Cypriot pastry chefs win gold at the Worldchefs challenge in Belgrade

Andreas Melanarkitis and Christina Aristidou, members of the pastry team at Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol, have secured the gold medal at the Worldchefs Global Pastry Chefs Challenge 2026. The competition's South Europe semi-finals took place in Belgrade, where the duo's technical expertise, creativity, and dedication earned them the top honors.

This victory serves as a significant milestone for Cypriot gastronomy, showcasing the island's rising influence on the international culinary stage. The achievement is framed by the resort as a testament to their commitment to professional development, continuous training, and collaborative effort within their culinary department. Andreas Melanarkitis, a Chef de Partie who has been with the resort for two years, was instrumental in this success alongside his colleague.

Following their win in Serbia, the pair has officially qualified for the Global Finals of the competition. This next stage of the event is scheduled to be held in Shanghai, China, in March 2027, where they will represent both the Parklane resort and Cyprus.