{"id":308343,"date":"2025-08-01T04:35:17","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T04:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/308343\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T04:35:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T04:35:17","slug":"two-chefs-from-northern-ireland-in-final-of-irelands-next-top-chef","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/308343\/","title":{"rendered":"Two chefs from Northern Ireland in final of Ireland’s Next Top Chef"},"content":{"rendered":"

The competition was set up in 2023 to celebrate and support the next generation of culinary talentStephen Dowie, Executive Head Chef at La Taqueria, Belfast \u2013 finalist in Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef 2025.<\/p>\n

Two chefs from Northern Ireland are into the final of Ireland’s Next Top Chef 2025.<\/p>\n

Stephen Dowie of La Taqueria (Belfast) and Scott Mallett of Caf\u00e9 Zulu (Lisburn<\/a>) are into the final alongside Lauma Kilgas of Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa (Co. Roscommon), where all three will compete in front of a live audience.<\/p>\n

The Grand Finale will take place at The Balmoral Hotel in Belfast<\/a> on August 7, where the three finalists will put their skills and creativity to the test by creating a signature three-course menu designed to impress the world-class esteemed judging panel.<\/p>\n

READ MORE: Three Belfast spots named among best hotel restaurants in the UK<\/a>READ MORE: Popular restaurant announces new Belfast location<\/a><\/p>\n

Stephen Dowie, Executive Head Chef at La Taqueria in Belfast,<\/a> has built a reputation for his vibrant, modern take on authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for his ability to balance freshness and spice, his dishes promise bold flavours and striking presentation.<\/p>\n

Scott Mallett, Head Chef at Caf\u00e9 Zulu in Lisburn, fuses global influences with classic technique to create adventurous, flavour-packed dishes. Known for his commitment to quality ingredients and balanced textures, Scott\u2019s style is both comforting and contemporary.<\/p>\n

Lauma Kilgas, Senior Sous Chef at Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa, is known for her bold flavour pairings and elegant presentation. She brings a refined culinary approach, combining precision and imagination to create standout dishes that are flavourful and visually stunning.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s competition\u2019s judging panel includes Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath, Barcelona-based chef and sustainability advocate Sergi de Mei\u00e0 and acclaimed local food critic and broadcaster Joris Minne.<\/p>\n

Scott Mallett, Head Chef at Caf\u00e9 Zulu, Lisburn \u2013 finalist in Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef 2025.<\/p>\n

The winner of Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef 2025 will receive an all-expenses-paid mentorship at the two-star Michelin restaurant – Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London.<\/p>\n

The not-for-profit culinary competition, coordinated by the Balmoral Hotel, was established in 2023 with the aim of identifying, celebrating and supporting the next generation of culinary talent across the island of Ireland.<\/p>\n

Open to both professional chefs and ambitious home cooks, the competition offers a high-profile platform for aspiring culinary stars to showcase their skills, creativity, and passion in front of some of the most respected names in the industry.<\/p>\n

Contestants progress through a series of live knock-out stages, each designed to test their technical ability, originality and composure under pressure all in pursuit of a place in the Grand Finale and the chance to be crowned Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef.<\/p>\n

John Trainor, Chairperson of Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef, said: <\/strong>\u201cThis year\u2019s Grand Finale of Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef brings together three outstanding finalists, each offering something truly unique in style, story and skill.<\/p>\n

\u201cLauma, Stephen and Scott have impressed at every stage of the competition, demonstrating exceptional talent, creativity and discipline to earn their place in what promises to be a show-stopping finale.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom Lauma\u2019s refined artistry to Stephen\u2019s bold, modern flavours and Scott\u2019s globally inspired technique, the diversity of approaches reflects the incredible depth of culinary talent across the island of Ireland.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur judging panel is eager to experience their signature menus, and our guests can expect an evening full of drama, skill and unforgettable food.<\/p>\n

“Ireland\u2019s Next Top Chef is a celebration of food, ambition and emerging Irish talent. With gourmet dining, live judging and an electric atmosphere, the Grand Finale promises to be one of the most exciting nights on Ireland\u2019s culinary calendar.\u201d<\/p>\n

For more information on the 2025 Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition visit: www.irelandsnexttopchef.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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