2024 Culinary Challenge

2024 CULINARY CHALLENGE

The Culinary Challenge will be hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 2-5 September 2024 as a highlight of Fine Food Australia. Chefs, apprentices, and trainees are invited to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a race against time and each other.

Compete for a generous share of cash and prizes while displaying your skills to a captivated audience. The competition will feature a variety of challenges, including the National Apprentice Competition, ACF Most Outstanding Chef, Yum Cha Challenge, Team Challenge, and the Nestle Golden Chefs Hat, alongside a series of live individual events.

Join us at the competition arena where the BUONDI Chef Lounge offers a prime spot for viewing all the action. Feel free to drop by for a snack, a drink, and a friendly chat with fellow chefs and sponsors.

Please ensure to register for the show via the Fine Food Australia website. Registration is complimentary and necessary for entry into both the show and the competition arena.

Our Timetable

This detailed timetable is crucial for participants and attendees to navigate the various competitions and masterclasses happening at the Fine Food Australia event. Ensure you don’t miss out on key sessions and opportunities to witness top culinary talent in action.

Monday 2nd
September

ACF INDIVIDUAL LIVE KITCHENS
7.30am: Sugar Paste Cakes & Wacky Cakes, Sweet Buffet Centrepieces, Petit Fours & Pralines
10am – 5pm: Individual Live Cooking Challenges including MAGGI Schnitzel Challenge

ACF TEAM KITCHENS
7.30am – 1pm: Nestle Golden Chefs
2pm – 5pm: Conference Snack Challenge

ACF DEMO KITCHENS
10am – 5pm: A series of 30-minute masterclasses
11am: Static Medal Presentations

Tuesday 3rd
September

ACF INDIVIDUAL LIVE KITCHENS
10am – 5pm: Le Toque Blanches Awards for Excellence

ACF TEAM KITCHENS
7.30 – 1pm: Nestle Golden Chefs
2pm – 5pm: Street Food Challenge

DEMO KITCHEN
10am – 5pm: A series of 30-minute masterclasses
11am: Static Medal Presentations

Wednesday 4th
September

ACF INDIVIDUAL LIVE KITCHENS
7.30am: 4 Different Desserts, Torte or Gateaux for 8
9am: National Apprentice Competition
9am – 11am: 1st Year Apprentice Cooks
11am – 2pm: 2nd Year Apprentice Cooks
2pm – 5pm: Culinary Students

ACF TEAM KITCHENS
10am – 5pm: Team Challenge Competition

DEMO KITCHEN
10am – 5pm: A series of 30-minute masterclasses
11am: Static Medal Presentations
1pm: NAC 1st Year Medal Presentation
3pm: NAC 2nd Year Medal Presentation
5pm: NAC Culinary Student Medal Presentation, Team Challenge Medal Presentation

Thursday 5th
September

ACF INDIVIDUAL LIVE KITCHENS
8am – 1pm: National Apprentice Competition Final Year Apprentice Cooks

ACF TEAM KITCHENS

8am – 1pm: Yum Cha Challenge

ACF DEMO KITCHENS
10am – 3pm: A series of 30-minute masterclasses
3pm – 5pm: Awards Presentation