SERBIAN TEACHER WON SILVER MEDAL: Miloš (23) shone at a prestigious culinary competition in Baku!

When someone does what they love with all their heart and soul, success cannot be absent. That’s why it’s no surprise that Miloš Novakov (23), a teacher at the “Dr. Đorđe Natošević” High School in Inđija, along with his team: colleague from Smederevo Žarko Jovanović and student Mateo Taubner, returned as vice-champion from the international culinary competition “Gold Shan 2025” in Azerbaijan. With a silver medal on his chest, Novosti writes.

The Serbian national team, the only one representing our country, first shone in the finals, placing first. This success led them to the super-final where they became vice-champions, taking second place.

Joyful over the great success and not hiding his satisfaction that, with their menu selection, as well as the taste and appearance of the dishes, they managed to achieve a high ranking and represent Serbia in the most beautiful way, Miloš says it was not easy to compete with about 350 competitors, divided into 12 national teams, but that everyone in the team tried their best to represent our country in the best possible light.

From the conversation with him, it immediately becomes clear that both he and his team view culinary arts as a form of art. That’s why we asked him what dishes they presented as excellent culinary artists, what delicacies and bites they presented to the jury?

“For the appetizer, we chose cauliflower, while the main course menu included chicken stuffed with spring onions, apricot jam, on sweet potato and tomato puree,” he answers.

They also showed great creativity when it came to dessert after a good meal. A dessert followed, and they opted for a carrot cake.

“We opted for common ingredients, ones that can be found in every garden here. We really tried our best to make everything visually appealing, to attract attention, but, of course, also to make everything tasty,” Miloš tells us, still under the impression of the competition held at the end of May in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. “We managed to qualify for the finals, and then we ‘crossed spatulas’ with three other national teams in the super-final, taking second place.”

The young chef emphasizes that it was an honor for him to represent our country at the international culinary competition, and that the high ranking is a result of the effort they put in.

“It was a great honor for me to represent Serbia at this international competition in Azerbaijan,” Miloš says, adding that the result of that effort is the medal he brought home. “This success has multiple significance for me, not only as a personal recognition for effort and dedication, but also as an opportunity to show my students how important it is to believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up.”

Our interlocutor believes that his education at the College of Hotel Management in Belgrade contributed to his knowledge, which he now applies and further develops, both in the professional kitchen and in working with young talents.

“As a member of the Culinary Federation of Serbia and a professor in the education of future chefs, I believe that such results inspire young people to strive for excellence and set high goals,” says Miloš. “At 23 years old, I am proud of my achievements so far, but I believe this is just the beginning.”

And Miloš has nurtured his love for cooking since childhood. As a boy, in his native Vojka, he curiously watched in the kitchen how his mother Dragana and grandmother Mirjana skillfully prepared meals for the family, especially for the Sunday table.

Even then, he thought about choosing the cooking profession, and his wish came true.