Proud to be a Chef 2026 applications are open to Kiwi Chefs for the first time in a decade.
As applications open for Proud to be a Chef 2026, meet the mentors who will train 32 lucky finalists alongside resident mentor Mark Normoyle.
Savoury Mentor - Sarah Todd
Sarah Todd is an Australian celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and television personality. She rose to fame as a contestant on MasterChef Australia in 2014, where her Indian-inspired dish, aloo gobi, earned her a strong following, particularly in India.
After training at Le Cordon Bleu in London, Todd launched her culinary career by opening Antares, a beachfront restaurant in Goa, India, in 2015. The journey was documented in the SBS series My Restaurant in India, which aired in over 150 countries.
She later opened a second restaurant, The Wine Rack, in Mumbai, and starred in several food and travel shows, including Serve It Like Sarah, Awesome Assam with Sarah Todd, and My Second Restaurant in India. Her television career spans over 12 series, showcasing her
evolution from contestant to host and judge.
Todd is also the author of two cookbooks, including My Healthy Model Cookbook, and continues to be a prominent figure in the culinary and media worlds. She returned to MasterChef Australia in 2022 as a fan favourite and runner-up, and is currently competing in the 2025 season, Back To Win.
Sweet Mentor - Gareth Whitton
Gareth Whitton is a visionary pastry chef and entrepreneur whose career spans over 18 years in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. From Pier and Quay in Sydney to the three-Michelin-starred Oud Sluis in the Netherlands and Dinner by Heston in London and Melbourne, Whitton has honed his craft at the highest level.
In 2020, during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdown, Whitton and his partner Catherine Way launched Tarts Anon as a humble side-hustle from their home kitchen. What began as a way to pass time quickly became a cult sensation. Whitton’s world-class tarts sold out within hours, earning a devoted following across the city.
By September 2021, Tarts Anon had outgrown its home roots and opened its flagship store in Cremorne, Victoria. Today, the business boasts two thriving retail outlets, a growing team of nearly 20 staff, and a rotating menu of inventive tart flavours.
Whitton’s culinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit have earned him national recognition. He appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia in 2022, set a Pressure Test with his now-iconic Smoked Pecan and Butterscotch Tart, and went on to win the inaugural season of Dessert Masters in 2023.
Applications are open until 19 October 2025, giving Australian and Kiwi rising culinary stars plenty of time to perfect their applications. For more information and to apply, visit www.proudtobeachef.com
More news here.
