Rising Pastry Chef General Guidelines

Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year

Calling Ireland’s Culinary Talent!

Are you shaping the future of Irish pastry?

Are you a professional in the field of pastry with a passion for precision, creativity, and flavour?
Are you passionate about local, seasonal ingredients, creativity, and the craft of Irish patisserie? Do you have the skills and ambition? Then it’s time to take your place among Ireland’s most exciting rising pastry voices.

Introducing the Euro-Toques Rising Pastry Chef of the Year 2025

Presented by La Rousse Foods

This brand-new competition is dedicated to recognising the skill, artistry, and innovation behind the world of pastry in Ireland. It’s not just about beautifully plated desserts, it’s about honouring craft, championing quality Irish ingredients, and reimagining tradition with a fresh perspective.

Rooted in the Euro-Toques ethos of sourcing locally, seasonally and sustainably, the competition offers a platform for young chefs to express their style while connecting with a community of chefs, mentors, and producers who share their values.

The journey starts in July, leading up to the grand final in September. If you’re ready to make your mark on Ireland’s culinary scene, apply now!

Read the information and rules below and then ENTER HERE!

Competition General Rules
  • You must be a professional in the field of pastry, whether in a restaurant, a pastry corner, a hotel or a bakery.
  • You must be based in Ireland for the duration of the competition.
  • If you win, you must be available to serve as a Euro-Toques Ireland ambassador the following year to receive your stage and participate in various activities. If you relocate to another country, prize eligibility will be determined at the discretion of Euro-Toques Ireland.
  • You must have a mentor who is committed to guiding you through the competition. Mentors play a crucial role, dedicating time, energy, and training to support competitors. Your mentor does not necessarily need to be someone you currently work with – they can be from a different restaurant – provided they commit to mentoring you for the duration of the competition.
  • Your mentor does not need to be a Euro-Toques member, but it is preferred. We also offer mentors the opportunity to join Euro-Toques.
  • Upon entering the competition, you will be given a timeline of events, and it is your responsibility to make sure you are available to fulfil your commitments.
  • Euro-Toques Ireland upholds the highest standards of professionalism and respect. Any form of misconduct, including bullying, harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behaviour, will not be tolerated. Competitors are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect towards fellow participants, judges, mentors, and event staff. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in disqualification and expulsion from the competition at the discretion of Euro-Toques Ireland.

Competition format

The competition is designed to showcase and develop the skills, knowledge, and creativity of young chefs, from the initial entry stage to the final event.

Stage 1: Call to Action – A nationwide social media campaign launches the competition theme, inviting Pastry chefs to enter by posting on social media.

Stage 2: Written Submission – Candidates submit an application form, CV, and a written piece based on a theme selected by Euro-Toques Ireland. At this stage, each candidate must also nominate a chef of their choice to mentor them throughout the competition.

Stage 3: Interview Stage –  Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel selected by Euro-Toques Ireland. The interview follows the same theme as the written submission and may include an element of cookery.

Stage 4: Final – Skills Test 

Six Candidates advancing from the interview stage compete in a final event, in which they will prepare a plated dessert, a petit four or baked good, and complete a surprise skills test on the day. Key Irish ingredients provided will be chosen by Euro-Toques Ireland, based on seasonality.

Gala & Awards Presentation – The Rising Star of the year will be formally announced during the Young Chef 2025 Gala Dinner held on 12th October at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin.

 

Educational journey

What Makes This Competition Different?

The Rising Pastry Chef of the Year competition is more than a one-day event.
It’s a guided journey that includes mentorship from some of Ireland’s top pastry chefs, access to a vibrant food community, and the chance to test your ideas, and yourself, at the highest level.

Expect workshops, inspiration, technical challenges, and storytelling. Above all, expect to be pushed to create pastry that reflects Ireland’s past, present, and future.

Terms & Conditions

  • By entering the competition, participants consent to the use of photos, videos, and recordings featuring them and their dishes.
  • All information and materials shared under the competition agreement are confidential and may not be replicated.
  • Any intellectual property developed during the competition remains the sole and exclusive property of Euro-Toques Ireland

Young Chef Finalists 2025