31 AUG - 3 SEP 2026 | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
As Australia’s longest-running culinary competition, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat remained committed to empowering the next generation of chefs.
This national program gave junior and apprentice chefs the chance to sharpen their skills, build confidence, and benchmark their talents in high-pressure, live cook-offs judged to globally recognised standards. More than a competition, it is a launchpad for apprentices, offering mentorship from culinary leaders and access to a national network of hospitality professionals.
The successful winners from the Regional & Metro Cook-Offs, competed at the Grand Final Cook-off, held in the ACF Culinary Challenge Arena at Fine Food Australia on Monday 8th & Tuesday 9th September 2025. The winner, Emily Morgan from New Zealand North Island, was announced at an Industry Awards Dinner on Wednesday 10th September
The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award will return in August 2026 in Melbourne, where you can watch the country’s most promising young chefs showcase their potential and shaped the future of food.
