The Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2025 competition, organized in collaboration with La Rousse Foods is Ireland’s leading culinary contest.
Dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the country’s emerging culinary talent the competition offers educational opportunities and fosters a strong sense of community within the Irish food industry. Through partnerships with local producers and chefs, the competition promotes knowledge-sharing, highlights the importance of sustainable practices, and encourages the next generation of chefs to push the boundaries of Irish cuisine.
Professional chefs under the age of 28 are invited to take part in Ireland’s most prestigious culinary competition, which has a proven track record of discovering exceptional young talent. This competition provides a unique experience for participants, offering national and international recognition and serving as a stepping-stone in their careers.
The theme of this year’s competition is Forgotten foods: honouring Ireland’s larder.
Ireland’s culinary heritage is rich, but how much of it have we left behind? This year, we challenge young chefs to rediscover forgotten foods, lost ingredients, and revive traditional skills—honouring the bounty of Ireland’s land and sea.
From heritage grains to lesser-used fish, from nose-to-tail butchery to farmhouse cheesemaking, from curing to fermentation—how can the past shape the future of food? This isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about innovation, responsible production, and making the most of what’s around us.
Young chefs who are passionate about locality, craftsmanship, and resourcefulness are encouraged to enter and showcase how they can reimagine Ireland’s forgotten foods and bring them back to life.
How to Enter
The deadline for entering the competition via social media is Friday, 11th April at 12 noon. Candidates selected to continue in the competition will be required to submit a written entry and attend an interview to determine the 12 semi-finalists. This initial stage is open to all professional young chefs, regardless of whether they work in a fine-dining restaurant or a more casual setting, provided they have a mentor willing to support them throughout the competition.
The entry form and general guidelines are available HERE
Competition Schedule
Semi-finals: Sunday, 29th June, Dublin
Final competition and Gala Dinner: Sunday, 12th October, Dublin
Early bird tickets for the Gala Dinner
This year, a number of tickets for the Gala Dinner on Sunday 12th October are already available for presale at an exclusive early bird rate of €125 (vat inclusive) Click here to book:
