NextGen Chef Challenge for secondary school students 2026

Interested in putting your culinary skills to the test? SETU are looking for aspiring chefs who are in secondary school in the South East to compete in the NextGen Chef Challenge.

This initiative aims to spark interest and enhance knowledge in food, cooking, sustainability, and nutrition amongst transition, fifth and sixth year students.

This year's theme: 'From our Soil and Sea: Seasons of Ireland'

The 2026 NextGen Chef Challenge invites students to celebrate Ireland’s rich culinary heritage by creating dishes that honour the land, the waterways, the seasons, and the food traditions that have shaped Irish cooking through generations.

Students are asked to design a two-course menu that reimagines traditional Irish recipes or flavours using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Each dish should tell a story, connecting the past to the present, showcasing how classic Irish ingredients and methods can be given new life through creativity and skill - Recipes inspired by family traditions or regional dishes. reimagined for today.”

Prizes kindly sponsord by Musgrave MarketPlace. Trophies kindly sponsored by Fraher Media. Chef jackets kindly sponsored by Brennan Catering Supplies.

Who can enter?

Secondary School students from the South East Region - Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Wexford, and Tipperary.

What’s the Challenge?

• Create a two course meal: Starter and Main, or Main and Dessert
• Time Limit: 2.5 hours to prepare, cook, and present your dishes

Why Enter?

• Showcase your skills: Impress a panel of professional chefs and industry experts
• Learn and grow: Gain valuable experience in cooking, sustainability, and nutrition
• Win prizes: Exciting rewards for the top chefs!

Competition Details:

• Grand Finale will take place with the best 12 students from the region, on Friday, 13 March at SETU's Cork Road Campus, Waterford.
• Trophies for this event have been kindly sponsored by James Fraher at Fraher Media.

Judging Criteria:

• Use seasonal Irish produce that reflects what’s available at the time of year.
• Draw inspiration from family recipes, regional dishes, or traditional Irish flavours.
• Demonstrate modern presentation and culinary techniques while maintaining authenticity.
• Celebrate sustainability and respect for Irish food culture.

How to apply

• Read the above criteria to ensure your dishes meet expectations.
• Cook your proposed menu in school or at home and take photos of your dishes.
• Submit your proposed menu, with photos, which consists of two courses (starter and main course or main course and dessert), through our online application form.
• Closing date for submissions: 5pm, Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
• List of finalists announced: After the submissions close, all applicants will be contacted, both successful/not.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact Mark Gaffney at [email protected]

2025 NextGen Chef Challenge

Congratulations to last year's winner, Nehal Mehta, TY student at St. Angela’s Ursuline Waterford. Well done to second place, Erin McPherson and in third place, Kevin McNally.

Take a look at last year's event video here: