The Road to 'Michelin' is Long and Expensive: Experts Call for State Partnership

The possibility of Bulgaria entering the elite club of Michelin-starred restaurants is a subject of serious discussion, but the path to this success is filled with challenges. According to representatives of the restaurant industry, the process is long-term and requires not only huge financial investments but also systemic support from the state.

Chef Ivan Manchev compares the prestigious classification to the "Champions League," emphasizing that it is subject to strict and specific criteria. According to him, the very beginning of an audit by Michelin requires significant funds, followed by the preparation of a detailed report with recommendations for improving the level.

"The snapshot shows that we are in the right direction, but we feel alone because no one is supporting us. The state must become our partner, not our stepmother," Manchev stated. He emphasized that without institutional help, it is difficult to achieve the standard necessary for international recognition.

On the other hand, Richard Alibegov shared on BNT that achieving such a goal is a process that can take between 3 and 5 years. He rejected the idea that a country "simply cannot" receive a star, but added that there will be a need for multiple reports and inspections before a final decision is reached.

Currently, discussions around the topic are highly media-driven; according to Alibegov, the interest is provoked by individual publications that spread quickly on the internet, fueling public expectations for the development of Bulgarian gastronomy.