We’re excited to introduce the two young talents joining the Billy Gallagher Young Chefs Tour 2025! Nominated at the Worldchefs Congress, Jiwoong Shin from South Korea and Olav Tennfjord from Norway will embark on this unique journey from 13 – 24 October, 2025.
Over nearly two weeks, these two young chefs will showcase their skills, exchange cultures, and honor the remarkable legacy of Chef Billy Gallagher. They will travel across South Africa, immersing themselves in the country’s culinary traditions and heritage, engaging with industry leaders, and exploring cultural landmarks.
In supporting this initiative, Worldchefs underscores its commitment to keeping Billy Gallagher’s vision alive: to empower young chefs around the world in their culinary careers.
The Billy Gallagher Young Chefs Tour was conceptualized in 2014 by Dr. Bill “Billy” Gallagher, Honorary Life Member and former president of Worldchefs. Designed as a once-in-a-lifetime educational and cultural exchange, the program rewards two deserving young chefs who have attended the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum at the bi-annual Worldchefs Congress.
Since 2015, the tour has taken place four times, welcoming young chefs from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, and Sweden. Participants gain hands-on culinary exposure, discover South Africa’s food heritage, and contribute to knowledge-sharing by documenting their experiences.
About Billy Gallagher
Dr. Billy Gallagher (1948 – 2016) was a prominent figure in South Africa and the global culinary industry. As past president and later Honorary Life President of Worldchefs, he dedicated his career to mentorship, education, and humanitarian efforts. He founded the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, giving young culinarians a global platform, and championed initiatives such as the World Chefs Tour Against Hunger, which mobilized chefs worldwide to fight food insecurity.
The Billy Gallagher Young Chefs Tour, acts as just one of the many ways that his legacy continues to inspire, ensuring cultural exchange, social responsibility and impact across the global culinary community.
The 2025 Tour Begins
Kicking off in one week, this year’s tour is hosted by Southern Sun.
Stay tuned as young Chefs Jiwoong Shin and Olav Tennfjord journey to South Africa, carrying forward the legacy of Chef Billy Gallagher, and discovering more about food and culture.
Follow along the young chefs’ journeys on Instagram @worldchefs.youngchefs or on Facebook @BillyGallagherAndAssociates.
As these two young chefs embark on their journey, they follow in the footsteps of many inspired by Chef Billy Gallagher’s passion for mentorship. That same spirit lives on at the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum, a space for young chefs to connect, learn, and grow at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026.
For chefs under the age of 25, join the Bill Gallagher Young Chefs Forum at Worldchefs Congress 2026 from May 16-19 in Wales to experience foraging, explore Newport Market, meet Michelin-starred chefs, enjoy masterclasses, and more!
#BillyGallagherLegacy #BGA #YoungChefsTour #Worldchefs
Photos from previous Billy Gallagher Young Chefs Tours.
