The 2025 Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award

The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award exists to support emerging culinary talent by offering the next generation of chefs a platform to experience new experiences and advance their culinary careers.

The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award 2025

We are looking for young New Zealand chefs to enter the North Island and South Island regional finals.

Registrations opened on 17 March 2025 for the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award 2024, and young New Zealand and Australian chefs are being encouraged to get involved.
Now entering its 60th year, Golden Chefs is Australia’s longest running culinary competition for young chefs. For those who take part, it can be a unique career defining moment where participants are put to the test showcasing their skills and expertise for industry recognition.

Entry is open online until Monday 5 May at goldenchefs.com.au for New Zealand and Australian chefs aged 16-24 years, as of 31 December 2025. So long as they meet the eligibility criteria, they will be guaranteed a spot at the regional heats.
Cooking off in a competitive environment and going up against other top culinary talent is a valuable learning experience. Participating chefs also gain insights and feedback on their cooking skills from experienced judges who are accredited to global standards.

Last year, New Zealanders Joosje Bouman and Lilly Boles won their respective regional heats and went on to compete at the Grand Finals held at Fine Food Australia in Sydney.
Reflecting on their experiences, both Joosje and Lilly say the rewards gained from competing were invaluable. Regardless of experience level, they say that every aspiring chef has the opportunity to shine at the event. It also provides a platform for aspiring chefs to showcase their talents and really kickstart their culinary careers.
Passionate supporters of the competition, the two young chefs are now encouraging others to seize the opportunity and participate this year. They share their top tips for success in the hope that others will be inspired to enter and benefit from their experiences.

Tips for Success:
Embrace the Opportunity: Approach the competition with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Savour the challenges it presents and make the most of every moment of the journey.
Trust Your Skills: Have confidence in your culinary abilities and trust the skills you've honed along the way. Believe in yourself and your ability to create exceptional dishes that showcase your talent and creativity.
Stay Calm and Focused: Amidst the excitement and pressure of the competition, remember to stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths throughout, maintain your composure, and channel your energy into delivering your best performance.
Enjoy the Moment: Above all, remember to enjoy the experience. Celebrate your love for cooking, relish the camaraderie with fellow chefs, and cherish the memories you will create along the way.

To select the grand finalists for 2025, a series of regional heats will be held across New Zealand and Australia from May through to July. The winners of each heat will then go on to represent their regions in a cook-off culinary showdown at Fine Food Australia in (yet to be confirmed) in September.

Check out the amazing prizes on offer for the 2024 comp:
Regional Prizes:
 ✓ Solidteknics equipment package valued at $499 and a KOI Knife valued at $295 for each of the 12 regional winners.

• New this year is the Most Innovative Use of Coffee Award. Presented to the chef who has demonstrated the most delicious use of Buondi Coffee Beans in their main or dessert courses – the prize is a KOI Knife valued at $295. There’s one up for grabs at each of the 12 regional finals.

Grand Finals Prize Package:
✓ The 2024 Golden Chef of the Year winner will receive a ticket to The Young Chefs Forum at the World Chef’s Congress 2024, 20-25 October travel and work experience in Singapore – valued at $10K.
✓ Maggi Best Savoury Dish and Nestlé Docello Best Dessert Dish Award – $2,500K cash prizes for the winners.
✓ Most Creative Use of a Nestlé Ingredient Award – a SOLIDTEKNICS AUS-INO™ package of the winner’s choice, valued at $1,200.
✓ Most Sustainable Practice Award – Set of 6 x KOI Knives valued at $1,295
✓ Buondi All Rounder Award – $1,000 cash prize for the chef who excels in working harmoniously with the team, actively supports others, communicates effectively, and contributes positively to the team's performance and dynamics.
Nestlé Golden Chef’s is a truly career enhancing opportunity to put yourself out there and see your culinary journey unfold.
Entry is open until Monday 6 May (11:59pm AEST). Register online today at goldenchefs.com.au
Stay up to date on Facebook @goldenchefs and Instagram @golden_chefs

Event Partners:
The Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award proudly partners with the Australian Culinary Federation and NZ Chefs who share our vision in being dedicated to the development of young chef talent. The Australian Culinary Federation and NZ Chefs are professional industry associations and the national representatives of WorldChefs in Australia & New Zealand.