October 20 — International Cook's Day: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on October 20, Russia and other countries celebrate the International Cook's Day, a celebration of craftsmen who turn a simple meal into a real art. On this day, congratulations are received by chefs, pastry chefs, chefs of restaurants, canteens and all those who have devoted their lives to gastronomy. In 2025, the date falls on a Monday. Izvestia tells about its history, traditions and how to congratulate on the Day of the cook.

International Cook's Day on October 20 — the history of the holiday and its significance

The art of cooking originated from the moment when man first tamed fire. However, the profession of cook in its modern understanding has been shaped for centuries. High-class chefs were appreciated in ancient Rome, Greece, and China. Culinary art flourished during the Renaissance, when the first chefs appeared in France and Italy, who systematized recipes and cooking technologies.

In the 19th century, with the opening of numerous cafes and restaurants, cooking became a public art, and in the 20th century it became a mass industry that spawned both fast food and haute cuisine. Today, a cook is not just a specialist in cooking, but a creator, nutritionist, technologist and an important cultural guide influencing gastronomic trends in society.

As a sign of appreciation for the work of chefs and all those who work in this field, a holiday was established — International Chefs Day. Its main goal is to unite chefs from all over the world, share knowledge and popularize culinary art in all its diversity.

The initiator of the international day was the World Association of Culinary Communities (World Association of Chefs' Societies, WACS). The holiday was officially proclaimed in 2004. The association itself, founded by the legendary French chef Auguste Escoffier back in 1928, unites millions of professionals from more than 100 countries.

Like cheese in dough: what unusual khachapuri is prepared in restaurants

And what is the secret of the success of Georgian pies in Russia?

What cooks do — the necessary qualities and skills

Today, a modern chef is a multitasking specialist. His duties include not only preparing dishes according to established recipes, but also menu development, food quality control, sanitary standards, kitchen crew management, food calculation and often communication with guests.

In addition to technical skills, from choosing products to compounding dishes, personal qualities also determine success in the profession. The cook must have a keen sense of taste and smell, possess physical endurance and stress resistance. Continuous training, including from leading craftsmen, and tracking current trends are also an integral part of the work.

Other important qualities of a cook:

• ability to work in a team;
• good organizational skills;
• creativity;
• responsibility and cleanliness;
• developed communication skills.

Famous chefs in Russia and the world and their achievements

World gastronomy is inconceivable without the names that have become legends. Among them, Gordon Ramsay (UK) is known for his Michelin stars and charismatic TV shows. Alain Ducasse (France) holds the record for the number of Michelin stars among living chefs. Rene Redzepi (Denmark) is the founder of the New Scandinavian Cuisine movement, which has changed the way restaurant food is viewed.

The Russian culinary school also has its heroes. This is Aram Mnatsakanov— a visionary whose restaurants have repeatedly been included in prestigious international ratings. Russian Russian cuisine Vladimir Mukhin (White Rabbit restaurant) is a chef who has made modern Russian cuisine famous all over the world, using native Russian products in the author's interpretation. Igor Grishechkin and Evgeny Viktorov are well—known media chefs who popularize cooking through television and social networks.

Fresh trends: what's new in Moscow restaurants in the spring

The most notable events in the gastronomic life of the capital are in the Izvestia review

The traditions of the International Cook's Day and the theme of the holiday in 2025

International Cook's Day has many traditions that make this day bright and memorable. All over the world, and in Russia in particular, are held:

• culinary festivals and competitions where masters compete in speed, technique and creativity;
• master classes in culinary art, during which everyone can join the secrets of the profession.;
• themed exhibitions featuring the latest kitchen equipment and gadgets.
• the action "Behind the scenes of the kitchen": in restaurants and cafes, guests can watch the cooking process and try themselves as a cook;
• open days at culinary colleges and technical schools.
• charity events, when chefs prepare meals for those in need or raise funds for charitable purposes.

The theme of Cook's Day in 2025

Like other major international holidays, every year the Cook's Day is dedicated to a relevant topic. For example, in previous years it was held under the mottos "Healthy food for growing up", "Art on a plate", "How to choose a healthy diet". The theme of 2025 is "Food Researchers".

Within its framework, the organizers plan to arouse interest in the profession among the younger generation. Through exciting workshops, acquaintance with local farmers and fun lessons, they will learn about the magic of cooking, the national gastronomic preferences of residents of different countries, as well as the value of healthy foods and the importance of caring for the environment.

How to congratulate chefs on October 20th

Colleagues, friends, relatives working in this field, as well as chefs of their favorite restaurants, congratulate on International Chefs' Day. As a thank you, you can write a positive review on the institution's website or send a personal message of congratulations. However, the best gift will be a dinner in a restaurant with an order of a specialty dish and a symbolic gift — it can be related to the profession of a cook or just bring joy.

Ideas for a Cook's Day gift

• A professional knife from a Japanese or German brand is a classic and always welcome gift.;
• silicone baking mats or precision electronic scales;
• a book from the famous chef with author's recipes and beautiful photos;
• certificate for a master class in a related field, such as cheese making or working with chocolate;
• a gift set of high-quality spices;
• souvenir products: mugs, aprons, chef's caps with the inscription "To the best chef".

Happy Cook's Day Greetings

"Dear chefs! Please accept my most sincere congratulations on your professional holiday! You are real magicians, capable of turning simple products into masterpieces that give people unforgettable emotions. Let your stove never get cold, and inspiration always overflows. I wish that each of your work receives the highest rating — Michelin stars and happy smiles from the guests!"

"Happy International Cook's Day! Your work is a unique combination of science, art and a huge heart. Each of your dishes is a story filled with taste, passion and craftsmanship. Let there be as many interesting ideas and brilliant victories on your creative path as possible. I wish you good health, a sweet life and an endless stream of grateful guests!"

"Congratulations on the Day of the cook — happy holiday to all the masters of cuisine! May your hands always remember the right movement, and your taste and sense of smell never fail. I wish that your love for your work never leaves you, and that every shift brings you great satisfaction from your work!"

"Happy International Cook's Day! On this holiday, I would like to thank you for every culinary masterpiece born in your kitchen. Your skill is a gift that you generously share with others. May there be many gastronomic discoveries, brilliant victories, new flavors and spices in your life, just like in a perfectly balanced sauce. Good luck in your profession!"

"Happy professional holiday, culinary virtuoso! You're standing at a hot stove, but your vocation is to give people warmth and joy. I wish that your talent will always be recognized, and your work will be a worthy reward. Let new ideas be born as easily as whipping cream, and every day brings inspiration and new culinary discoveries! Happy Cook's Day!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the Day of Food Industry Workers.