Australian Professional Chef of the Year

32 chefs compete against the clock and each other to produce their two best dishes using featured ingredients, all in front of a live audience.

Register to Compete Be A Sponsor

Watch Australia's hottest chefs compete

Australian Professional Chef of the Year is one of the most prestigious and intense culinary competitions in the industry, where professional chefs push their creativity, skills, and ingenuity to the limit. This is the ultimate pressure test, as chefs are not only competing against one another but also racing against the clock in front of a live audience. The competition demands flawless technique and a deep understanding of flavor, as chefs must craft two exceptional dishes using a carefully selected set of featured ingredients.

The competition’s defining moment is the mystery box challenge, where the 32 finalists are presented with key ingredients and tasked with preparing four servings each of an entrée and a main dish. The challenge is to highlight the unique flavors of these ingredients while demonstrating culinary innovation. With every dish meticulously judged, the chefs are evaluated on taste, presentation, and overall execution. Points are awarded for visual appeal, flavor harmony, and technical mastery.

Chef of the Year represents the pinnacle of culinary excellence, attracting the best chefs from around the country. Only the most skilled and creative will rise to the top, earning not just recognition, but the coveted title of Chef of the Year.

Applications close Friday 18th April.

2025 Judges & Hosts

Glenn Flood

MC Global Hospitality Group

John McFadden

Head Judge Squizify

Beth Candy

Judge Hotel Sorrento

Jerry Mai

Judge Roll’d

Mark Normoyle

Judge Fonterra

Markus Werner

Judge Delaware North

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.