The Queensland Chef of the Year competition returns to Food & Hospitality Queensland this October, bringing the state’s most talented chefs into the spotlight for a high-pressure, high-stakes cook-off.
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 $2,500 cash prize. Winners of each heat will also receive $250 in prize money.
Each competitor will face a one-hour cooking 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.
“This competition is about more than just great cooking,” said Mike Hill, event director for the Food & Hospitality Queensland Show. “It’s about how chefs think on their feet, deliver under time constraints, and demonstrate leadership and consistency across multiple rounds.”
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 elimination heats, with judges selecting the best performers to move through to the semi-final and grand final.
This year’s judging panel includes several respected chefs and foodservice industry figures, offering competitors a rare opportunity to showcase their work to some of our most influential culinary leaders.
Led by head judge Jamie Gannon (Culinary Director, Feros Group), the Queensland Chef of the Year judges are:
- Carolyn Helmy (Chef de cuisine, The Star)
- Adriano Zumbo (Consultant, R&D Bakery/Desserts, Zumbo Brands); and
- Spencer Patrick (Owner and Chef, Harrisons).
The competition is part of the broader Food & Hospitality Queensland event, which attracts chefs, venue owners, and foodservice professionals from across the state. With the return of live competitions, workshops and product showcases, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be a key industry highlight.
Entries are now open at the Food & Hospitality website: Queensland Chef of the Year
About Food & Hospitality Queensland
Food & Hospitality Queensland is the premier event for what’s new and what’s changing in the business of foodservice, hospitality, and food-to-go.
Dates: 12-13 October 2025
Location: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Tickets: $30 online saver tickets available until 11:59pm Saturday 11 October. All tickets cost $50 at the door.
Website: https://foodandhospitality.com.au/
Sponsorship, Exhibition or Partnership Enquiries:
Contact Mike Hill – mhill@nationalmedia.com.au – 0421 566 264
Media Enquiries:
Contact Lucy Eldred – leldred@nationalmedia.com.au – 0407 829 726
