The Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2025 competition, presented by La Rousse Foods, is now open for entries. 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, Euro-Toques is challenging 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 entry form and general guidelines are available at: https://euro-toques.ie/young-chef-of-the-year/enter-this-years-competition/

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.