Introduction – Chef Ana Roš and the Rise of Slovenian Cuisine
In the world of fine dining, certain chefs go beyond cooking—they become ambassadors of culture, identity, and innovation. Chef Ana Roš, internationally also known as Chef Ana Ros, is one such culinary visionary. As the chef-owner of Hiša Franko in Kobarid, Slovenia, she has transformed a small countryside inn into a three-Michelin-starred restaurant recognized among the best in the world.
Her story is extraordinary because, unlike many celebrated chefs, Ana never attended culinary school. Instead, she began as a professional skier and later pursued diplomatic studies, preparing for a career in international relations. But life took a different turn. Through a mix of passion, determination, and curiosity, she reinvented herself as a chef and went on to become one of the most influential women in global gastronomy.
Chef Ana Roš is celebrated for her nature-driven cooking philosophy, her ability to reinvent Slovenian food traditions, and her role in making Slovenia a destination for global food lovers. With her phrase “forever curious mind,” she sums up her approach to food, life, and creativity.
Her restaurant Hiša Franko has earned its place not only in the Michelin Guide but also on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Ana Roš was also named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2017, further cementing her legacy as one of the defining chefs of her generation.
🔗 Hiša Franko Official Website
🔗 Michelin Guide
🔗 World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Early Life of Ana Roš – From Sports to Diplomacy
Born in Slovenia, Ana Roš grew up in a household where sports and education played central roles. From a young age, she showed immense promise in skiing, eventually competing professionally. Skiing taught her discipline, focus, and resilience—traits that would later become essential in her culinary career.
Despite her athletic background, Ana pursued a completely different path after sports. She studied international relations and diplomacy, planning a future in the world of politics and global affairs. She envisioned herself working in embassies, negotiating treaties, and representing Slovenia abroad.
But her life changed when she met Valter Kramar, her future partner. Valter’s family owned Hiša Franko, a countryside inn and restaurant in the Soča Valley. Through him, Ana was introduced to the hospitality world. At first, she became involved casually, but over time, her innate curiosity drew her into the kitchen.
With no formal culinary training, she began experimenting, learning, and shaping her unique style. What could have been a short detour became her life’s calling. Ana Roš had found her stage—not in politics, but in the kitchen, where she could represent Slovenia through flavors instead of speeches.
Reinventing Herself as a Chef – The Courage of Ana Roš
The transition from diplomat-to-be to chef was not easy. Unlike peers who trained in Paris, London, or New York, Ana started with no culinary foundation. But her fearlessness and curiosity pushed her forward.
She devoured cookbooks, studied techniques, and experimented relentlessly. Her early years at Hiša Franko were marked by challenges. She had to build credibility in a male-dominated field while also convincing locals and critics that her style of food—deeply Slovenian, yet modern and innovative—deserved recognition.
Her resilience paid off. Slowly, she began crafting a cuisine that was entirely her own. Instead of imitating French or Italian fine dining, she drew from Slovenia’s rivers, forests, mountains, and farms. Her food began to tell stories of Slovenian identity, and diners started to notice.
Hiša Franko – A Culinary Landmark in Slovenia
Hiša Franko, the restaurant in Kobarid, Slovenia, became the canvas for Ana Roš’s creativity. Originally a countryside inn, under her leadership it transformed into a global culinary destination.
Hiša Franko’s success rests on several foundations:
- Nature-Driven Cuisine: Wild herbs, flowers, and foraged ingredients from Slovenia’s landscapes.
- Local Partnerships: Collaborations with local farmers, cheesemakers, and fishermen.
- Seasonal Menus: Dishes that evolve with the rhythm of the seasons.
- Sustainability: A commitment to eco-conscious cooking, reducing waste, and protecting local ecosystems.
- Artistic Innovation: Modern plating and creative flavor pairings rooted in tradition.
Guests at Hiša Franko don’t just eat—they experience Slovenia through flavors. Every dish reflects the soul of the Soča Valley, making the restaurant a cultural ambassador for the nation.
In 2020, Hiša Franko was awarded its first two Michelin stars, and by 2023 it achieved the ultimate honor of three Michelin stars. This recognition placed Hiša Franko among the world’s culinary elite.
Culinary Philosophy of Chef Ana Roš – Curiosity Meets Nature
Ana Roš’s philosophy of food is a reflection of her personality—curious, fearless, and deeply connected to nature.
She describes herself as a “forever curious mind”, always exploring and experimenting. For her, cooking is not just about feeding people—it is about telling stories, creating memories, and connecting diners to landscapes and traditions.
Her philosophy includes:
- Curiosity as Creativity: Pushing boundaries with new flavors.
- Nature as Teacher: Using ingredients foraged from forests, rivers, and fields.
- Emotion as Ingredient: Creating dishes that evoke memories and feelings.
- Balance as Practice: Integrating her role as chef and mother into her philosophy of nurturing through food.
This approach has made her one of the most innovative chefs in the world, blending Slovenian roots with global creativity.
