Awards of
Excellence 2026
Applications Now Open
Thursday, 24 September 2026
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Compete alongside Victoria's emerging culinary talent for your chance to win a $5,000 Culinary Scholarship.
Applications close
Friday, 28 August 2026
Applications close Friday, 28 August 2026
About The Awards of Excellence
The Les Toques Blanches Awards of Excellence is an annual culinary competition dedicated to recognising and supporting emerging culinary talent across Victoria. Open to apprentice cooks and full-time Certificate III and IV Commercial Cookery students, the competition provides participants with the opportunity to showcase their culinary knowledge, technical skills and creativity in a professional environment.
Finalists progress through a series of competition stages before competing in a practical cooking challenge, with the opportunity to gain industry recognition and compete for
a $5,000 Culinary Scholarship.
Competition Details
Competition Date
Thursday
24 September 2026
Venue
William Angliss Institute
555 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Awards Presentation
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Applications Close
5:00pm
Friday, 28 August 2026
Competition Details
Competition Date
Thursday
24 September 2026
Venue
William Angliss Institute 555 La Trobe Street, Melbourne
Awards Presentation
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel 27 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Applications Close
5:00pm
Friday, 28 August 2026
Culinary Scholarship
The winner will receive an international culinary scholarship valued at $5,000, providing an incredible opportunity to further develop their culinary career.
Win a $5000 Culinary Scholarship
The winner will receive an international culinary scholarship valued at $5,000, providing an incredible opportunity to further develop their culinary career.
Competition Process
Stage 1
Stage 1: Submit Your Application
Submit Your Application
Due: Friday, 28 August 2026
Complete the online application and submit your entry before the closing date.
Applicants must provide:
- Completed online entry form
- A 300+ word career essay covering:
- Your career to date
- Your career aspirations
- How this award will assist with your career goals.
Successful finalists will be notified by Friday 4 September 2026.
Stage 2
Stage 2: Knowledge Assesment
Knowledge Assesment
Thursday, 24 September 2026
Selected finalists will complete:
- Culinary Terminology Questionnaire
- Food Commodities Recognition Test
All participants receive a certificate of participation before progressing to the practical competition.
Stage 3
Stage 3: Practical Cooking Competition
Practical Cooking Competition
Thursday, 24 September 2026
Competitors will prepare a three-course meal within 3.5 hours, consisting of:
- First Course: Prepared using a set recipe supplied on the day.
- Main Course: Created using a mystery box of ingredients.
- Dessert: Designed by the competitor.
Competitors must supply their own recipe, ingredients and crockery. Basic shared ingredients will be provided; however, competitors should bring any specialised ingredients or equipment required.
Stage 4
Stage 4: Awards Presentation
Awards Presentation
Thursday, 24 September 2026 at Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
All competitors receive complimentary entry to the Awards Presentation Evening.
Guests may attend for $70 per person. Awards presented include:
- Winner – $5,000 Culinary Scholarship
- Second Place
- Third Place
- Best Entrée
- Best Main Course
- Best Dessert
Who Can Apply
Who Can Apply
The Les Toques Blanches Awards of Excellence is open to aspiring culinary professionals who meet one of the following eligibility requirements:
Apprentice Cook
Apprentice Cooks who are indentured by the competition closing date.
Certificate III Student
Students currently studying a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery full-time.
Certificate IV Student
Students currently studying a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery full-time.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are now open for the Les Toques Blanches Awards of Excellence 2026.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, complete the application form below to submit your entry.
Applications close at 5:00 pm
on Friday, 28 August 2026
Ready to Apply?
Applications are now open for the Les Toques Blanches Awards of Excellence 2026.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, complete the application form below to submit your entry.
Applications close at 5:00 pm
on Friday, 28 August 2026
Competition Application
Past Winners
Every year, the Les Toques Blanches Awards of Excellence recognises exceptional emerging culinary talent. Explore previous winners and celebrate the chefs whose passion, creativity and dedication have earned them recognition through the competition.
Kindly Supported By
The Les Toques Blanches Awards of Excellence is proudly supported by our valued industry partners.
