About the Competition

The European Young Chef Award is a competition organised and promoted by IGCAT in collaboration with culinary arts institutions in the Regions of Gastronomy.

The Young Chef Award brings together finalists from regional competitions across European regions to share knowledge about their regions’ traditional dishes and local food products. Finalists are then challenged to present an innovative reinterpretation of traditional recipes, evaluated by renowned chefs and international experts.

Our Mission

By annually awarding young chefs from the candidate and awarded European Regions of Gastronomy, IGCAT will:

  • Foster innovation in traditional cuisine
  • Promote sustainable food cultures
  • Nurture future chef ambassadors who champion their regions and local ingredients

How Does the Competition Work?

Step 1
Submission & Selection

Regions of Gastronomy nominate one finalist (aged 18–26) through local competitions. Finalists must reinterpret a traditional dish from their region.

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Step 1
Step 2
Traditional Dish Warm-Up Round
Finalists present their region’s traditional recipe to the jury, showcasing authenticity, local products, and storytelling.
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Step 2
Step 3
Innovative Dish Competition

Each finalist creates an innovative version of the traditional dish using regional ingredients, judged on creativity, sustainability, and technical skill.

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Step 3
Step 4
Expert Evaluation & Awards
Star chefs and international experts evaluate the dishes. Winners are named and all participants become IGCAT Regional Chef Ambassadors.
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Step 4

About IGCAT

IGCAT aims to empower local communities by raising awareness of the importance to protect and promote distinct regional food, culture, arts and natural assets as part of sustainable and balanced tourism and development strategies. This is essential to safeguard our planet, health, wellness and local economies.

IGCAT is a non-profit institute established in 2010, working with regional stakeholder consortiums in the fields of gastronomy, culture, arts and tourism. It counts on the expertise of a worldwide network of experts and works in partnership with specialised intergovernmental organisations.

IGCAT provides the European and World Region of Gastronomy Award and is the official secretariat for the World and European Regions of Gastronomy Platforms. Furthermore, the Institute has developed the European Young Chef Award, the World Food Gift Challenge, the Top Foodie Websites Award and the Food Film Menu.