2026 CULINARY CHALLENGE
The 2026 Culinary Challenge returns to Fine Food Australia at MCEC Melbourne from 31 August to 3 September. Entries are open now.
Four days of live competition where chefs, apprentices and students from across the country cook against the clock in front of a live audience and a panel of ACF accredited judges. Every competitor is judged to World Chefs standards, with medals awarded at every level. It is the most direct way to test your trade, benchmark your skills against your peers, and put your name in front of the industry.
This year’s program includes:
- ACF National Apprentice Competition
- ACF Most Outstanding Chef
- ACF Team Challenges
- Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award Final Series
Plus live masterclasses in the demo kitchen across all four days.
Presented by the Australian Culinary Federation and ACF Victoria, the Culinary Challenge supports chefs at every stage, from first year apprentices through to experienced competitors chasing national selection.
Read the rule book, pick your classes, and enter below.
We will see you in Melbourne.
All competitors please note we are working off the most current Rule Book 21.10.25
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 31st August
ACF INDIVIDUAL LIVE KITCHENS
7.30am: Sweet Buffet Centrepieces, Petit Fours & Pralines
10am – 5pm: Individual Live Cooking Challenges
ACF TEAM KITCHENS
7.30am – 1pm: Nestle Golden Chefs Hat Award
ACF DEMO KITCHENS
10am – 5pm: A series of 30-minute masterclasses
11am: Static Medal Presentations
Tuesday 1st
September
ACF INDIVIDUAL LIVE KITCHENS
7.30am Sugar Paste Cakes & Wacky Cakes,
10am – 5pm: Individual Live Cooking Challenges
ACF TEAM KITCHENS
7.30 – 1pm: Nestle Golden Chefs hat Award
2pm – 5pm: Street Food Challenge
DEMO KITCHEN
10am – 5pm: A series of 30-minute masterclasses
11am: Static Medal Presentations
Wednesday 2nd
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 3rd
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
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