Today’s TV Home Cook is a nationwide search to find Ireland’s next standout home cook.
Eight contestants from across the country have been selected and mentored by Trisha Lewis as they take on a series of cooking challenges in a professional TV kitchen for the very first time.
There are no judges — the competition is decided entirely by the public.
The cooks begin with a pre-recorded signature dish, followed by interviews where viewers get to know their stories and cooking style. As the competition progresses, they move into live semi-final cook-offs, before two finalists face off in a live grand final.
Each stage brings them closer to the title of Today’s TV Home Cook 2026 — but only your vote decides who stays in the competition.
RTÉ competition & voting standard terms & conditions apply
You can watch all the videos from Today’s TV Home Cook Competition on the RTÉ Players YouTube channel here.
Please scroll to the end of the page to register your votes. Voting opens at 4pm on 14th May 2026 and closes at 6pm on May 18th 2026.
TV HOME COOK – VOTING PROFILES
1. Margaret Leahy – Connemara
Margaret is a Connemara-based tour operator and passionate farm-to-table cook.
She uses seasonal Irish produce from her garden and local suppliers, focusing on simple dishes that let ingredients shine.
Her cooking celebrates Irish food, seasonality and tradition.
First Cook: Dillisk Scones with Wild Garlic Pesto
Style: Seasonal, Irish, farm-to-table
Semi-Final Dish: Fish Pie with Nettle Champ with a salad of local leaves
2. Dee Freney – Mayo
Dee is an adult educator from Mayo who specialises in creative gluten-free home cooking.
Kind, caring and fun, she cooks to make sure everyone at her table feels included. Her food is comforting, thoughtful and full of flavour.
Her gluten-free Sunday roast and baking are family favourites.
First Cook: Chocolate Brownies with Raspberry Coulis
Style: Gluten-free, comforting, inclusive
Semi-Final Dish: Gluten Free Hot Honey Salmon with Garlic Tender stem
3. Aoife Cheung – Galway
Aoife is a Galway-based office manager and business owner who blends Asian and Irish flavours in her cooking.
She is fun, thoughtful and ambitious, with a strong focus on food that brings people together. Her dishes are bold, vibrant and designed for sharing.
Her signature dumplings with homemade chilli sauce are a standout favourite.
First Cook: Crispy Hoisin Duck Delights
Style: Bold fusion, vibrant flavours
Semi-Final Dish: Chilli Crunch Pork Belly Baguette with Miso Aubergine and Pickles
4. Rosaria Manchese – Cork / Italy
Rosaria is originally from Puglia, Italy and now lives in Monkstown, Cork, working as a family support worker.
She cooks intuitive, comforting Italian food using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Food is central to her culture, family life and sense of connection.
Her slow-cooked ragù is a true reflection of her cooking style.
First Cook: Sausage & Broccoli Orecchiette
Style: Authentic Italian, comforting, soulful
Semi-Final Dish: Baked Gnocchi with Pork & Butternut Squash
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