Catalan cooking seminars in Germany: a culinary immersion for future chefs

As part of the strategy for promoting Catalan cuisine internationally in various strategic markets, Prodeca, with the support of the Catalan Government Delegation to Germany, has organised a series of culinary seminars, including exclusive seminars and a wine masterclass, for students at two of Germany's best-known cookery schools: the OSZ Gastgewerbe in Berlin and Hotelfachschule Heidelberg. Their main aim is to introduce Germany's future cooking professionals to the diversity and richness of Catalan cuisine and to its traditional and innovative culinary techniques.​

An immersive culinary experience

The seminars give participants the chance to prepare and taste emblematic Catalan dishes such as fideuà, fricandó, meatballs with cuttlefish, trinxat, Olot potatoes and crema catalana. Particular emphasis is placed on using quality local ingredients, especially the olive oils of Catalonia's five Protected Designations of Origin. This hands-on approach lets students understand the importance of local products in shaping Catalonia's culinary identity.​

Working with prestigious schools

The OSZ Gastgewerbe in Berlin is a leading educational institution in hospitality and gastronomy, training more than 5,000 students a year. For its part, Hotelfachschule Heidelberg is recognised for its excellence in training hospitality professionals, with alumni awarded Michelin stars such as Tristan Brandt and Niklas Oberhofer. Working with these institutions ensures Catalan cooking reaches future chefs who will shape culinary trends in Germany and beyond.​

Complementing the cooking seminars, a Catalan wine masterclass has been scheduled for the third quarter of the year at the Gastronomisches Bildungszentrum Koblenz e.V sommelier school. This exclusive session will let participants explore the unique characteristics of Catalonia's 12 wine Designations of Origin, delving into the diversity and quality that define Catalan wines.​

Fostering cultural and culinary exchange

These initiatives not only promote Catalan cuisine abroad but also build cultural bridges between Catalonia and Germany. By teaching culinary techniques and tasting local products, they enable an enriching exchange that highlights Catalan cooking as an integral part of Catalonia's culture and identity.​

These activities form part of the strategy to consolidate Catalonia as World Region of Gastronomy 2025, strengthening the international positioning of Catalan cuisine and promoting its values of quality, tradition and innovation.​