Battle for the Dragon

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Contest Showcases The Best Junior Chefs in Wales

The Junior Chef of Wales competition is the pinnacle for all young chefs working or studying in Wales.

The bi-annual competition provides a wonderful platform for junior chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills at an event designed to showcase the very best that Wales has to offer.

Organised by the Welsh Culinary Association (WCA), the competition is sponsored by the Welsh Government to promote the Wales the True Taste food and drink brand, Unilever Food Solutions and Hybu Cig Cymru / Meat Promotion Wales.

Apart from the cudos of being named best in Wales, the winner of the nation’s premier culinary contest for junior chefs receives a bespoke Dragon Trophy and a trip to the Junior Forum at the World Association of Chefs Societies Congress.

The road to glory begins in regional qualifying heats. Up to five chefs are selected for each of the regional heats from their application forms, with the entry fee including a year’s WCA membership. To enter, chefs must be at least 17 years old and not more than 23.

From the heats, a panel of judges select the best four chefs to compete in the final at the Welsh International Culinary Championships at Coleg Llandrillo Cymru.

Entry is open to chefs working or studying in Wales. They are challenged to devise their own creative menu for a three-course dinner for four, including some Wales the True Taste winning products, which they must prepare and cook within three hours.