Global Recognition – Michelin Stars and Awards
Chef Ana Roš is now one of the most recognized chefs globally. Her journey has been marked by some of the highest honors in the culinary world:
- Michelin Guide Recognition: Hiša Franko holds three Michelin stars, making it one of the most prestigious restaurants in Europe.
- World’s 50 Best Restaurants: Hiša Franko regularly ranks on this list, drawing international food tourism to Slovenia.
- World’s Best Female Chef (2017): Awarded by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
- Netflix Chef’s Table: Her episode introduced millions worldwide to her story, expanding her global influence.
🔗 World’s Best Female Chef – Ana Roš
These accolades have not only defined her career but have also transformed Slovenia into a culinary destination, inspiring chefs and diners alike.
Jaz by Ana Roš – A New Chapter
To expand her culinary vision beyond fine dining, Ana launched Jaz by Ana Roš, a creative venture that showcases her more approachable side. While Hiša Franko remains the pinnacle of her career, Jaz allows her to experiment, innovate, and reach a wider audience.
This project highlights her versatility—proving that Chef Ana Ros can excel not only in Michelin-starred gastronomy but also in casual, creative dining experiences.
Chef Ana Roš on Instagram – A Blend of Personal and Professional
Ana Roš’s Instagram handle, @anaros40, with over 78,000 followers, is a unique reflection of her identity.
Her posts include:
- 🌿 Nature-Driven Ingredients: Foraged herbs, flowers, and produce.
- 👩🍳 Behind-the-Scenes: Her kitchen team at Hiša Franko.
- 🤝 Personal Life: Moments with family, colleagues, and friends.
- 🍷 Professional Updates: Job openings, events, and announcements.
Her Instagram blends authenticity and professionalism, showing both the glamorous and the human side of being a Michelin-starred chef.
Chef Ana Roš and Women in Gastronomy
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Chef Ana Roš has broken barriers and inspired countless others. Her award as the World’s Best Female Chef brought global attention to women’s contributions in gastronomy.
She has become a mentor and role model, showing that women can succeed at the very highest levels while balancing family and personal life. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation of chefs worldwide.
Legacy – Chef Ana Roš as Slovenia’s Culinary Ambassador
Ana Roš’s legacy is already secure. She has:
- Elevated Slovenian cuisine to global recognition.
- Inspired women in gastronomy.
- Demonstrated the power of reinvention and resilience.
- Created a restaurant—Hiša Franko—that has become a cultural landmark.
Her future lies in continuing to push boundaries, mentor new talent, and ensure that Slovenia remains a central figure in the story of global gastronomy.
The Journey of Chef Ana Roš – From Skier to Michelin-Starred Visionary
The story of Chef Ana Roš, internationally also known as Chef Ana Ros, is one of the most inspiring journeys in modern gastronomy. Born in Slovenia, Ana’s early life was not connected to kitchens or culinary schools. Instead, she pursued sports at a professional level, becoming a competitive skier, before shifting her focus to international relations and diplomacy. She was destined for a career in embassies and politics, not fine dining.
Her life took a transformative turn when she met Valter Kramar, whose family owned Hiša Franko, a countryside inn in the Soča Valley. What started as curiosity soon became passion. With no formal culinary training, Ana stepped into the kitchen and began teaching herself through intuition, trial, and relentless experimentation. While many chefs followed the traditional route through classical schools and apprenticeships, Ana carved her own path—fueled by curiosity and courage.
Over the years, Ana reshaped Hiša Franko into one of the world’s most admired restaurants. Her food reflects the landscapes of Slovenia—wild herbs, foraged plants, local produce, and the rhythm of the seasons. Guided by her philosophy of being a “forever curious mind,” she created a cuisine that is deeply personal yet globally innovative.
Recognition followed. In 2017, she was named the World’s Best Female Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Her restaurant Hiša Franko now proudly holds three Michelin stars, placing Slovenia firmly on the global food map.
Today, Chef Ana Roš is not only a Michelin-starred chef but also a mentor, mother, and ambassador of Slovenian culture. Her journey proves that with passion and resilience, one can reinvent their destiny and inspire the world.
Conclusion – Chef Ana Roš and Her Ever-Curious Journey
From skier and diplomat-in-training to a three-Michelin-starred chef, Chef Ana Roš (Chef Ana Ros) has lived a life of reinvention, courage, and creativity. Her story is a reminder that the greatest journeys often begin where expectations end.
Hiša Franko remains her legacy, but her spirit of curiosity ensures that her influence will keep growing. Through her cooking, her leadership, and her storytelling, Ana Roš has become not just Slovenia’s greatest chef, but a global culinary icon.
Her journey proves that with curiosity, resilience, and passion, one can redefine not only a career but also an entire nation’s place in the culinary world.
- Hiša Franko
- Ana Roš Website
- Michelin Guide
- The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
- World’s Best Female Chef – Ana Roš
- Jaz by Ana Roš
- Chef Ana Roš Instagram
You must be logged in to post a comment.