Meet David Forsman Törnquist, selected for the Swedish Culinary Team

Hi David! You’re now officially part of the Culinary Team Sweden’s roster, and next year it’s time for the Culinary World Cup 2026 in Luxembourg. How does it feel, and have you been there before?
This will be my first time competing in a World Championship, which is really exciting. I was part of the team for the Culinary Olympics in 2024, but now being in for the full journey feels thrilling. With the experience of competing with the team last time and having Årets Kock under my belt, I feel pretty confident. It’s an incredible honor to be part of the team – you have a deep respect for the responsibility. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new colleagues in the industry and make international connections. You learn a lot about yourself and get tremendous opportunities for personal growth.

Then it’s the Olympics in Stuttgart in 2028 – are you familiar with Stuttgart?
Yes, since the 2024 Olympics were held in Stuttgart, I’ve been there before. But during competitions, you don’t really have time to experience the city – it’s all about the contest. I did enjoy a nice schnitzel in town after we had finished competing last time.

How does the team feel?
It feels really good! It’s a wonderful and skilled group with a lot of talent. It also feels very reassuring with captains Desirée Jaks and Emil Persson – I know both of them well from previous years in the team.

How did you get into competing with the Swedish Culinary Team?
I’ve always tried to find things that challenge and help me grow, but I was also looking for something different to do in the industry – something that wasn’t just a regular job. That’s when I applied to Årets Kock. After Årets Kock in 2022, I started noticing the national team, and shortly after they were looking for new members. I thought it sounded exciting to compete and grow as part of a team.

Do you have any anecdotes from previous competitions that you’d like to share?
One fond memory I keep close is when our team traveled to Gotland to visit some of the farmers and producers who make what we do in the team and at Nour possible. It turned out to be a very powerful trip.

Finally – since 2008, the team has won 2 golds, 4 silvers, and 1 bronze. Is it time for gold this year?
I think so. It’s definitely time for gold. That’s what this is all about.

Thanks, David!