Vitaliy Voronchikhin

For me, geographic borders have never been obstacles—neither in life nor in creativity. I was born in the small town of Khotyn on the picturesque banks of the Dniester River, but I’ve always been open to different cultures and experiences.

Am I a traveler? Absolutely! I’m a culinary wanderer. I am Vitaly Voronchikhin, a BBQ chef, the official representative of Big Green Egg Grill in Moldova, and head chef at one of the most successful projects—Gastrobar.

My journey into cooking wasn’t extraordinary at first. I studied in school, then at an economics academy in Chișinău, and worked various jobs. But one day, I realized—I didn’t just want to do something, I wanted to create. I wanted to cook and share my passion with others. That’s when my path in gastronomy truly began.

I started as a pastry assistant in 2003, completely fascinated by everything—techniques, ingredients, plating. Over four years, I worked my way up to sous-chef. Within six months, I was confidently leading a kitchen on my own.

I don’t have a single favorite cuisine. I love the bold colors and natural flavors of Mediterranean dishes, the intricate spice combinations of Middle Eastern cuisine, and the smoky magic of American BBQ. My ultimate goal? A satisfied guest with a happy smile.

My biggest supporters are my family—my wife and two daughters. They are my most loyal taste-testers and, of course, my most biased critics. Outside the kitchen, my passion is cycling, and over time, I’ve even inspired my colleagues to join in. It’s amazing to share a journey—whether on a bike or in life—with those who ride at the same pace toward the same goal.