The next generation of culinary talent has been unveiled, with selected young chefs preparing to showcase their vision for the future of gastronomy at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27 Regional Finals.

The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy has announced the finalists representing the Pacific Region in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026-27, the global initiative dedicated to discovering, mentoring and celebrating the world’s most promising chefs under the age of 30.

More than a competition, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy exists to support the next generation of culinary leaders. The initiative provides young chefs with opportunities to learn from some of the industry’s most respected figures while helping shape the future of gastronomy through innovation, responsibility and creativity.

170 young chefs advance to the Regional Finals

Following thousands of applications from across the globe, just 170 chefs have progressed to the Regional Finals, earning their place among the world’s most exciting emerging culinary talents.

Each young chef’s application and signature dish was evaluated by culinary experts at ALMA, the World’s Leading International Educational and Training Centre for Italian Cuisine.

ALMA’s selection process focused on three key criteria:

• Technical skills
• Creativity
• A personal belief in the transformative power of gastronomy to make a positive change in society through food

“With each passing edition, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition continues to impress us deeply. Our collaboration with this initiative since its inception has always showcased evolving talent and profound dedication,” said Matteo Berti, Head of Education of ALMA.

“The sheer quality and passion displayed by this year’s candidates made the selection process intensely challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. We eagerly anticipate seeing these talented young chefs bring their unique visions to life during the Regional Finals, and we wish them all the very best.”

Pacific Region Regional Final to take place in Sydney

The talented young chefs will compete across 15 different regional finals around the world from September 2026 to January 2027.

The Pacific Region Competition will take place on Monday, 12 October 2026, at Sydney Fish Market Sydney Seafood School, followed by an Awards Dinner at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney.

Reaching the Regional Finals marks an important milestone in each chef’s journey.

During the competition, finalists will present their signature dishes to an esteemed Local Jury of internationally recognised chefs. The jury will evaluate each competitor’s technical skill, creativity and vision while identifying the chefs who represent the future of gastronomy.

The Pacific Region Local Jury includes:

• Alanna Sapwell
• Analiese Gregory
• Daniel Hong
• Clinton McIver
• James Cole Bowen
• Karen Martini
• Ross Lusted

Four awards up for grabs

Alongside the opportunity to compete for a place at the Grand Finale, four awards will be presented at each Regional Final.

S.Pellegrino Young Chef Award

The Regional Jury will select the winner of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Award, recognising the chef who best demonstrates technical skill, creativity and vision.

Fine Dining Lovers Award

Selected by the Fine Dining Lovers Insiders, this award recognises the chef who best expresses their personal beliefs through their signature dish.

S.Pellegrino for Social Responsibility Award

Selected by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, this award recognises chefs who demonstrate sustainable practices through their signature dish.

Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award

Selected by the Mentors, this award recognises the chefs who successfully connect tradition with modernity in their culinary approach.

A pathway to the global stage

The regional winners of each of these awards will go on to compete for the global title for each category at the Grand Finale in 2027.

This year’s Pacific Regional Finalists are:

·       Aarush Baba Rijal, Sydney, Australia.

·       Arinut Sachdeva, Auckland, New Zealand

·       Dian Sheng, Sydney, Australia

·       Jackson Mehlhopt, Sydney, Australia

·       Jacob Aomarere Poole, Gold Coast, Australia

·       Jamie Musgrave, Adelaide, Australia

·       Khathawut Srichanklat, Melbourne, Australia

·       Kimberly Tang, Melbourne, Australia

·       Nic Kearney, Sydney, Australia

·       Ratish Mehrotra, Sydney, Australia

For the young chefs representing the Pacific Region, the Sydney Regional Final will offer an opportunity not only to compete on an international stage, but also to demonstrate their technical abilities, creativity and individual culinary vision as they take their place among the next generation of global gastronomic talent.