vegetables and aromatic plants such as elephant garlic, Baghera peppers, purple potatoes or heritage tomatoes, all cultivated with care and without chemicals.

“We showed them that a local product is not just something to eat, but a relationship between the land, the people, and the community”, said Anamaria Balmuș, highlighting the importance of authentic flavor in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Dobrogean salad with local ingredients

Under the guidance of Chef Octavian Băloi and Sous-Chef Laura Titoiu from Rozmarine, the students prepared a Dobrogean salad using local ingredients provided by the event partners.
Each participant created their own version of the salad, inspired by childhood flavors, the colors of Dobrogea, and their own sense of creativity.

“The energy was fantastic, the students got involved with enthusiasm, curiosity, and bold ideas. I was impressed by the plates they created, full of color and personality”, said Chef Octavian Băloi, adding that “in this workshop, all participants were winners.” The three awarded plates stood out for their balanced flavors, creativity, and the way they highlighted local ingredients. 

First Prize – Florea Irina Melek, Second Prize – Coman Diana Maria, Third Prize – Dumitru Riana Maria

Throughout the workshop, discussions focused on food waste, the importance of consuming local products, how to recognize real flavor in naturally grown foods, and the role each generation plays in preserving gastronomic identity.

Stories of flavor and tradition from the Danube Delta

The partner Deltaica – Tradiții Sănătoase brought to the event a selection of locally specific, highly nutritious products, recognized through geographical indication.
Students were able to discover the authentic taste of the Danube Delta through foods made with clean ingredients and deep respect for tradition.

Bread, sweet bread and joy

From Brutăria9 came the familiar aromas of home: slow-fermented sourdough bread and traditional cozonac, both made from simple recipes but with a lot of soul.
Their presence perfectly completed the symbolism of the day: the gesture of offering bread and salt, a sign of hospitality, respect, and the joy of being together.

A community united through taste

The Taste of Dobrogea | Local Food Challenge showed that local gastronomy can be a form of education and a bridge between generations. The students were curious, engaged, and full of ideas, proof that the future of Dobrogea’s culinary heritage is in good hands.

Explore Dobrogea extends its thanks to everyone who made this event possible:
Chef Octavian Băloi and Sous Chef Laura Titoiu de la Rozmarine, for their passion, professionalism, and dedication;
Deltaica, Moșia Generalului and Brutăria9, for their support and for believing in education through taste;
and Zbor Hub Constanța — the perfect hosts, who created the space where ideas, flavors, and generations met with purpose.

For Explore Dobrogea, this event represents one step on the path toward 2029, the year in which Dobrogea aspires to become a European Region of Gastronomy, and a testament to the belief that education, tradition, and authentic taste can move forward only together.

Event organized by Explore Dobrogea, in partnership with Zbor Hub Constanța, FONT Constanta, Rozmarine, Deltaica, Moșia Generalului and Brutăria9, as part of the Dobrogea European Region of Gastronomy 2029 project.