Emerging local chef, Emily Morgan, has secured a grand final spot in Australia’s leading culinary competition.
Titirangi apprentice chef, Emily Morgan, has been named the North Island regional winner in the prestigious Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award cook-off. This is the second time she has won the Award.
Marking its 60th anniversary in Australia and five years in New Zealand, it is Australia’s longest-running culinary competition for young chefs, helping to shape future foodservice leaders through hands-on experience and industry recognition and opening doors to unique, career-making opportunities.
Taking place at AUT on Saturday, the cook-off saw 18 rising culinary stars from across the North Island battle it out for a spot in the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award Grand Final.
Assessed by a panel of experts from the NZChefs Association, the peak industry organisation for professional chefs, Chef Emily Morgan wowed the judges with a standout two-course menu, earning the highest score of the day.
Morgan was praised for her bold flavours, refined techniques, and meticulous attention to detail. Her menu included a mouthwatering sous vide beef rump with parmesan espuma, MAGGI Instant Mashed Potato duchess potatoes, Swiss chard cigars, mushroom and MAGGI Jus Lié Mix sauce. Dessert was a tamarillo souffle, crème fraiche and Nestlé Docello French Vanilla Mousse, quinoa and Uncle Toby’s Traditional Oats crumble.
“I entered the competition to push myself out of my comfort zone and see how I stack up against other young chefs in the North Island. My goal is to keep learning, growing, and eventually work in some of the best kitchens in the country,” said Morgan.
“For 60 years, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award has been about providing a platform for emerging chefs and supporting our future hospitality leaders. Morgan’s passion and potential shone through on every plate, making her a clear winner on the day,” said Nestlé Commercial Advisory Chef judge, Karl Seidel.
This year, chef Java McRae also did the North Island proud in the cook-off, taking home the newly introduced regional Best Signature Dish Award. Sponsored by Robot-Coupe, it celebrates the chefs’ style, creativity, and culinary background.
“The standard of dishes created by these young chefs, demonstrating culinary creativity and technique beyond their years, is truly inspiring and shows the immense talent across the North Island,” Seidel said.
Morgan will join 11 other talented finalists from across Australia and New Zealand to compete in the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award Grand Final held at Sydney’s Fine Food Australia this September.
Held in front of a live audience of industry professionals, the contenders will go head-to-head across two high-pressure heats to determine who will take out the title of 2025 Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year.
The national winner will receive a 14-day international culinary experience in Singapore and Thailand, valued at AUD $12,000, offering invaluable insight and exposure to global cuisine and professional kitchens.
Morgan, who will represent the North Island, described the opportunity as a huge step forward in her culinary journey.
“It’s such an incredible milestone to compete at this level. To be part of the finals is a career-making moment, and I’m excited to learn, grow, and showcase what I can do on a national stage,” Morgan said.
The total prize pool for 2025 is bigger than ever at $38,000, making it the most enriching culinary competition for young chefs in Australia. In addition to the Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year title, there will be a suite of award categories recognising excellence in the diverse areas of the culinary experience, including:
- Best Signature Dish, sponsored by Robot-Coupe
- Most Creative Use of Nestlé Products, sponsored by Solidteknics
- Maggi Best Savoury and Nestlé Docello Best Dessert Dish, sponsored by Nestlé Professional
- Buondi Crafting Moments Award ie (most ‘instagrammable’ dish), sponsored by Buondi Coffee
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