Registrations Open for Golden Chefs Hat Awards Culinary Competition

Apr 01, 2024

Registrations Open for Golden Chefs Hat Awards Culinary Competition

In Partnership with Nestlé Professional New Zealand

Now entering its 59th year, Golden Chefs is Australia’s longest running culinary competition for young chefs. For those who take part, it can be a unique career defining moment where participants are put to the test showcasing their skills and expertise for industry recognition.

Entry is open online for New Zealand and Australian chefs aged 16-24 years, as of 31 December 2024. So long as they meet the eligibility criteria, they will be guaranteed a spot at the regional heats.

Registration is now open until Monday 6th May (11:59pm AEST).

Cooking off in a competitive environment and going up against other top culinary talent is a valuable learning experience. Participating chefs also gain insights and feedback on their cooking skills from experienced judges who are accredited to global standards.

Last year, New Zealanders Joosje Bouman and Lilly Boles won their respective regional heats and went on to compete at the Grand Finals held at Fine Food Australia in Sydney.

2023 Regional Heat Winner - Lilly Boles
2023 NZ Regional Heat Winner - Lilly Boles

Reflecting on their experiences, both Joosje and Lilly say the rewards gained from competing were invaluable. Regardless of experience level, they say that every aspiring chef has the opportunity to shine at the event. It also provides a platform for aspiring chefs to showcase their talents and really kickstart their culinary careers.

Passionate supporters of the competition, the two young chefs are now encouraging others to seize the opportunity and participate this year. They share their top tips for success in the hope that others will be inspired to enter and benefit from their experiences.

2023 NZ Regional Heat Winner- Joosje Bouman
2023 NZ Regional Heat Winner- Joosje Bouman

Tips for Success:

1. Embrace the Opportunity: Seize the challenges and make the most of every moment.

2. Trust Your Skills: Let your talent shine with exceptional dishes.

3. Stay Calm and Focused: Deliver your best performance with composure and focus.

4. Enjoy the Moment: Celebrate, connect, and create cherished memories.

To select the grand finalists for 2024, a series of regional heats will be held across New Zealand and Australia from May through to July. The winners of each heat will then go on to represent their regions in a cook-off culinary showdown at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne this September.

Over $30K in Prizes to be won*

Beyond the experience and career advancement opportunities, this year's competition offers amazing prizes at every stage.

 

Regional Finals Prizes:

  • Solidteknics equipment package valued at $499 and a KOI Knife valued at $295 for each of the 12 regional winners.
  • New this year is the Most Innovative Use of Coffee Award, for the chef who demonstrates the most delicious use of Buondi Coffee Beans in their main or dessert courses. Prize is a KOI Knife valued at $295. There’s one up for grabs at each of the 12 regional finals.

Grand Finals Prizes:

  • The 2024 Golden Chef of the Year winner will receive a World Chef’s Congress 2024 travel and work experience in Singapore, valued at $10K.
  • Maggi Best Savoury Dish and Nestlé Docello Best Dessert Dish Award winners will receive $2,500 cash prizes each.
  • The Most Creative Use of a Nestlé Ingredient Award winner will receive a SOLIDTEKNICS AUS-INO™ package of their choice, valued at $1,200.
  • The Most Sustainable Practice Award winner will receive a set of 6 x KOI Knives valued at $1,295.
  • The Buondi All Rounder Award winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize for excelling in teamwork, support, communication, and positive contributions.
     

Nestlé Golden Chef’s is a truly career enhancing opportunity to put yourself out there and see your culinary journey unfold.

Entry is open until Monday 6 May (11:59pm AEST).
Register online today

*Important information: Entry open to individuals who are AU or NZ residents working (current or recent) in the culinary industry or are a current culinary student and aged between 16-24 on 31 December 2024 (if <18 obtain parent/guardian permission). Registration opens 12:01am AEDT on 11 March 2024 and close at 11:59pm AEST on 6 May 2024. All eligible entrants will be invited to attend the Regional and Metro cook offs which will occur between May - July 2024. Twelve entrants (one per region) will be awarded with Regional and Metro cook off Prizes and invited to participate in the Grand Final cook-offs which will occur in Melbourne, between August 31–September 4, 2024 (date/location is subject to change). There are 6 prizes to be won during the Grand Final cook-offs. For full entry requirements, cook-off details, prize categories and inclusions see https://bit.ly/49PgrGO. Promoter is Nestlé Australia Ltd.


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