COMPETITION INFORMATION
Entries for the 2025 Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award have now closed! Register your interest for competing in 2026 here.
Who Can Enter?
Apprentice and junior chefs, who are:
- Australian or New Zealand residents or a holder of a valid visa during the competition period (16 May – 11 September, 2025).
- Aged from 16 and under 25 years on 31st December 2025.
- A culinary student or currently employed (or recently employed within past 12 months) in a culinary profession (e.g., chef, cook, apprentice) and have the consent of their employer prior to entering.
Regional & Metro Cook–offs
The first phase of the competition is the Regional & Metro Cook-Offs (Round 2), see below for dates and locations. Each chef will prepare and present in 2.5 hours, two covers of each course: Main (Hot: Protein with appropriate accompaniments) and Dessert (Hot or cold).
The dishes will be judged to globally recognised standards with the opportunity to win medals at each stage.
