2025 CULINARY CHALLENGE
Step up to the plate at the 2025 ACF Culinary Challenge
Entries are now open for the 2025 ACF Culinary Challenge, the national stage for chefs, apprentices, and trainees to test their skills and gain industry recognition.
Across live cooking, street food, Yum Cha, team challenges, and pastry art, each category offers a platform to demonstrate precision, creativity, and a passion for food. Competitors will be judged by accredited professionals, with medals, prizes and titles awarded throughout the event.
Presented by the Australian Culinary Federation, this is more than just a competition — it’s an opportunity to build your reputation, expand your network, and celebrate our vibrant chef community.
Our Timetable
This timetable is here to help you get the most out of Fine Food Australia.
Take the time to plan ahead and catch the competitions, masterclasses and moments that matter to you. It’s your chance to watch top chefs bring their skills to life and pick up fresh ideas along the way.
Monday 8th
September
Monday 8 September
- 7:30 am — Sweet Buffet Centrepieces, Petit Fours & Pralines
- 7:30 am – 1:00 pm — Nestlé Golden Chefs
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm — Individual Live Challenges
- 11:00 am — Static Medal Presentations
ACF Demo Kitchens
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm — A series of 30-minute masterclasses
Tuesday 9th
September
Tuesday 9 September
- 7:30 am — Sugar Paste Cakes & Wacky Cakes
- 7:30 am – 1:00 pm — Nestlé Golden Chefs
- 11:00 am — Static Medal Presentations
- 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm — Street Food Challenge
Demo Kitchen
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm — A series of 30-minute masterclasses
Wednesday 10th
September
Wednesday 10 September
- 7:30 am — Four Different Desserts
- — Torte or Gateaux for 8
- 11:00 am — Static Medal Presentations
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm — Team Challenge Competition
Demo Kitchen
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm — A series of 30-minute masterclasses
National Apprentice Competition
- 9:00 am – 11:00 am — 1st Year Apprentice Cooks
- 11:00 am – 2:00 pm — 2nd Year Apprentice Cooks
- 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm — Culinary Students
Medal Presentations
- 1:00 pm — NAC 1st Year Medal Presentation
- 3:00 pm — NAC 2nd Year Medal Presentation
- 5:00 pm — Team Challenge Medal Presentation
- NAC Culinary Student Medal Presentation
Thursday 11th
September
Thursday 5 September
- 8:00 am – 1:00 pm — Yum Cha Challenge
- 8:00 am – 1:00 pm — National Apprentice Competition Final Year Apprentice Cooks
- 2:00 pm — Awards Presentation (Chefs Lounge TBC)
ACF Demo Kitchens
- 10:00 am – 3:00 pm — A series of 30-minute masterclasses
PRINCIPAL PARTNERS
PARTNERS
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
COMPETITION SPONSORS
