Kaja Naveršnik  

IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassador from
Slovenia, European Region of Gastronomy awarded 2021

“The European Young Chef competition represents a springboard for me and proof that I am on the right track: that the best food is the one that goes from the garden to the table without intermediaries.” — Kaja Naveršnik

A Farm-to-Table Passion

Born and raised in the lush region of Pohorje, Slovenia, Kaja Naveršnik has always felt deeply connected to her roots. Living on a farm, she learned to cook side by side with her mother and grandmother. Their guidance shaped her love for traditional Styria cuisine, passed down through generations.

From an early age, Kaja embraced the values of seasonal and local cooking. Her kitchen is a space where flavors from the past meet fresh ideas from the present.

Honoring Tradition Through Cooking

Unlike many young chefs eager to reinvent the culinary wheel, Kaja believes in the beauty of forgotten recipes. For her, food is more than nourishment—it’s a bridge to the past. Through traditional dishes, she wants to bring people a sense of comfort, reminding them of home, family, and maternal care.

Cooking, in her view, is a way to make people feel seen, comforted, and connected.

A Culinary Mission Rooted in Sustainability

Kaja’s participation in the European Young Chef Award marks a significant step in her journey. She champions the idea that the best food is grown close to home. Her farm-to-table philosophy promotes Slovenia’s regional gastronomy, its farmers, and the natural ingredients that surround her.

“In the future, I want to preserve as many traditional recipes as possible.” — Kaja Naveršnik

Her Dish: Peek a Boo Mushroom Soup

At the European Young Chef Award 2024, Kaja Naveršnik presented her signature dish, Peek a Boo Mushroom Soup. This is a creative twist on traditional Styrian mushroom soup, a dish close to her heart.

Her version highlights wild mushrooms foraged from local forests, paired with buckwheat dumplings made from flour sourced at a nearby mill. The soup is garnished with homemade cracklings and served in a rustic clay bowl, staying true to family tradition and Slovenian heritage.

Kaja’s goal is to preserve the authentic taste of her childhood, while showcasing sustainable cooking practices and the power of local ingredients. Her dish is a celebration of memory, nature, and the enduring flavors of home.