The 2025 Nestlé 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.



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.