Today we spoke with our new friend the Chef Hugues, he is originally from Canada, but after years of work and travel in many countries, he decided to stay in Bulgaria with one mission, teach and form the new generation of Bulgarian chefs and help to recover the identity of the traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
Name and nationality:
Hugues Boutin, Canadian
Tell us a bit about you and what you do:
I’m a professional Chef and since September Program Director & Head Chef Instructor at the Culinary Arts Institute in Varna.
Why and when did you come to Bulgaria?
I first came to Bulgaria in 2014 to work at the HRC Culinary Academy in Sofia, and in 2018 I moved to Varna to take the opportunity to become Program Director and Head Chef Instructor at CAI.
What do you like about Canada?
Canada is a great country, and I love it (I even have many tattoos with Canadian motives), we are open-minded people, probably because of the emigration and that we speak 2 different languages in one country, that forces us to be more tolerant. And I always remember with nostalgia the Montreal bagels, they are delicious.
There you have an excellent health care system and education, which is a big plus compared with other countries.
What are some differences between your country and Bulgaria?
I have to say that both countries are Bureaucratic, but so far the Bulgarian bureaucracy seems to work a bit better than the Canadian one, we have lots of problems there to get permissions, many backs and forward with institutions let alone that many things are required to be in English and French language with some specific and strict rules.
What do you like about Bulgaria?
There are many things that I love in Bulgaria, I love the people, the rich history of more than 2000 years.
I also enjoy that it’s close to many other amazing places in Europe, that I can discover and travel even if I have just a few days off, in contrast with Canada which is a vast country where everything is quite far away.
As Chef, for me, it is very important to take advantage of the fresh food and vegetables that are grown in Bulgaria, where every season has their unique charm and ingredients.
What was the most difficult bureaucratic procedure you have undergone so far in Bulgaria?
My problems are related to visas, and working permissions, it was complicated at the beginning to get all that done, took me a long time to set up everything, even the first time I travel to Bulgaria I had to come with tourist visa since the other permissions where taking too long to be ready and classes were going to start!
Mention one crucial experience you’ve had in Bulgaria :
In Bulgaria, I break up with my last girlfriend and it was a tough situation in a new country, and for some time I felt a bit isolated but was good that I have great Bulgarian friends, and eventually I moved forward and continued enjoying this fantastic experience.
What languages do you speak other than your mother tongue?
I’m fluent in English, French and Spanish, also understand German, technical cooking Italian and some Portuguese. and of course, trying to learn Bulgarian
What countries have you been to?
I have been in many countries since I left Montreal in 1998, I live in Mexico for 10 years, and I have been working and travelling in others, to name a few: Martinique, Cuba, Malaysia, Spain, Czech Republic, Australia, USA, San Martin and the Bahamas.
How is your life going?
It’s going great, I feel at peace and happy to be where I am now, and developing a new step in my culinary career.
I’m trying to teach what I know to the new generations of Bulgarian chefs, but not just about food or kitchen management, also to respect for women in work, and to cook taking into consideration the sustainability of the process, and of course promoting local Bulgarian cuisine.
What advice would you give to other people who would like to come to live in Bulgaria?
My advice will be if you are thinking to come to Bulgaria, pack your bag, buy your ticket and don’t think it twice.
Bulgaria is a great country with friendly people that hide behind those serious faces.
And is a country where many things are changing, and that means opportunities for the ones that are ready to take the chance!
