The Search is on for Northern Ireland’s Chef of the Year
Entries are now open for IFEX NI Chef of the Year 2026, one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious culinary competitions, with chefs from across the country invited to put their skills to the test and compete for the coveted title.
Supported by Food NI, the competition has a long-standing reputation for identifying and celebrating exceptional culinary talent and has helped launch the careers of some of Northern Ireland’s best-known chefs, including Michael Deane, Stephen Brothers, Roisin Gavin and Paul Cunningham, as well as 2024 winner Ben Armstrong.
The competition, which takes place live at IFEX 2026, is calling on chefs to enter ahead of the closing date of 30th January. Commenting on the launch, Michele Shirlow, Chief Executive of Food NI and Taste of Ulster, said:
“Chef of the Year 2026 is the perfect way to raise awareness of Northern Ireland’s Food Strategy Framework, which is driven by DAERA and part of our Programme for Government. Embedding health, sustainability and sustainable economic prosperity are vital to the future of our food system, and these passionate young chefs are key to delivering this for future generations.”
The competition will see finalists compete in front of industry judges and a live audience as part of the Salon Culinaire Belfast programme, testing their technical skill, creativity and ability to perform under pressure.
Sean Owens, Salon Culinaire Director, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back NI Chef of the Year for 2026. This competition is where passion meets precision, where culinary talent is forged under pressure, and where the future of our industry begins to take shape. We cannot wait to witness the emergence of the next culinary star as chefs push their skills, creativity, and composure to the limit in a truly electrifying live arena. This is more than a competition; it is a platform for excellence, ambition, and the next generation to step forward and leave their mark on the Northern Ireland culinary world.”
Entries for the Chef of the Year Competition will close 30th January 2026, with shortlisted chefs invited to compete live during IFEX 2026. If you’re ready to enter, visit https://bit.ly/SalonSchedule26
Salon Culinaire Belfast will once again be a major feature of IFEX 2026, delivering a packed programme of over 30 live competitions across three days, including professional, student and junior classes, as well as the popular Chef Skills Live Theatre and Edible Art competitions.
IFEX 2026, Northern Ireland’s flagship foodservice, hospitality and retail trade event, takes place from 24 – 26 February 2026 at its new home, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. Across three days, the show will feature an expanded exhibition floor, live competitions, interactive cooking theatres, new product launches and hands-on demonstrations. With new features alongside returning favourites like Salon Culinaire, IFEX is the essential meeting place to source suppliers, discover innovation, and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of the sector. Registration is free and now open www.ifexexhibition.com. For more information, visit @IFEXExhibition on socials.
Supported by FoodNI, thanks to DAERA and the NIRFP2
