Daniel Romi of Palace in Helsinki has been named Chef of the Year 2026, while freelance restaurant professional Leeni Hyvärinen has won the title of Waiter of the Year 2026, following the finals of Finland’s national competitions for restaurant professionals.
The winners were announced on Friday evening, October 23, at the Wine & Food event at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, marking the end of the two-day competitions that recognise excellence in Finnish restaurant kitchens and dining rooms.
The titles place Romi and Hyvärinen among the visible representatives of Finland’s restaurant industry for the coming year. Both are expected to take part in public appearances and work with partners from different fields to promote professional expertise, pride in restaurant work, and appreciation for Finnish food and service culture.
For Romi, the win represents recognition of years of commitment to his profession. “Winning the Chef of the Year competition gives value to the long-term and determined work done,” he said.
Hyvärinen described her victory as the result of preparation that began several years ago. “Finally! The victory tastes especially good because the preparation for this has already started several years ago,” she said.
She also praised the standard of the competition and the people involved in delivering it, highlighting the fellow contestants, the range and difficulty of the tasks, and the work of the event staff as important parts of the experience.
Both winners will receive scholarships worth 10,000 euros. Romi’s scholarship was donated by the Finnish Fair Foundation, while Hyvärinen’s was provided by the Finnish Hospitality Association MaRa.
Their representative year is scheduled to begin on Sunday, October 25, when they will appear as guests on MTV3’s Huomenta Suomi morning television programme. The appearance will mark the start of a year in which they are expected to help raise the profile of Finnish restaurant professionals and showcase the skills involved in delivering high-quality food and service.
The Chef of the Year competition was first held in 1995, while the Waiter of the Year competition began in 2013. Both are Finnish championship contests designed to highlight professional ability and the experience of dining out, while strengthening the standing of Finnish gastronomy and the appeal of restaurant careers.
Romi’s victory recognises achievement in the kitchen, while Hyvärinen’s title highlights the expertise required in restaurant service. Together, their wins put the spotlight on two sides of the dining experience and the professionals whose work shapes Finland’s restaurant culture.
