Applications are now open for Queensland’s 2026 Professional Chef of the Year competition, one of the industry’s toughest and most prestigious culinary competitions.
Held over two days from 12–13 October at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the live competition will see professional chefs from across the state compete in a knockout format for the prestigious title and a $3,500 cash prize.
Each competitor will face a 1.5-hour mystery box challenge, preparing two dishes, one main and one entrée or dessert, that showcase creativity, skill and technical precision. Judges will be looking for flavour, balance, presentation, and how well chefs perform under pressure.
Open to any professional chef working in Queensland, the event typically attracts entrants from a diverse range of venues, including high-end restaurants, regional pubs and resorts. The live format gives visitors a front-row seat to the action, with heats taking place on the show floor at the expo.
Finalists will be chosen based on an initial written application and menu submission. Those who make it to the cook-off rounds will compete across a series of heats, with judges selecting the best performers to progress through to the finals and redemption round.
The winner earns the title of Queensland’s Professional Chef of the Year and will be flown to Food & Hospitality Week 2027, taking place in May next year at MCEC Melbourne, to compete against the country’s best in the Australian Professional Chef of the Year competition.
Last year’s competition saw Alfan Musthafa, Head Chef & Co-Owner of Warisan Brisbane, claim the coveted title.
The 2026 judging panel features head judge Jamie Gannon, Culinary Director at Feros Group, alongside:
- Adrian Richardson (Stanbroke Ambassador)
- Spencer Patrick (Harrisons Restaurant)
- Carolyne Helmy (The Star, Gold Coast)
- Telina Menzies (Australian Venue Co)
- Martin Boetz (Short Grain)
Glenn Flood returns as MC.
Applications close on 17 September 2026. For more information and to enter, visit the Food & Hospitality Queensland website.
About Food & Hospitality Queensland
Food & Hospitality Queensland is the definitive trade event for the foodservice, hospitality, retail and convenience sectors.
- Dates: 12–13 October 2026
- Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
- Tickets: $39 trade passes available for operators and professionals within the hospitality, foodservice and retail sectors, including foodservice distributors.
- Website: foodandhospitality.com.au
