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<\/p>\nSince launching more than 60 years ago, thousands of emerging chefs have built skills to help them thrive in modern kitchens through Australia\u2019s longest running culinary competition. <\/p>\n
That competition \u2013 the Nestl\u00e9\u00a0Golden Chef\u2019s Hat Award \u2013 has just opened entries for 2026, inviting the next wave of young chefs from Australia and New Zealand to step forward.<\/p>\n
The competition sets out to create a pathway for\u00a0young chefs to gain hands-on experience and build connections within the industry, supported by Nestl\u00e9 Professional, Australian Culinary Foundation (ACF), and\u00a0NZChefs.<\/p>\n
Nestl\u00e9 Professional General Manager Kristina\u00a0Czepl\u00a0says chef and skill shortages remain one of the industry\u2019s biggest challenges.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Nestl\u00e9 Golden Chef\u2019s Hat Award gives young chefs the confidence, capability, and connections to thrive and in turn, helps to shape a stronger, more sustainable future for foodservice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Tom Hitchcock, head chef at\u00a0Sunshine Coast\u2019s award-winning Spirit House and 2017-2018 Golden Chef\u2019s Hat finalist, says competitions like these are\u00a0game changers for young chefs who are ready to push themselves and take their careers to the next level.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis program was a fantastic launchpad for me, and I\u2019m incredibly proud to now give back by mentoring young chefs and encouraging the rising stars of Spirit House to make the most of this unique opportunity.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The competition\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Entry is free and open to apprentice and junior chefs aged 18-24. Competitors\u00a0will have the opportunity to win a share of $28,000 in prizes, with the grand prize including a seven day international culinary trip to Singapore, valued at $10,000.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Regional and metro cook-offs will run from June to July in\u00a0Auckland, Grafton, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Christchurch, Melbourne, Sydney, Darwin, Launceston, and Brisbane. More than\u00a0300 chefs are expected to enter in a bid to secure one of 11 regional finalist spots.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Grand Final will be held at Melbourne\u2019s Fine Food Australia in September, where finalists will cook in front of a live audience for the\u00a0Nestl\u00e9 Golden Chef of the Year title, with the winner announced at an industry awards dinner.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Nestl\u00e9 Golden Chef of the Year 2025 Winner Emily Morgan<\/p>\n
The competition goes beyond simply recognising culinary skills.\u00a0For a third-year running,\u00a0The Burnt Chef Project returns as a partner, helping\u00a0young chefs access mental health resources and practical support.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nestl\u00e9 Professional will also continue its work with the National Indigenous Culinary Institute (NICI), which supports\u00a0mentorship,\u00a0training,\u00a0and skills development that create meaningful career pathways for indigenous chefs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2026 program includes a line-up of\u00a0returning partners, including Rare Medium (MLA Foodservice Division), Koi Knives,\u00a0Solidteknics, and Nestl\u00e9 Professional\u2019s brands Maggi,\u00a0Buitoni, and Nestl\u00e9\u00a0Docello.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Entries are now open and\u00a0close at 11:59pm AEST on May 15 2026. Visit\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0to find out more.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For exclusive hospitality news every Tuesday and Thursday, subscribe\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0or follow us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n