2026

fire&flavour

INTERNATIONAL BBQ FESTIVAL

June, 2026

Shamakhi, Azerbaijan

12-15

The second FIRE&FLAVOUR festival is almost here, bringing the art of grilling and rich culinary traditions of countries all around the world. Guests can enjoy smoky meats, unique spices, and Azerbaijani hospitality, along with cooking masterclasses, competitions, and live music. A true feast of fire, flavor, and fun!

FIRE&FLAVOUR IS HERE!

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

It’s a unique opportunity to explore and promote global cultures through diverse food pavilions, enhanced by captivating traditional art performances.

The highly anticipated global BBQ culinary journey and cultural exchange event.

OBJECTIVES AND CORE VALUES

Featuring a world-class lineup of renowned chefs from WACS and WBQA, hundreds of BBQ dishes from around the globe, and tens of thousands of food enthusiasts, this event has become the most anticipated annual culinary celebration.

More than just an exceptional BBQ dining experience for residents and visitors, it serves as a vibrant hub for culinary and cultural exchange.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

EXPERIENCE SPECTACULAR CULINARY SHOWS AND INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCES

THE BEST BBQ EXPERIENCE AND THE BIGGEST & MOST SPECTACULAR BBQ FESTIVAL IN AZERBAIJAN

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Culinary Journey Across Cultures: Indulge in a collection of BBQ specialties from unique zones representing different countries, featuring:

Traditional music and dance performances from various countries. Interactive cultural exchange sessions with embassies and international representatives

CULTURAL EXCHANGE SHOWCASE.

Fire Performances: Fire dancing, fire breathing, and pyro juggling

WONDER SHOWS.

Witness live BBQ cooking demonstrations by master chefs in an electrifying atmosphere.

LIVE COOKING SHOWS.

The Ultimate BBQ Experience: Savor the finest BBQ dishes crafted by top-tier chefs and BBQ experts from the World BBQ Association and World chefs.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCES

BBQ MASTERS' CHALLENGE

Watch masterclasses by renowned international chefs while enjoying:

• Exciting cultural performances
• World-class entertainment from global art troupes

Experience Spectacular Live Cooking Shows

Featuring BBQ specialties from:

• Azerbaijan
• Europe (Germany, France, Italy, etc.)
• The Americas (USA, Peru, etc.)

Pair your BBQ experience with Azerbaijan's finest wines.

A Grand Celebration of Grilled Delights

A professional BBQ competition featuring masters from:

• World BBQ Association
• Worldchefs (WACS)

The contest unites culinary teams of all levels, including:

• Semi-professional chefs
• Street food specialists

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

SEMI-PROFESSIONAL BBQ COMPETITION

Teams will compete live on our outdoor stage, where they'll:

• Receive provided ingredients and grilling equipment
• Prepare dishes before a panel of international judges
• Showcase their skills in a dynamic performance setting

Competition Format:

Expressing BBQ passion through heartfelt culinary creations

Theme:

Each team has 3-5 members

Team Composition:

Open to semi-professional chefs and amatuer cooks.

Participants:

For semi-professional chefs and the street chefs

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

ZONE 1 – ASIAN STYLE BBQ

• Popular Korean/Japanese street food:

⚬Squid cakes
⚬Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)

• Fire-kissed desserts:

⚬Blowtorched marshmallows
⚬Other flame-seared sweets

Menu Highlights:

• Teppanyaki table grills for yakitori and Korean marinated BBQ
• Live demonstrations of:

⚬Straw-grilled tuna/salmon (inspired by fishing village traditions)
⚬Flambé BBQ techniques using blowtorches (Korean night market style)

Featuring:

Fire Dance Culinary Concept:

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

ZONE 2 – AZERBAIJAN STYLE BBQ

Azerbaijani BBQ (mangal) is a beloved tradition of fire-grilled meats like lula (spiced minced lamb) and tika (cubed meat), marinated with pomegranate and herbs. Served with smoky vegetables and lavash bread, it embodies the country's rich culinary heritage.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

ZONE 3 – EUROPE

Featured highlights:

Redefined European cuisine with oversized versions of classic grilled dishes, challenging the traditional presentation of small, meticulously plated portions.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

ZONE 4 – AMERICA/LATIN AMERICA

Highlights two legendary grilling styles: Texas slow-smoked cowboy ribs and Brazilian churrasco's skewer-roasted meats. The Texas approach delivers deep wood-fired flavors through patient cooking, while churrasco offers dramatic tableside carving of spice-crusted cuts – together celebrating fire-cooking's global artistry.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

ZONE 5 – AFRICA

Discover the vibrant flavors of African open-fire cooking, featuring South African braai (wood-grilled meats), Moroccan spice-rubbed lamb, and West African suya (peppered skewers). Experience communal dining traditions where smoky meats meet bold spices like berbere and peri-peri, celebrating Africa's rich grilling heritage.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

CULINARY FIRE SHOW

International master chefs present captivating live grilling demonstrations that engage all senses - from aromatic smoke to explosive flavors. These performances showcase diverse global grilling techniques while allowing audiences to fully experience the art of fire cooking.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

CULTURE SHOW

Experience vibrant Azerbaijani traditions with classic folk dances and mugham music performances. The celebration continues with modern energy as a live cover band performs international hits, followed by a dynamic DJ set blending contemporary and ethnic beats for unforgettable festival nights.

FIRE&FLAVOUR 2026

SEE YOU ON JUNE 12-15

Shamakhi, Azerbaijan