IGCAT YOUNG CHEF AWARDS
Celebrating Food Heritage While
Creating Tomorrow’s Cuisine
European Young Chef Award 2026
Americas Young Chef Award 2026
Americas Young Chef Finalists 2026
Peru
Honduras
Costa Rica
Manabí Awarded 2026
First Coast nominated 2031
Martinique Candidate 2030
Bahamas
What is the IGCAT Young Chef Award
These competitions organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Art and Tourism (IGCAT) are designed to empower emerging chefs to become ambassadors for their region’s food heritage and sustainable gastronomy.
2026 Americas Competition Highlights
The 2026 edition of the Americas Young Chef Award took place in Manabí, World Region of Gastronomy awarded 2026, from 8 to 12 October 2026. This edition brought together talented young chefs from across the continent to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and regional food heritage through innovative reinterpretations of traditional dishes.
Organised by IGCAT with the support of Fundación FUEGOS and CAF, and hosted by:
News & Updates
Wendy Barrie from Scotland joins the jury of the 10th European Young Chef Award
Director of the Scottish Food Guide and Scottish Cheese Trail, Wendy Barrie will join the jury of the 2026 European Young Chef Award, hosted by
Anni Inkeri Korhonen from Finland joins the jury of the 10th European Young Chef Award
Food Culture entrepreneur and official ambassador for Saimaa, European Region of Gastronomy 2024, Anni Inkeri Korhonen will join the jury of the 2026 European Young
Hedda Lund Børresen represents Trondheim-Trøndelag at the 2026 European Young Chef Award
“My expectations for the European Young Chef Award 2026 are to meet young chefs who share the same passion and excitement for their regions as