31 Aug - 3 Sep 2026 | MCEC Melbourne
Across four action-packed days at Fine Food Australia 2025, chefs, trainees, and apprentices went head-to-head in live competitions that celebrated both emerging talent and professional mastery.
Proudly presented by the Australian Culinary Federation and ACF NSW ACT & Regions, this event is dedicated to promoting culinary excellence and providing a world-class competitive environment for chefs at every stage of their journey.
This prestigious program put Australia’s brightest culinary talent in the spotlight – competing against the clock and judged by accredited ACF professionals. This year’s exciting lineup included:
• ACF National Apprentice Competition
• ACF Most Outstanding Chef
• ACF Team Challenges
• Nestlé Golden Chefs Hat Award Final Series
More than just a contest, it was a showcase of potential and a celebration of the future of food. With a purpose-built competition arena and dedicated chef’s lounge for networking, the ACF Culinary Challenge was a must-see for anyone passionate about the craft of cooking. Subscribe here to keep up to date with the details of the next edition.
Monday 8th September
7.30am Sweet Buffet Centrepieces
Petit Fours & Pralines
7.30 – 2pm Nestle Golden Chefs Hat Award
10am – 5pm Individual Live Challenges
11am Static Medal Presentations
1pm – 5pm TB
Tuesday 9th September
7.30am Sugar Paste Cakes
Wacky Cakes
7.30 – 2pm Nestle Golden Chefs Hat Award
11am Static Medal Presentations
2.30pm – 5pm Street Food Challenge
Wednesday 10th September
7.30am 4 different Desserts
Torte or Gateaux for 8
11am Static Medal Presentations
10am – 5pm Team Challenge Competition
National Apprentice Competition
9am – 11am 1st Year Apprentice Cooks
11am – 2pm 2nd Year Apprentice Cooks
2pm-5pm Culinary Students
1pm NAC 1st Year Medal Presentation
3pm NAC 2nd Year Medal Presentation
5pm Team Challenge Medal Presentation
NAC Culinary Student Medal Presentation
Thursday 11th September
8am – 1pm Yum Cha Challenge
8am – 1pm National Apprentice Competition Final Year Apprentice Cooks
2pm Awards Presentation (Chefs Lounge TBC)
