Eligibility & Nomination
Candidates must be nominated by their employer, who must be a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Employers may include proprietors, managers, chefs, or instructors at Chaîne-affiliated restaurants, hotels, or culinary schools. Nominations are submitted to a Regional Coordinator via an application form. Applicants are screened and selected to compete.
Competition Format
Each contestant receives a mystery “market basket” with basic, previously unidentified ingredients. Using all the ingredients and a shared “common table,” contestants must create a 3-course menu:
- First course
- Main course
- Dessert
Time Limits:
- 3 minutes to write the menu
- 3 hours for preparation
- 30 minutes for final presentation
Judging Process
Judges are experienced professionals and Chaîne members. A contestant’s sponsor cannot be a judge. Contestants are identified only by number for impartiality. Judging criteria include:
- Taste
- Presentation
- Originality
- Cleanliness & organisation in the kitchen
Rules & Requirements
Candidates must be a citizen or resident of Great Britain for at least three years. Must be 27 years old or younger on the date of the International Competition. Proof of age is required (e.g., Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver’s License). Participation implies acceptance of competition rules.
Competition Progression
Past winners of any Regional Young Chefs Competition are ineligible to compete again. Past non-winning contestants may compete a second time if they still meet age and eligibility requirements. Winners of Regional Competitions advance to the National Final. The National Final winner represents their country at the International Competition.
