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GOLDEN CHEF'S HAT AWARD COMPETITION PRIZES

Regional and Metro Cook–offs

Regional Winner – Sponsored by SOLIDTEKNICS and

Koi Knives

The top scoring chef of the regional final will proceed to the Grand Final cook-off in Sydney. Regional winners will be provided with air fares, transfers, accommodation & F&B for the event. They will also be provided with all ingredients & uniform for the competition.

Each regional winner will also win a kitchen equipment prize, courtesy of SOLIDTEKNICS valued at $519AUD each.

Plus a beautiful Damascus Gyuto Chefs knife engraved with the Golden Chef's 60th anniversary logo from KOI Knives valued at $295AUD.

 

Award: Best Signature Dish – Sponsored by Robot–Coupe (NEW for 2025)

Awarded to the chef who presents the most impressive signature dish that reflects their personal style, ethnicity and culinary philosophy.

Prize is a Robot-Coupe equipment voucher valued at approx. $500AUD of winner’s choice.

 

Regional Prize

(Optional) Award: The Sustainable Practice Award – Sponsored by Rare Medium (MLA)

All participating chefs in the Regional and Metro Cook-offs have the opportunity to win the Sustainable Practice Award, sponsored by Rare Medium (MLA). The winning chef will receive a prize package featuring 6 KOI Knives valued at $1,295AUD, 1 x knife block valued at $195AUD and a custom-made knife wrap personalised with winner’s name valued at $500AUD. Total prize value is $1,990AUD.

To enter, chefs will need to submit a short, maximum 90 seconds video, showcasing an innovative sustainable practice or idea implemented in their workplace. Entries close at 11.59pm AEST on August 16, 2025. For more information on how to enter, click here

 

Grand Final

Regional winners qualifying for the Grand Final will be provided with air fares, transfers, accommodation & F&B for the event. They will also be provided with all ingredients & uniform for the competition.

While winning the prestigious Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award competition is the ultimate accolade, we believe that putting yourself up to the test and pushing yourself to be a better chef is a valuable experience in itself!

 

Award: Golden Chef of the Year – Sponsored by

Nestlé Professional

The chef with the highest points in the Grand Final Cook-offs will be crowned the Golden Chef of the Year. They will receive an exclusive 14-day international travel prize package to Singapore and Thailand, valued at $12,000AUD which includes $1,000AUD spending money. Prize also includes work experience at a renowned restaurant.

The Major Prize package consists of:

  • Return economy flights from the entrants nearest capital city to the international culinary experience destination;
  • Return transfers between the airport and their accommodation
  • 14 nights’ 4 star accommodation
  • Minimum one opportunity to gain an international culinary work experience exact location to be advised
  • $1,000AUD spending money transferred via bank transfer to the Winner’s bank account)

Note: Above itinerary is subject to change and will be advised closer to the travel date.

Main Prize

Award: Best Signature Dish – Sponsored by Robot–Coupe (NEW for 2025)

Awarded to the chef who presents the most impressive signature dish that reflects their personal style, ethnicity and culinary philosophy.

Grand Final Prize is a Robot-Coupe equipment voucher valued at approx. $1500AUD of winner’s choice.


Award: Most Creative Use of Nestlé Product – Sponsored by SOLIDTEKNICS

The chef that has demonstrated most innovative and creative use of Nestlé products in their course presentations They will receive a prize package worth $1,200AUD, including a SOLIDTEKNICS AUS-ION™ package of their choice.


Award: MAGGI Best Savoury Dish – Sponsored by MAGGI Professional

The chef who earns the highest points for their outstanding entrée or main course will be recognized as the winner of the Best Savoury Dish award. They will receive a cash prize of $2,500AUD.
 

Award: Nestlé DOCELLO Best Dessert Dish – Sponsored by Nestlé DOCELLO

The chef who achieves the highest points for their dessert will be celebrated as the winner of the Best Dessert Dish award. They will receive a cash prize of $2,500AUD.
 

Award: BUONDI All Rounder – Sponsored by BUONDI

The chef who excels in teamwork, support, communication, and positively contributes to the team's performance and dynamics will be recognised as the winner of the BUONDI All Rounder Award. They will receive a cash prize of $1,000AUD.