GOLDEN CHEF'S HAT AWARD COMPETITION PRIZES
Regional and Metro Cook–offs
Regional Winner – Sponsored by SOLIDTEKNICS
The top scoring chef of the regional final will proceed to the Grand Final cook-off in Sydney. Regional winners will be provided with air fares, transfers, accommodation & F&B for the event. They will also be provided with all ingredients & uniform for the competition.
Each regional winner will also win a kitchen equipment prize, courtesy of SOLIDTEKNICS valued at $500 AUD each.
Award: Best Signature Dish – Sponsored by KOI Knives (Optional)
Awarded to the chef who presents the most impressive signature dish that reflects their personal style, culture and culinary philosophy.
Prize is a KOI Knives Kitchen Chef Knife valued at approx. $295 AUD.
Award: Most Sustainable Approach Award (Optional)
All participating chefs in the Regional and Metro Cook-offs have the opportunity to win the Most Sustainable Approach Award. The winning chef will receive a cash prize valued at $1,000 AUD.
To enter, chefs will need to submit a short, maximum 90 seconds video, showcasing an innovative sustainable practice or idea implemented in their workplace. Entries close on 7 August 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. More details to come.
Grand Final
Regional winners qualifying for the Grand Final will be provided with air fares, transfers, accommodation & F&B for the event. They will also be provided with all ingredients & uniform for the competition.
While winning the prestigious Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award competition is the ultimate accolade, we believe that putting yourself up to the test and pushing yourself to be a better chef is a valuable experience in itself!
Award: Golden Chef of the Year – Sponsored by
Nestlé Professional
The chef with the highest points in the Grand Final Cook-offs will be crowned the Golden Chef of the Year. They will receive an exclusive 7-day international travel prize package to Singapore, valued at $10,000 AUD which includes $5,000 AUD spending money. Prize also includes work experience at a renowned restaurant.
The Major Prize package consists of:
- Return economy flights from the entrants nearest capital city to the international culinary experience destination;
- Return transfers between the airport and their accommodation
- 7 nights’ 4 star accommodation
- Minimum one opportunity to gain an international culinary work experience exact location to be advised
- $5,000 AUD spending money transferred via bank transfer to the Winner’s bank account)
Note: Above itinerary is subject to change and will be advised closer to the travel date.
Award: Best Signature Dish – Sponsored by Robot–Coupe (Mandatory)
Awarded to the chef who presents the most impressive signature dish that reflects their personal style, culture and culinary philosophy.
Grand Final Prize is 1 x set of 6 KOI Kitchen Knives valued at approx. $1,495 AUD and a knife block valued at $295 AUD.
Award: Most Creative Use of Nestlé Product – Sponsored by SOLIDTEKNICS
Awarded to the chef that has demonstrated most innovative and creative use of Nestlé products in their course presentations They will receive a SOLIDTEKNICS cookware package of their choice valued at $1,200 AUD.
Award: MAGGI Best Savoury Dish – Sponsored by MAGGI Professional
The chef who earns the highest points for their outstanding entrée or main course will be recognised as the winner of the Best Savoury Dish award. They will receive a cash prize of $2,500 AUD.
Award: Nestlé DOCELLO Best Dessert Dish – Sponsored by Nestlé DOCELLO
The chef who achieves the highest points for their dessert will be celebrated as the winner of the Best Dessert Dish award. They will receive a cash prize of $2,500 AUD.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRIZE SPONSORS
