We are delighted and proud to congratulate Dinārs Zvidriņš on winning the prestigious Latvia’s Chef of the Year 2026 title and receiving the Reaton Golden Chef’s Ladle!
Organised by the Pavāru Klubs is one of the country’s most important professional culinary competitions. It gives leading chefs an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity and technical mastery. In 2026, participants were challenged to prepare a three-course menu, assessed by experienced industry professionals according to taste, presentation, technique and creativity.
Reaton Food’s connection with the restaurant world began more than 30 years ago, when the company started bringing seafood products to Latvia. Working closely with professional kitchens revealed just how complex, demanding and deeply creative a chef’s work truly is. From that respect, and in cooperation with the Latvian Chefs Club, the Reaton Golden Chef’s Ladle was created 20 years ago.
The award was born from a desire to raise public appreciation of the profession. A chef is far more than someone standing at a stove: part creator and part conductor, a chef brings together fire, precise timing, ingredients and the character of a team - transforming controlled chaos into emotion on a plate.
Throughout this shared journey, Reaton Food has never viewed itself solely as a supplier. We have sought to be a trusted partner to chefs - investing in the industry, introducing exceptional ingredients from around the world and maintaining high standards so culinary professionals have the best possible tools for their creativity. Today, the Golden Chef’s Ladle is a symbol of recognition for that remarkable mastery.
Over the years, it has been awarded to:
Raimonds Zommers (2006, 2007), Vasilijs Strelkovs (2008), Terēze Kondrāte (2009), Viesturs Lasmanis (2010), Jānis Rozenbergs (2011), Kārlis Visockis (2012), Romāns Ugļanica (2013), Kristīne Strode (2014, 2016), Ina Poliščenko (2015), Dinārs Zvidriņš (2017, 2018, 2021, 2026), Pāvels Skopa (2019), Heinrihs Erhards (2020), Nils Ģēvele (2022), Valērija Čudova (2023), Agate Batraga (2024) and Emīls Skalbergs (2025).
Together, these chefs represent two decades of ambition, creativity and perseverance. Their achievements have inspired colleagues, strengthened Latvia’s restaurant culture and contributed to the wider recognition of Latvian gastronomy. Since 2018, the competition has also celebrated the best young chef with the Reaton Wooden Chef’s Ladle, supporting the next generation on its path towards professional excellence.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Latvian Chefs Club for 20 years of trusted cooperation and our deepest respect to every chef for their passion and dedication. For the entire Reaton Food team, it is a great honour to be part of this shared story.
