Ana Roš of Hiša Franko in Kobarid, Slovenia, has been named The World’s Best Female Chef 2017 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Ana will be presented with the honour at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony which will be held at the historic Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on April 5, 2017.

Accepting the prestigious accolade, Roš said: “The award came as a surprise to me. It is a big responsibility to accept this award, especially as a self-taught cook, but the recognition provides an opportunity for people to reassess Slovenia as an interesting gastronomic destination.”

Ana is the seventh recipient of the award following in the footsteps of other notable female chefs in holding this prestigious title, including Dominique Crenn in 2016,  Hélène Darroze in 2015, Helena Rizzo in 2014, Elena Arzak in 2013, Nadia Santini in 2012 and Anne-Sophie Pic in 2011.

William Drew, Group Editor of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, said: “Ana Roš is a very worthy recipient of this year’s World’s Best Female Chef honour. Her precision, attention to detail and imagination distinguish her as a true leader in global gastronomy. Her passion for local ingredients, her investment in people and her commitment to elevating the culinary arts in her native Slovenia make her an inspirational role model.”

Roš is a self taught chef who grew up influenced by the cuisines of Slovenia’s neighbouring countries – Italy, Hungary, Austria and Croatia. At Hiša Franko, Roš draws inspiration from Slovenia’s culinary heritage and ingredients, adding audacious, surprising twists to traditional dishes. Housed in an historic 1860 building, Hiša Franko is a family business with Roš working alongside her sommelier husband, Valter. Together they present an innovative, inviting dining experience that evokes the warmth and hospitality of a private residence. 

A former national ski champion, Roš originally pursued a career in the diplomatic corps. In 2000, however, she and Valter took ownership of Hiša Franko from Valter’s father, prompting Roš to begin her gastronomic journey. While honing her culinary skills, Roš discovered the exceptional quality and diversity of Soča Valley produce. Building on this foundation, Roš developed a sophisticated, seasonal menu that highlights the freshness of local ingredients and introduces gourmands to the traditions of her native cuisine.

The 44-year-old chef has travelled to India to mentor underprivileged girls, taught recovering addicts how to cook and hosts an annual event for local children in her kitchen to demonstrate the simple pleasures of baking bread. Her participation in global culinary events and congresses has raised her profile, further boosted by her featuring in the acclaimed Netflix series, Chef’s Table.

The World’s Best Female Chef Award is voted for by almost 1,000 international restaurant industry experts and well-travelled gourmets who make up The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The Academy comprises 26 separate regions around the world, each of which has 40 members, including a chairperson. None of the event’s sponsors have any influence over the voting process.

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