Young chef Shayani Withanji Dong of Number Six Bar & Bistro in Christchurch impressed judges with her menu, securing a trip to Melbourne to represent the South Island in Australia’s longest running culinary competition for young chefs.
Shayani was one of 12 top young chefs from across the South Island who competed in the southern regional final of the 2024 Nestle Golden Chef’s Hat Awards on June 12.
Her special menu for the cooking showdown included a main of garam masala chicken in coconut curry sauce served with pilaf rice, pear chutney and kumara crisp, followed by a dessert of chocolate orange brownie with buondi coffee cream, mocha ganache and orange pearls.
Young chefs deemed “the best” in their chosen field entered the competition to compete against each other in a series of cooking contests to determine New Zealand’s best chef.
The North Island finalists will compete in Auckland today (13 June) and tomorrow.
All chefs, aged between 16 and 24, entered the competition for the chance to kickstart their culinary careers and gave it their all to win the coveted top prize.
Each competing chef created a two-course menu consisting of a main dish and dessert, both of which were judged by a panel of leading industry judges according to globally recognised culinary standards.
Nestlé Professional Commercial Advisory Chef Karl Seidel says cooking in a competitive environment and competing against other top chefs is a valuable learning experience. Chefs also receive insight and feedback on their culinary skills from experienced judges certified to global standards.
Shayani, along with the winner of the North Island regional final, will compete in a kitchen battle against top young chefs from across Australia in a public arena at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne this September.
2024 Golden Chef of the Year The winner will receive a trip to World Chef’s Congress 2024 in Singapore from 20-25 October and a work experience (value: $10,000).
Now in its 59th year, the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Awards celebrates the careers of up-and-coming chefs from New Zealand and Australia. Two previous winners of this top prize are New Zealanders Sam Haven and Gabby Saunders.
