The Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award 2025 launches, Territory’s cook-off to happen at CDU Darwin

Calling all aspiring, apprentice and junior chefs: If you’ve ever dreamt of basking yourself in culinary glory, now is your chance. Find out how to enter.

Apprentice chef Amelia Love accepting her prize in 2024 for claiming the Darwin cook-off of the Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award from NT Australian Culinary Federation President David Brown. Picture: Supplied

Calling all aspiring, apprentice and junior chefs in the Northern Territory: If you’ve ever dreamt of basking yourself in culinary glory, now is your chance.

The Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award (NGCHA), open to Australian and New Zealand apprentice and junior chefs aged 16 to 24, is making its return yet again this year, marking its 60th anniversary.

The competition brings the opportunity for our top young chefs to showcase their culinary talent and win global exposure.

Entry for the event is free and participants have the chance to win a share of $38,000 in prizes, including a two-week trip to Singapore and Thailand, valued at $12,000.

Archer Houghton won the 2024 Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award. Picture: Supplied

In June and July, more than 150 young chefs are expected to compete in the metro and regional heats across Australia and New Zealand to determine the final 12 competitors.

The Territory’s cook-off will take place at Charles Darwin University in Darwin on June 24, with the winner locking their place in the grand final event.

The grand final will be held in September at Sydney’s Fine Food Australia, where the remaining chefs will go head-to-head in the final cook-off.

The competition’s winner will then be crowned the Nestle Golden Chef of the Year at the Industry Awards Dinner the following evening.

With an increase in prize pool and sponsors, finalists will also have a chance to receive one of seven prestigious awards, including Most Sustainable Practice, Most Creative Use of Nestle Products and Best Dessert Dish.

Last year, Berry Springs Tavern apprentice chef Amelia Love took home a trio of bronze medals from the competition.

Archer Houghton won the 2024 Nestle Golden Chef's Hat Award. Picture: Supplied

Nestle Professional general manager Kristina Czepl said she was “incredibly proud” of giving young chefs a platform to gain exposure and experience through the competition.

“So many alumni have gone to work in world-renowned restaurants, compete on international culinary stages, and establish their own groundbreaking careers,” she said.

To register online, visit: https://www.goldenchefs.com.au/

Originally published as The Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Award 2025 launches, Territory’s cook-off to happen at CDU Darwin