Category: Member News

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2025 returned with full force from 27–31 May 2025, alongside THAIFEX – Anuga Asia at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok. As the country’s largest and most respected chef competition, TUCC welcomed 452 chefs from 9 countries, all vying for culinary excellence across 25 diverse categories.

Held in collaboration with Worldchefs, the challenge is globally recognised for its high standards in culinary excellence. This year’s edition introduced two new categories: the Asian Cuisine Culinary Challenge and the Asian Modern Freshwater Fish and Prawn Culinary Challenge, showcasing the region’s deep culinary heritage and creativity with local ingredients. 

TUCC 2025 was evaluated by more than 40 Worldchefs-accredited judges, making it a premier platform for chefs to demonstrate their mastery in execution, technique, and innovation. 

Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025 Winners: 

• Best Ultimate Junior Chef: Phattharaporn Phooltuayad, Dusit Thani College 
• Best Ultimate Professional Chef: Natthapol Khunyodying, Chiang Mai Chefs Association 
• Best Ultimate Asian Chef: Thanaporn Korsuntorn, Bangkok University 
• Best Ultimate Pastry Chef: Saravut Tainta, Chiang Mai Chefs Association 
• Best Ultimate Establishment Award: Chiang Mai Chefs Association 

With Gratitude to Our 2025 Sponsors 

TUCC 2025 was made possible with the generous support of: Atlantic Chef, BR Group, D.A.P.P Uniform, Kimberly-Clark Professional, Lee Kum Kee, Newton Food Equipment, Makro, Royal Umbrella Rice, and VJ Group. Their continued commitment helps cultivate and elevate Asia’s culinary talent. 

Save the Date 

TUCC will return next year from 26–30 May 2026, promising more talent, more innovation, and a greater celebration of culinary excellence. 

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/TUCCThaifex/

About Worldchefs Endorsement

The Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2025 was endorsed by Worldchefs. To learn more about endorsing your event, visit https://worldchefs.org/endorsement/.

To view the press release on LinkedIn, click here.

Sharjah, May 2025 – Over 930 chefs competed in the 28th running of The International Emirates Salon Culinaire 2025, along with over 5800 visitors to the ExpoCulinaire.

The Emirates Culinary Guild would like to announce the successful running of the 28th Emirates Salon Culinaire (ESC) 2025 from 21st -23rd May 2025.

The competition was held at Expo Centre Sharjah, the home of ExpoCulinaire, alongside the ExpoCulinaire exhibition, making it an event with multiple activities happening simultaneously over the 3 days. The competition saw over 930 chef entries from the United Arab Emirates and 11 global countries, competing in 39 classes across all disciplines of the Culinary arts, including practical cookery, static displays, Emirati cuisine, cake decorating, and showpiece categories.
Worldchefs President and Guild founding member and coordinator Dubai-based Andy Cuthbert added, “This year’s competition was another sign of the growth of the culinary arts in the UAE; we introduced a new competition this year- the National Cuisine Challenge powered by TAAZA Ever Fresh and supported by Mr. Jeyaram, another competition aligned to zero food waste as guests consumed all the food during hosted lunched by counsel generals and dignitaries.”

Coupled with the return of the Sounbula Mills Artisan Bakery Arena, “The UAE has led the way with ExpoCulinaire 2025 being run alongside so many culinary competitions. We made the most of the strengths of all the individual parts of both events- exhibition and competitions to bring a truly complete food and beverage event to the Emirate of Sharjah,” said Joanne Cook, MD of Purple Kitchen Events. “To be able to maintain our commitment to chefs and education was essential. Our certified education sessions have become a pillar of the overall event, so delivering them in 2025 thanks to ICCA, DET, IRCA academy, Ecole Ducasse, and CIC was excellent added value for all our audience,” concluded Cook.

This year’s competition was powered by Foodverse, an end-to-end, app-based platform developed by Foodverse in collaboration with the International Centre for Culinary Arts, ICCA Dubai. From registrations to judging, the platform promises to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and credibility to the entire competition process.

Speaking about the innovation, Sunjeh Raja, Managing Director of ICCA and the visionary behind Foodverse, said, “Foodverse is set to become a truly credible platform for chefs across the globe. Not only competitions, but it’s set to empower the entire food industry and create meaningful opportunities for young chefs worldwide.”

The Emirates Salon Culinaire 2025 was endorsed by Worldchefs. To endorse your next event, visit https://worldchefs.org/endorsement/.

Worldchefs-Endorsed Competition Showcases Global Food Talent at Foodservice Australia part of Food & Hospitality Week

The Australian Culinary Federation is pleased to announce the official results of the 2025 ACF Restaurant Challenge, held on 19–20 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), as part of Foodservice Australia during Food & Hospitality Week.

Over two days, eight teams from Australia, Fiji, Malaysia, and Uruguay competed in a live restaurant setting, preparing and serving a three-course lunch menu to guests and judges in a high-pressure, open kitchen environment. Each team operated a fully functional kitchen and front-of-house service—delivering a complete restaurant experience.

Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort was awarded a Gold Medal and named the Overall Competition Winner, receiving a $3,000 prize. Their attention to flavour, execution, and team coordination stood out among a skilled group of competitors.

Coliseum 1921, Malaysia was awarded a Gold Medal taking out second place, Team Coliseum 1921 delivered bold Malaysian flavours with finesse. Their performance was polished, professional, and deeply connected to culture, earning them well-deserved recognition from the judging panel.

Team Levy Australia claimed third place, Silver Medal with a menu that celebrated premium Australian produce and thoughtful technique. Representing excellence in event and stadium dining, the team showcased calm focus and standout flavour combinations under pressure.

This year’s competition was officially endorsed by Worldchefs, recognising its professional standards and international reach.

2025 Medal Recipients:

• Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort – Gold Medal and Overall, Winner
• Coliseum 1921, Malaysia – Gold Medal
• Levy Australia – Silver Medal
• QT Kitchen, VIC – Silver Medal
• Uruguay Culinary Team – Silver Medal
• St Vincent’s Care Team, VIC – Silver Medal
• Fiji Culinary Team – Silver Medal
• Young Chefs Victoria – Bronze Medal

In addition to their menus, many teams enhanced the guest experience by designing printed menus and elegant table arrangements, showcasing creativity and professionalism.

Service throughout the competition was proudly supported by hospitality students from Holmesglen, who managed front-of-house responsibilities with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Thank You to Our Judges and Support Crew
A heartfelt thank you to our judging panel, mentors, kitchen coordinators, and behind-the-scenes crew who made this competition possible. Your time, expertise, and support ensured a seamless experience for every team and helped uphold the high standards this event is known for. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere thanks to all sponsors who supported the 2025 Queen Professional Restaurant Challenge. Your ongoing commitment helps us create meaningful opportunities for chefs, showcase emerging talent, and bring the industry together in celebration of excellence.

Your support makes this event possible.

Andre Kropp, Head Judge, commended the calibre of competition:

“This challenge tested teams in a real-world foodservice environment, and they

delivered. The precision, creativity, and discipline across both days were outstanding.”

Karen Doyle, President of the Australian Culinary Federation, added:

“The standard of discipline from all teams was exceptional. Their ability to work under pressure while delivering a seamless experience for both guests and judges reflects the professionalism and strength of the foodservice industry.”

Media Contact:

Ms. Deb Foreman

General Manager / Secretary ACF

competition@austculinary.com.au