The New Zealand Emerging Chef of the Year competition at Fine Foods 2025 will demonstrate the finest up-and-coming culinary talent on local shores.
Hosted by NZ Chefs, the New Zealand Emerging Chef of the Year competition is a live cooking event that will see entrants under 25 years present two courses in 120 minutes.
Worldchefs Vice President and Culinary Competition Committee Chair, Dr Rick Stephen, said the New Zealand Emerging Chef of the Year competition will bring out the best in the culinary community.
"Having witnessed the exceptional talent of New Zealand chefs during the Global Chefs Challenge in Singapore, I am confident that the skills and dedication showcased at this year’s Championship will pave the way for many to compete on the international stage in the near future. As the largest Worldchefs-endorsed culinary competition in the region, the NZCA Championship places competitors under the watchful eyes of Worldchefs-certified judges," said Stephen.
He added that for young chefs, earning a medal was not only a prestigious achievement but also a stepping stone to success in Worldchefs competitions globally, and that culinary competitions were an essential and inspiring part of the profession.
"They provide a platform to connect, exchange knowledge, and explore new trends and techniques. However, these events thrive only because of you, the competitors. So now is the time to fire up your stoves and sharpen your knives as the countdown begins to the New Zealand Chefs Championship."
Geoff Scott, NZ Chefs Championships Chief Judge, believed the Emerging Chef of the Year competition served as a platform for young chefs to showcase their creativity, innovation, and passion, while also being able to push the boundaries of culinary excellence.
"Competitions like this are essential in raising the bar of professionalism in our kitchens and enhancing the quality of cuisine enjoyed across the country," said Scott.
Previous winners of the Emerging Chef of the Year competition include Sam Gradowski-Smith, who is now part of the illustrious kitchen team at Lilan in Grey Lynn, Auckland. Since his win in 2023, he represented New Zealand at Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France. Gradowski-Smith said that gaining experience by working in modern kitchen environments was a primary career objective, and experiences like these allowed him to join the brigade of young talent in the industry.
Another notable alum is Sam Linstorm, who placed second in 2023. Linstorm said it was pretty cool to see how young people can do such amazing things and can use their untapped potential so early on in their careers.
“I think the most daunting part was knowing who was in the audience, executive chefs from a ot of the top restaurants in Auckland and the judges. All of them were watching your every move. However, it did encourage me to work a lot cleaner and gave a little adrenaline boost,” said Lindstrom, who now works at Kingi in Auckland City.
The growing enthusiasm among emerging chefs was an inspiring sign for Scott, who said that whether it was in secondary schools or training kitchens, the dedication to learning, honing skills, and striving for excellence has reflected a bright future for the profession.
"As you step into this competition, remember that it’s about much more than medals. It’s an opportunity to gain invaluable experience, challenge yourself, and connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for the culinary arts," said Scott.
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