Student Chef of the Year Competition
We’re back to find the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year
Lecturers, do you think your college has what it takes?
Student Chef of the Year 2026
We’re back and as excited as ever as we find the next generation of young Irish chef talent from the best training universities and colleges across the country.
More than just a competition, the Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year, now in its 27th year, helps support the future generation of chefs, providing a vital platform for young talent to showcase their creativity, talent and passion,
Lecturers, do you think your students have what it takes?
Theme: Borderless Cuisine
Our theme this year challenges students to explore the limitless possibilities of global cooking. More than just mixing flavours, “Borderless Cuisine” celebrates how today’s chefs are blending ingredients, techniques and traditions from around the world to create dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in culture.
Student chefs must create a two-course menu that showcases how food can transcend borders, merging flavours, traditions and techniques in a way that is thoughtful, authentic and exciting.
Finals day: what to expect
For a sneak peek, click play to watch our 2025 video overview! On the 10th March 2026, the competition finals will be held at TUS Limerick. The student chef, supported by their assistant, will prepare a two-course meal (main and dessert) while the assistant completes a skills test. The day will end with an awards ceremony to celebrate the talent and hard work of all the participants.
The importance of competitions
Find out why chef Adam Handling MBE considers competitions like the Knorr Professional Chef Student of the Year to be an imperative opportunity for future generations of the industry.
Incredible prizes
Prizes, including Knorr Professional Student of the Year medals, will be awarded to first, second, and third place students. The overall winner, their lecturer and assistant also receives an exclusive culinary experience designed to both educate and inspire.
Previous winners' success
Winning the Student Chef of the Year award opens doors to exciting opportunities in the culinary world. This prestigious accolade not only highlights talent but also serves as a springboard for careers, offering invaluable networking and professional growth in the ever-evolving food industry.
How to support
If you share our passion for supporting the future generation of chefs and want to contribute to the competition, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at studentchef@dottedline.ie or speak with your Unilever sales representative
Accessibility & funding
It is important to us that the competition is accessible to all. If you have any questions, email studentchef@dottedline.ie.
