Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award cook-off is coming to Canberra to uncover culinary genius

Posted on 22 July, 2025

Canberra’s most talented young chefs are set to go head-to-head in this year’s culinary showdown, putting their own recipes to the test.

Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award cook-off is returning for its 60^th anniversary to continue to highlight emerging culinary talent from Canberra.

Aspiring chefs aged 16 to 24 will be competing at the Canberra Institute of Technology’s Woden campus. Each chef has two and a half hours to prepare and present two plates of a main course and a dessert to the judges. Prior to the cook-off, chefs must create and submit their own original recipes for the dishes, demonstrating their technical skills and creative flair.

Not only will the chefs be competing for the total prize pool of $38,000, but they will also have the opportunity to win the new Best Signature Dish Award – honouring the chef who presents the most impressive dish, reflecting their personal style and culinary philosophy.

If that’s not enough, the highest scoring Canberra chef will advance to the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award Grand Final at Sydney’s Fine Food Expo in September, to compete for the title of 2025 Golden Chef of the Year. This award has supported and helped launch the careers of some of Australia’s most respected chefs, who went on to push the boundaries of modern cuisine.

“Competing in the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award was a pivotal moment in my career. It gave me the confidence to push boundaries and the platform to connect with mentors who truly shaped my path,” says Executive Sous Chef of Doma Hotels and 2008 and 2010 national finalist, Keaton McDonnell.

“Opportunities like this, especially for young chefs in Canberra, can spark careers and create lifelong impact.”

Golden Chef of the Year, 2024 grand final.

Nestlé has hosted this competition for 60 years now, achieving all they set out to accomplish – providing young chefs with the opportunities for skill-building, mentorship and career advancement. This year, approximately 255 young chefs are expected to take part across June and July.

“True culinary innovation happens when every voice is heard, especially from our regional communities,” says Nestlé Professional’s Executive Chef and Commercial Development Chef, Elke Travers.

“Supporting young chefs from all corners of the country not only strengthens our industry, but also ensures a richer, more diverse future for the Australian hospitality industry.”

For more information, visit goldenchefs.com.au

Feature image: ACT 2024 Finalist, Deb Ridley, at NGCHA finals 2024.