Young Chef General Guidelines

Calling Ireland’s Culinary Talent!

 

Are you a professional chef aged 18 to 28?
Are you passionate about local, seasonal ingredients, creativity, and the craft of Irish cooking? Do you have the skills and ambition to take your place among Ireland’s rising culinary stars? Then you could be the next Young Chef of the Year!

The Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year Competition, presented by La Rousse Foods, is Ireland’s premier culinary competition, designed to celebrate and elevate the country’s best emerging talent. But this is more than just a competition, it’s a culinary journey. Through workshops, producer visits, and mentorship from top chefs, you’ll gain invaluable experience while showcasing your creativity, skill, and passion for Irish food.

Euro-Toques Ireland, in association with fine food specialist La Rousse Foods, is searching for the best culinary talents the country has to offer while promoting its core principles: using local and seasonal ingredients, creativity, skill and a passion for cooking. We are looking for chefs who are capable of demonstrating and communicating Ireland’s culinary strength and recognising the importance of our unique produce, traditions and heritage while also brave enough to take risks and create new dishes and flavours.

The journey starts in April, leading up to the grand final in October. 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!

• You must be a professional chef or a chef in training, aged between 18 and 28 at the time of entry, and remain 28 or under until December 31, 2026.

• 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.

• Although the competition is open to all, we are always happy to welcome mentors as new members. To become a member, please click here https://euro-toques.ie/members-search/online-membership/ 

• 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: Entry form and written recipe 

Candidates are asked to submit an application form, CV, and a written recipe based on a theme selected by Euro-Toques Ireland. Each candidate must also nominate a chef of their choice to mentor them throughout the competition.

Stage 2: 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 3: Semi-Final – Skills Test 

Candidates advancing from the interview stage compete in a semi-final event, which may include:

• Demonstrating a signature dish for young cooks to replicate
• A mystery box challenge
• Execution of an exact recipe
• A skills test

The young chef finalists are selected from the semi-final stage to compete in the final.

Stage 4: Final – Skills Test – Finalists must prepare one or two dishes, either savoury or sweet, based on ingredients chosen by Euro-Toques Ireland. They will be assessed by a panel of judges, including an internationally renowned guest judge.

Gala & Awards Presentation – The final event and presentation ceremony is presented as a banquet, where finalists may cook either independently or alongside their mentors.

Educational journey

Throughout the competition, participants will have access to a variety of educational experiences, including:

Activities in Ireland:

At least one activity, which may include:

• Interactive food tours and visits to producers
• Foraging excursions
• Observing food production and farming
• Workshops with renowned chefs and artisan producers
• Participation in food symposiums, forums, and conferences
• Exposure to leading chefs and food professionals in Ireland and abroad

International Experience:

At least one activity abroad, which may include:

• Practical workshops to enhance culinary skills
• Lunch or dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
• Demos with local chefs
• Visits and workshops with artisan producers

If an international trip is not possible due to circumstances beyond Euro-Toques Ireland’s control, an additional activity in Ireland will be arranged.

Young Chef Finalists 2025