Entries for the Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year are now open to Australian and New Zealand apprentice and junior chefs aged 16 to 24.
This year, participants have the chance to win their share of $38,000 in prizes, including a 14-day international culinary trip to Singapore and Thailand, valued at $12,000. The program will also give young chefs the chance to gain competitive experience, as well as access to mentoring and networking opportunities.
Over June and July, more than 150 young chefs are expected to compete in the metro and regional heats across Australia and New Zealand to determine the final 12 competitors.
The grand final will be held in September at Sydney’s Fine Food Australia, where the remaining chefs will go head-to-head in the final cook-off. The national winner will then be crowned the Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year at the industry awards dinner the following evening.
In addition to the Chef of the Year award, finalists will also have the chance to receive seven other awards, including Most Sustainable Practice and Best Dessert Dish.
This year will also see the introduction of a new Best Signature Dish award, to celebrate the diverse culinary backgrounds and personal styles of young chefs.
Founded in 1965, this year’s award marks the competition’s 60th anniversary. This year also marks five years since the competition expanded to New Zealand.
“Sixty years of the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award represents our unwavering commitment to nurturing young culinary talent and building a sustainable foodservice industry,” Nestlé Professional general manager Kristina Czepl said.
“So many alumni have gone to work in world-renowned restaurants, compete on international culinary stages, and establish their own groundbreaking careers.
“At Nestlé Professional, we are incredibly proud of what this competition has enabled and, as we enter this new chapter, we’re excited to see how this next generation of chefs will help redefine the industry.”
Entry is free and will close at 11:59pm AEST on 16 May, 2025. To enter or for more information, visit www.goldenchefs.com.au.