THE ULTIMATE PRESSURE TEST TO FIND QUEENSLAND’S TOP CULINARY TALENT

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Queensland’s Professional Chef of the Year is the state’s premier culinary competition, challenging Queensland chefs to showcase exceptional creativity, technical skill and precision under intense time pressure. Cooking live before an audience, competitors must transform mystery box ingredients into outstanding dishes that demonstrate flawless technique, innovation and a deep understanding of flavour.

The competition features a Redemption Round, giving chefs a second chance to earn their place in the Final, where the remaining finalists compete in a themed challenge that tests both technical ability and creativity.

The winner earns the prestigious title of Queensland’s Professional Chef of the Year and is flown to Food & Hospitality Week to compete against the country’s best in the Australian Professional Chef of the Year competition.

ENTER HERE

2026 JUDGES & HOSTS

Jamie Gannon

Head Judge
Culinary Director | Feros Group

Adrian Richardson

Chef | TV Presenter | Stanbroke Ambassador

Spencer Patrick

Owner | Chef Harrisons

Carolyne Helmy

Chef de Cuisine | The Star

Telina Menzies

Culinary Consultant

Martin Boetz

Owner | Short Grain Restaurant

Glenn Flood

MC

THE DETAILS

WHO CAN ENTER?

Only Queensland based chefs may enter the competition.

KEY DATES & TIMES

Applications Close – 17th September
Finalists Notified – 21st September
Competition Dates – 12-13th October 2026 | BCEC

PRIZES
  • The QLD Professional Chef of the Year Title
  • $3,500 in cash
  • Flights, Accommodation & Transfers to compete in Australian Professional Chef of the Year 2027
HOW TO APPLY

Online Submissions – Enter Here

HOW IT WORKS

Step 1 – Online Submission: Fill out the below entry form.

Step 2 – Finalists Selection: A shortlist of 10 finalists from Queensland will be announced in September.

Step 3 – Competition Time: Finalists compete at the show.



2025 QUEENSLAND CHEF OF THE YEAR

Queensland’s top culinary talent has been crowned – congratulations to Queensland Professional Chef of the Year 2025 – Alfan Musthafa Head Chef & Co-Owner of Warisan Brisbane!

The top 4 went head-to-head in the Final & Indigenous round to decide who’d take home the title!

An incredible showcase of skill, creativity, and Queensland flavour.

Judged by Chef Gannon, Carolyne Helmy, Spencer Patrick and Claire Van Vuuren. Plus guest judges Tobie Puttock and Chris Jordan.

Brought to you by Cookers Oil, Krio Krush, Stanbroke, Australian Avocados and Birch and Waite.

QUEENSLAND CHEF OF THE YEAR

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