Showcase Your Talent in Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award!

Apr 02, 2024

In Partnership with Nestlé Professional Australia

Ready to fast track your culinary career? Enter Australia's longest running cooking competition, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, and unlock your dream job!

Now in its 59th year, this prestigious culinary competition offers a unique opportunity for young chefs to showcase their talent and gain industry recognition.

Open to chefs aged 16-24 years old*, enter online and create a short video to introduce yourself. Participants are guaranteed a place in the regional heats once they meet the eligibility criteria.

Compete in regional chef-to-chef cook-offs from May to July, aiming for a spot among the top 12 finalists from Australia and New Zealand. The grand final at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne (Sep 2-3, 2024) will see the finalists battle it out for over $30K in prizes.

Entry is open until Monday 6th May (11:59pm AEST).

Tips for Success:

1. Embrace the Opportunity: Seize the challenges and make the most of every moment.

2. Trust Your Skills: Let your talent shine with exceptional dishes.

3. Stay Calm and Focused: Deliver your best performance with composure and focus.

4. Enjoy the Moment: Celebrate, connect, and create cherished memories.

Over $30K in Prizes to be won*

Beyond the experience and career advancement opportunities, this year's competition offers amazing prizes at every stage.

Regional Finals 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, for the chef who demonstrates the most delicious use of Buondi Coffee Beans in their main or dessert courses. Prize is a KOI Knife valued at $295. There’s one up for grabs at each of the 12 regional finals.

Grand Finals Prizes:

The 2024 Golden Chef of the Year winner will receive a World Chef’s Congress 2024 travel and work experience in Singapore, valued at $10K.
Maggi Best Savoury Dish and Nestlé Docello Best Dessert Dish Award winners will receive $2,500 cash prizes each.
The Most Creative Use of a Nestlé Ingredient Award winner will receive a SOLIDTEKNICS AUS-INO™ package of their choice, valued at $1,200.
The Most Sustainable Practice Award winner will receive a set of 6 x KOI Knives valued at $1,295.
The Buondi All Rounder Award winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize for excelling in teamwork, support, communication, and positive contributions.

Don't miss this truly career-enhancing opportunity to witness your culinary journey unfold.
Entry is open until Monday 6 May (11:59pm AEST).

*Important information: Entry open to individuals who are AU or NZ residents working (current or recent) in the culinary industry or are a current culinary student and aged between 16-24 on 31 December 2024 (if <18 obtain parent/guardian permission). Registration opens 12:01am AEDT on 11 March 2024 and close at 11:59pm AEST on 6 May 2024. All eligible entrants will be invited to attend the Regional and Metro cook offs which will occur between May - July 2024. Twelve entrants (one per region) will be awarded with Regional and Metro cook off Prizes and invited to participate in the Grand Final cook-offs which will occur in Melbourne, between August 31–September 4, 2024 (date/location is subject to change). There are 6 prizes to be won during the Grand Final cook-offs. For full entry requirements, cook-off details, prize categories and inclusions see https://bit.ly/49PgrGO. Promoter is Nestlé Australia Ltd.