Competition Rules

The Queensland Chef of the Year is a State competition that gives you a chance to showcase your skills, promote your restaurant, network with fellow professionals and win a share of $5,000 cash and prizes. If you want to be a part of this exciting event then have a read through the following guidelines and click on the entry form.

If you think you could be the Queensland Chef of the Year then you need to nominate.

The competition begins with a simple nomination. Tell us your background and why you think you should be considered for Queensland Chef of the Year. Our team of industry judges will use that information to choose the finalists to compete at the live event in Brisbane. Entries close at 9pm on Friday 5 July 2024.

If your nomination is accepted, your mission will be to:

Attend the Food & Hospitality Queensland show in Brisbane in August and cook your best dishes in front of a live audience and team of judges. You will be given one hour and a box of ingredients. Your task is to impress the judges and work your way through to the Grand Final.

What do I need to bring?

If you are selected then you just need to bring yourself, your personal equipment and a set of knives to the competition venue in Brisbane. We will supply all the equipment and ingredients. We will also supply a competition jacket which is yours to keep. You need to be available on Sunday 4 August and Monday 5 August 2024. You will be given your exact competing times closer to the event.

How do the heats work?

There will be four heats on Sunday 4 August and two heats on Monday 5 August. Each heat will have four chefs competing against each other and the clock. Judges will allocate scores out of 100. The top four scores from across all six heats will take part in the Grand Final on Monday afternoon.

You will be told the main sponsor ingredients prior to your heat. On the day you need to arrive at least 30 minutes prior and check in at the competition area. You will have 15 minutes to set up your individual work stations to suit your needs, unpack ingredients and prepare yourself for the competition.

When the bell sounds you will have one hour to prepare and serve two dishes (four serves of each). One dish should be an entrée and one dish a main course. These dishes should reflect skill, technique, flavours, texture and best use of ingredients - especially the hero protein. They should also be a reflection of you as a chef and highlight your individual style and creativity. Dishes must be plated and taken the judging table before the end of the hour to be considered.

How does the Grand Final work?

Every competitor will be given a score out of 100 by the judges. After six heats the top four scores will proceed into the Grand Final to be staged at 2.30pm on Monday. The Grand Final will run the same way as the heats with a new selection of ingredients. Make sure you bring along all your colleagues to watch.

What are the judges looking for?

Judges are looking for the best all-round professional chef. This will include your professionalism in the kitchen as well as the final dishes. Here are some of the areas that will be judged:

  • Modern techniques and trends including in touch with todays trends
  • Range and level of technical skills
  • Taste and presentation of individual dishes
  • Creative and competent use of the ingredients especially sponsors ingredients
  • Balance of texture, colour, taste and flavours
  • Management of time and resources including food saftey
  • Personal presentation and cleanliness in the kitchen
  • Communication with judges and MC
Some tips from the judges
  • Do not try to do things above your skill set
  • Simple food can win this competition - keep it simple, well cooked, well-seasoned and symmetric
  • Have a written work plan and stick to it
  • Strictly adhere to hygiene and safety standards, as you will be judged on it
  • Time your entry with some time to spare - allow for nerves, unfamiliar surroundings and equipment
  • Don't touch food any more than necessary
  • Don't prepare raw and prepared foods at the same time (cross contamination)
  • Watch your portion control
  • Clean down after each task, keep your area clean, neat and tidy
  • Watch your wastage factors
  • Work cleanly and precisely
  • Show skills, as many as possible
  • Only bring the equipment required, extra equipment is not necessary and will not be allowed
  • Communicate - especially when serving food
  • Cold food badly presented doesn't win medals
  • If you are unsure or need assistance then ask
What can I win?

The Queensland Chef of the Year competition is one of the most rewarding in the country. The winner will receive $2500 cash, a Unox oven and a trip to Melbourne for the Australian Chef of the Year. This includes two return airfares, one night accommodation and automatic entry into the competition.

Winners of each heat will receive $250 cash. Every other competitor will receive a certificate and a chef's jacket. Perhaps best of all is the experience of competing against some of the best chefs in the country.

What about my restaurant?

It is important that your entry is supported by your restaurant, cafe, hotel or bar. Let them know that it is a great way to generate publicity and goodwill. As a condition of entry we require that you supply information about the business, information about yourself and a picture in chef whites. All of this information is designed to market you as a chef and your business.

Terms and conditions

This competition is promoted by Specialised Events Pty Ltd. Entries must be submitted online by 9pm Friday 5 2024. A judging panel will be appointed to choose entries and award points at their absolute discretion. The competition is a game of skill and chance plays no part in the outcome. Competitors are responsible for their own costs to attend the event and give the promoter permission to use their recipes and images for promotional purposes. Competitors enter and compete at their own risk. The promoter accepts no responsibility for loss or injury except for liability that cannot be excluded by law.

What do I do next?

If you think you are good enough then now is the time to submit your entry. Simply fill out the form and press submit. There is no entry fee.