WHY ENTER?
Australian Professional Chef of the Year is one of the industry’s toughest and most prestigious competitions, testing chefs’ creativity, skill, and precision under intense time pressure. Cooking live before an audience, competitors must showcase flawless technique and a deep understanding of flavour.
A highlight is the mystery box challenge, where 20 finalists receive a set of ingredients and must prepare four servings each of an entrée and main. Judges score taste, presentation, and execution — rewarding balance, visual appeal, and technical mastery.
Only the most innovative chefs rise to the top, earning national recognition and the coveted title of Chef of the Year.
Applications are now open for the 2026 competition, taking place at the Restaurant & Foodservice Show, ICC Sydney, 25–27 May
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The competition begins with 20 of Australia’s top chefs, selected to compete in a series of high-pressure heats.
Across each round, competitors will be tested on technical skill, creativity, precision and innovation under strict time constraints. Following each heat, chefs will be eliminated based on judges’ scores, narrowing the field as the stakes continue to rise.
Round by round, the competition intensifies until only one chef remains — crowned Australian Professional Chef of the Year.
2026 Judges & Hosts
2025 Australian Professional Chef of the Year is crowned!
Congratulations to Richmond Rodrigues, Executive Chef at Aanuka Beach House!
Finalists: Grant Parry from The Star Gold Coast, Antoine Potier from Restaurant Dan Arnold and Sam Smith from The Growers by Ponte
Chef of the Year: Expert tips from Glenn Flood on how to succeed
Whether you’re aspiring to earn a Michelin star or lead a kitchen brigade, entering Chef of the Year can be a game-changer. As a Chef of the Year Judge, Glenn Flood knows what it takes to compete in high-stakes competitions. He sat down with Bidfood to share his top tips for chefs looking to take out the top prize in the Chef of the Year and other cooking competitions.
Australian Professional Chef of the Year 2026 is proudly brought to you by
FAQs
Key Dates
Applications Close: 10th April, 2026
Competitors Notification: 17th April, 2026
Competition Dates: 25th-26th May, 2026, ICC Sydney
Prizes
- The Australian Professional Chef of the Year title and the trophy
- $6,000 in cash for the winner
- $500 cash for all heat winners
- A UNOX XFT133 Ariana Oven for the 4 finalists
How to Apply
Please fill out application form here
How it Works
Step 1 – Online Submission: Fill out the below entry form. Entries close 10 April.
Step 2 – Selection: Finalists announced 17 April.
Step 3 – Competition Time: Finalists compete at the show – 25 & 26 May.