Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award launches for 2024

Australia’s culinary competition for emerging chefs, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, has launched for 2024.

Aspiring junior chefs will have the opportunity to be crowned the Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year and win a 14-day international culinary experience in Singapore, valued at $10,000.

Since 1965, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award competition has provided a springboard for more than 8000 young chefs to advance their careers.

“For almost 60 years, Nestlé Professional has been committed to developing the careers and confidence of young chefs through the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award. Together with our partners, the Australian Culinary Foundation and NZChefs, we are proud to support the future of our hospitality leaders,” says Nestlé Executive Chef and Golden Chef judge, Elke Travers.

From May, more than 120 participants are expected to compete in metro and regional cook-offs across Australia and New Zealand, for only one contestant to be crowned the Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year. Entry is free with prizes at every stage.

In September, 12 finalists will battle it out at the Grand Final at Melbourne’s Fine Food Australia Expo. Held over two heats in front of a live audience, the national winner will be named the Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year at the awards ceremony the following day, with special industry guests in attendance.

This year, as part of Nestlé Professional’s commitment to supporting a thriving foodservice industry, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award will extend its support of young chefs through a new partnership with The Burnt Chef Project. This not-for-profit organisation provides education and resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of those working in the foodservice industry.

“We understand that the role of a chef can be demanding and stressful. Providing access to mental health support means that chefs have access to the resources and guidance they need to thrive both professionally and personally,” says Elke.

Entries for the Nestlé Golden Chef Hat Awards are now open and will close at 11:59pm on Monday 6 May 2024.

For more information or to register online visit, goldenchefs.com.au