The winners of the 2026 International Cooking Competition enjoyed a special excursion through Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County on 5 November, discovering some of the region's historical and cultural treasures.
As a special reward for their achievements at the International Cooking Competition, ten of our international students set off on a day trip to explore the rich heritage and hidden gems of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County.
The first stop was Vay Castle in Vaja, where the group discovered the history of the castle and the family that once called it home. Surrounded by its historic interiors, the students had their first glimpse into the region's past.
The journey continued to Nagyar, home to the famous Petőfi tree, a landmark associated with one of Hungary's most celebrated poets. With beautiful autumn weather accompanying the group, it was a perfect opportunity to enjoy the peaceful countryside and take in the scenery.
After a lunch break, the group headed to Szatmárcseke, where they visited the historic cemetery, renowned for its distinctive boat-shaped wooden grave markers. The visit offered a fascinating insight into local traditions and cultural heritage. The surrounding landscape, with its autumn colours and nearby apple orchards, provided a particularly beautiful setting for the afternoon.
The final destination was the Szatmári Museum in Mátészalka, where a variety of exhibitions offered something for everyone. The students explored the history of traditional transportation through its collection of carriages, admired folk costumes and a doll collection, and discovered fascinating stories connected to everyday life in Hungary. Among the highlights were an exhibition featuring the cedars of Lebanon and a collection dedicated to Hollywood actor Tony Curtis, whose family roots trace back to the region. The museum's diverse displays made for an especially memorable end to the excursion.
From historic castles and literary landmarks to local traditions and museum collections, the trip offered our students a chance to discover a different side of Hungary and learn more about the region they now call home.
Congratulations once again to our cooking competition winners, and thank you to everyone who made this year's International Cooking Competition such a success!