Held every four years, the renowned culinary arts competition the IKA/Culinary Olympics will be held in Germany’s Stuttgart next February.
Eight of Australia’s top young chefs are currently preparing for the competition which will see them compete against professionals from 67 countries.
The team which is currently ranked an impressive seventh in the world is made up of young chefs under the age of 25 who also participated in the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award.
The Australian team is led by Team Manager Patrick O’Brien and the Australian Culinary Federation (ACF) and is also backed by Nestlé Professional.
“For nearly 60 years, Nestlé Professional has been committed to furthering the careers of the next generation of chefs through the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, and the sponsorship of Australia’s National Youth Team on their journey to the Culinary Olympics,” says Nestlé Professional Communications & Sustainability Manager, Karlie Durrant.
“These games are a unique opportunity for Australia’s best and brightest to compete on an international platform and showcase their culinary expertise.”
At the competition in February, the Australian team will compete in a two-part contest where they will have to make a three-course menu for over 70 guests.
The second round will then see the team partake in a junior chef’s table to prepare a five-course menu for guests sitting at the end of their kitchen booth.
“The IKA/Culinary Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for up-and-coming chefs, like me, to connect with like-minded people from different countries to share our passion for food, and make lifelong friendships,” says Australian Youth Team Captain Amber Heaton.
“We’re extremely proud to compete for Australia in these games. The generous support of sponsors like Nestlé Professional is so important to help our group to travel, compete on an international level, and showcase our skills to the world.”
The Australian National Culinary Youth Team will compete in the IKA/Culinary Olympics in Germany in February 2024.