A celebration of culinary excellence in the Sunshine State
Queensland Chef of the Year
The 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.
2025 Queensland Chef of the Year Finalists
The Judges
Jamie Gannon
Culinary Director | Feros Group
Read MoreCarolyne Helmy
Chef de cuisine | The Star
Read MoreSpencer Patrick
Owner | Chef Harrisons
Read MoreClaire Van Vuuren
Head Chef & Owner | Bloodwood
Read MoreTobie Puttock
Guest Judge: Sunday Chef | Zero Waste Cooking
Read MoreChris Jordan
Guest Judge: Monday First Nations Chef | Three Little Birds
Read MoreHow does it work?
At the centre of the competition is the high-stakes mystery box challenge. Thirty-two finalists are presented with a selection of surprise ingredients and given just one hour to prepare four servings each of an entrée and a main course. With no time to plan, chefs must rely on instinct, skill, and experience to create dishes that impress both visually and in flavour.
Judging is rigorous – every element is scrutinised, from presentation and balance of flavour to technical execution and originality. The pressure is intense, but the rewards are significant.
Not only does the winner earn the title of Queensland Chef of the Year, but they also secure automatic entry into the prestigious Australian Professional Chef of the Year competition, representing Queensland on the national stage.
Join the Hall of Fame
2024 Winner: Antoin Potier
Sous Chef Restaurant Dan Arnold
2023 Winner: Grant Parry
Chef de Cuisine The Star
2022 Winner: Tom Hitchcock
Sous Chef The Long Apron
Queensland Chef of the Year is proudly brought to you by
The Details
WHO CAN ENTER?
Only Queensland based chefs may enter the competition.
WHEN & WHERE
Food & Hospitality Queensland Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
HOW IT WORKS
Step 1 – Online Submission: Fill out the below entry form. Entries close 28 August.
Step 2 – Selection: A shortlist of 10 finalists from Queensland will be announced in September.
Step 3 – Competition Time: Finalists compete at the show.
KEY DATES
Entries Close: 28th August Finalists Confirmed/ Comp Info Sent: 1st September Competition Date: 12th & 13th October, 10am – 4pm
PRIZES
$2,500 cash for the winner $500 for each heat winner Entry into Australian Professional Chef of the Year (flights and accommodation covered)