If you love experimenting in the kitchen, dream of becoming a top chef, or want to turn your culinary passion into a career – this is the competition you need to know about.
🌟 What Is the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award?
The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is Australia’s longest-running culinary competition for young chefs. Celebrating 60 years in Australia and 5 years in New Zealand, it has helped launch the careers of more than 8,000 aspiring, young chefs!
This isn’t just a cooking competition; it is a platform to elevate young talent, help them build confidence, refine their skills, and connect with culinary leaders who can influence their career path.
It’s a high-energy, high-reward experience where young aspiring chefs compete in live cook-offs, create standout three-course meals, which are judged by top industry professionals. It’s a chance to:
- Show off your skills
- Learn from expert mentors
- Get noticed by the culinary world
- Connect with top chefs and industry pros
- Boost your profile and career potential
- Win amazing prizes
🧠 Could a Culinary Career Be Right for You?
If you:
- Have a passion for food and hospitality
- Love experimenting with flavours and ingredients
- Enjoy working with your hands and being creative
- Thrive under pressure and enjoy fast-paced environments
- Like solving problems and thinking on your feet
… then a career in the culinary world might be perfect for you! Chefs are artists, scientists, and storytellers all in one.
Whether you’re dreaming of opening your own restaurant, becoming a pastry wizard, or travelling the world through food – this industry offers endless possibilities.
🏆 Meet the 2025 Champion: Emily Morgan
This year’s winner was 20-year-old chef, Emily Morgan, from Auckland, New Zealand. Emily recently graduated from Auckland University of Technology and absolutely crushed it at the Grand Final in Sydney.
Her winning menu included:
- A vegetarian entrée with coffee-smoked baby beets and whipped ricotta
- A horopito spiced lamb rump with fig compote and lamb floss
- A Thai-inspired dessert with white chocolate mousse, mango jelly, and lemongrass meringue
Emily took home $15,700 AUD in prizes, including a culinary immersion trip to Singapore and Thailand, where she’ll:
- Cook alongside local chefs
- Explore regional ingredients and techniques
- Participate in hands-on workshops and cultural food tours
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will deepen her culinary knowledge and broaden her global perspective – an invaluable boost to her career.
🎓 Who Can Apply & How It Works
Entries for the 2026 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award will open in early 2026 – register your interest here.
The competition is open to apprentice and junior chefs* who are
- Australian or New Zealand residents or holder of a valid visa during the competition period
- Aged 16 to under 25 years as of 31 December 2026
- A culinary student, currently or recently employed in the past 12 months in a culinary profession such as chef, cook, apprentice.
*Terms & Conditions apply
Here’s how it works:
- Apply online at goldenchefs.com.au
- Compete in Regional & Metro Cook-Offs held across Australia and New Zealand.
- Regional winners advance to the Grand Final at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne.
- Compete for the Golden Chef of the Year title and in a share of an exciting prize pool!
✨ Why You Should Get Involved
This competition isn’t just about winning – it’s about growing as a chef.
Many past finalists have gone on to work in world-renowned restaurants, start their own businesses, and become leaders in the culinary world.
Whether you win or not, the journey itself is a powerful stepping stone.
Participants gain:
- Real-world experience in high-pressure, professional kitchens
- Mentorship from top industry leaders who provide guidance and feedback
- Networking opportunities with chefs, judges, and foodservice professionals
- Career-shaping exposure that can open doors to future roles and collaborations
- Recognition that sets you apart in a competitive industry
- Incredible prizes, including international travel and professional gear
🔗 Ready to Cook Up Your Future?
Visit goldenchefs.com.au to learn more, meet past winners, and find out how to apply.
📱 Follow us on Instagram @golden_chefs and Facebook @goldenchefs to stay up to date with what’s coming next year!
