Applications are now open for Australia’s Best Burger Competition, set to return to ICC Sydney in May as part of Food & Hospitality Week.
The national competition invites chefs from restaurants, QSR outlets, pubs, hotels, and street food venues to showcase their burger-making skills across two categories, with a share of $5,500 in prize money.
Competitors will battle it out in both the Signature Burger round—where they present a burger that reflects their personal culinary style—and the Creative Burger round, a sponsor-driven challenge that tests inventiveness with provided ingredients.
The competition uses a point-based system, with participants accumulating scores across both categories. Prizes include $1,500 for Best Signature Burger, $1,500 for Best Creative Burger, and $2,500 for the overall Australia’s Best Burger winner.
Last year’s competition saw Jonathon Donovan from CBCo Brewing, Port Melbourne Brewery and Tap Room take home the top honour, with Ben Niumata from Grubbies Burgers & Hawaiian BBQ and Stuart Walsh from The Shearing Shed – Phillip Island sharing the Best Signature Burger title.
Finalists will compete live before industry leaders and expert judges, with burgers evaluated on taste, execution and appearance. Each competitor will have 30 minutes to prepare, cook and plate eight identical burgers—four per category.
Applications close on 10 April 2026.
For more information and to enter, visit the Food & Hospitality Week website.
Sponsor spotlight:
Few & Far Food Professionals
Golden Fries
Jarritos
Real Dairy Australia
Tip Top Foodservice
Wood’s Premium Condiments
