Entries open for 2023 Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Award

The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is back for 2023 and looking for young chefs to get involved.  

As Australia’s longest running culinary competition for young chefs, now in its 58th year, this is a unique career making opportunity for participants to put their talent to the test and get industry recognition.

Entry is open to chefs aged 16-25 and so long as the eligibility criteria is met, they will be guaranteed a place to compete in the regional heats. Entry is online and takes less than 5 minutes.

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

Telina Menzies

Executive Chef at the Australian Venue Co, Telina Menzies competed three times in Golden Chef’s. “The competition opened a lot of doors for me, meeting like-minded people and networking is a win in itself. It really puts you on a stage to get noticed. I’m now managing a portfolio of over 50 venues across VIC, WA and regional NSW, so it’s fair to say that careers can be made by putting yourself out there and being driven to be the best chef you can be.” 

This year will see a series of regional heats being held right across Australia and New Zealand from May through July, to select the grand finalists of 2023. The top 12 talent will then represent their regions in a cook-off culinary showdown at Fine Food Australia in Sydney this September.

The experience and career advancing opportunities aside, this year has some amazing prizes to motivate at every stage.

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EUROPEAN PRIZE TRIP

After a three-year absence, we are excited to offer a two-week European culinary experience, valued at $10,000 (with $1,000 spending money) for the 2023 Golden Chef of the Year winner. The winner will join the Australian Culinary Olympics Junior Team at the IKA Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany. The unique experience will also include an opportunity to gain a culinary work experience stage in Europe. Plus to enhance their kitchen tool repertoire, the winner will also receive a bespoke set of beautifully crafted KOI Knives.

In addition to the ultimate Golden Chef of the Year award, two $2,500 cash prizes for Best Savoury Dish and Best Dessert Dish are on offer, as well as Most Creative and Most Sustainable award equipment packages to the value of $1,000 courtesy of SOLIDTEKNICS.

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

Entry is open until Friday 5th May (11:59pm AEST).

Register online now at goldenchefs.com.au

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