Junior Chef of Wales 2027 | Now Open

Could you be the next Junior Chef of Wales?

The search is on for the next Junior Chef of Wales 2027, and applications are now open!

This is your chance to showcase your culinary skills, creativity and passion for Welsh food as you take on some of the most exciting young chefs from across Wales.

With the prestigious title of Junior Chef of Wales 2027 up for grabs, this is an opportunity to step into the spotlight, test your skills under competition pressure and demonstrate your potential as one of the rising stars of Welsh hospitality.

The competition takes place on Tuesday 19th January 2027, Castell Howell Trade Show, ICC Wales, when talented young chefs will battle it out in the kitchen for the honour of being crowned Junior Chef of Wales 2027.

Do you have what it takes?

Who Can Enter?

The competition is open to all chefs who are a minimum of 17 years old and no more than 23 years old on 19 January 2027, the day of the competition.

All entrants must be of Welsh descent, whether you are working in a professional kitchen, studying catering or hospitality, or starting to make your mark in the industry in Wales, this is your opportunity to put your skills to the test and compete for a prestigious Welsh culinary title.

How to Enter

To enter, you must complete the official Junior Chef of Wales 2027 application form below.

As part of your application, you will be asked to submit your proposed competition menu, including each course and its recipe for four people, in the space provided on the official application form.

Take the opportunity to show the judges your creativity, your culinary style and your passion for great food. Your menu is your chance to make an impression.

Applications must be submitted by 30th November 2026.

The Competition

On 19th January 2027, the successful entrants will go head-to-head in the kitchen, putting their culinary knowledge, technical skills, creativity and presentation to the test.

Expect pressure, excitement and plenty of competition as the next generation of Welsh chefs battle it out to claim the coveted title.

Only one chef can take the title of Junior Chef of Wales 2027.

Could that chef be you?

Your Chance to Shine

The Junior Chef of Wales competition is an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent emerging from Wales and give young chefs a platform to demonstrate what they can achieve.

It’s about more than winning a competition. It’s about gaining experience, challenging yourself, representing Welsh culinary talent and taking another step forward in your career.

Previous Junior Chefs of Wales have gone on to build careers within the Welsh hospitality and culinary industry, with the competition helping to shine a light on the talent and potential of the next generation. The Culinary Association of Wales is committed to supporting emerging chefs and providing opportunities for Welsh culinary talent to develop and compete at regional, national and international level.

Could You Be Our Next Junior Chef of Wales?

Think you have what it takes to compete?

Get your application in, start planning your menu and prepare to put your culinary skills to the test.

Applications are now open for Junior Chef of Wales 2027.

Key Dates

Applications open: Now
Closing date: 30th November 2026
Competition Day: 19th January 2027
Age: Minimum 17 and maximum 23 years old on competition day (see above descent rules)

Ready to Take on the Challenge?

Apply now for Junior Chef of Wales 2027 and take your place in the search for Wales’ next rising culinary star.

Could you be the chef who earns the prestigious title of
JUNIOR CHEF OF WALES 2027?