Harghita County will bear the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, an award that recognizes communities which, through cooperation, place special emphasis on their gastronomic heritage in the spirit of sustainable development. In this context, and in light of recent events, Harghita County is enjoying a wave of national and international recognition that confirms the development path local communities have committed to follow.
On May 9, 2025, in Sicily – the region officially holding the title of European Region of Gastronomy for 2025 – the local shop Helyénvaló Helyi (Cumsecade) was awarded the "Best Community Collaboration" prize at the World Food Gift Challenge 2025, organized by IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), for its product package Secrets of the Forest, which includes six locally inspired items. This award highlights the value of local collaboration and the promotion of authentic traditions.
At the same time, during the Top Hotel Awards Romania event in Bucharest, Taste of Transylvania won in the category "Best Local Tourism Support Initiative" out of 18 projects submitted from across the country. The distinction reflects the impact this initiative has had in promoting regional gastronomy and experiential tourism in Harghita County.
On May 14, during the SPA Romania Awards Gala held in Miercurea Ciuc, Harghita County was named "Best SPA Destination." This recognition emphasizes the region’s diverse offering of wellness and spa centers, where mofettas, mineral waters, and pristine natural surroundings provide unique conditions for revitalization and relaxation.
Other notable awards from the county include:
- Fenyő SPA in Miercurea Ciuc, recognized for Best SPA Experience and Best Signature SPA Ritual (jury special award),
- Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa for Best HOTEL SPA (jury special award),
- FONTANA Spa & Balneo in Borsec for Best DAY SPA for the Whole Family.
Also in May, the Kotyogó restaurant from Lupeni won first place at a culinary competition in Hungary, with its participating team.
All these recognitions reinforce Harghita County's commitment to becoming the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027 — a title officially granted by IGCAT following a candidacy supported by the Harghita County Council, the Harghita Intercommunity Development Association through the Visit Harghita brand, and its local partners. The official award ceremony will take place on February 6, 2025.
"Harghita County is excelling — from international recognition of its local products, to awards in tourism and SPA, and now the honor of becoming the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027. All these distinctions and titles are the result of a shared responsibility that opens vast opportunities for local entrepreneurs, for young people who want to innovate in sustainable gastronomy, and for everyone who loves this region. The coming years are key to integrating traditional recipes with a modern and sustainable approach, strengthening our local economy and cultural identity. Congratulations to all the award winners and thanks to the Visit Harghita team for their determination and support of these local initiatives," said Bíró Barna-Botond, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, May 15, 2025
Harghita County Council
