This month, Hunter Valley chef Ashleigh Handsaker was crowned 2026 Nestlé Golden Chef of the Year, securing Australia’s longest-running culinary title for young chefs.
The 23-year-old sous chef from Iron Gate Kitchen took home the title, after competing in the program since 2021 and reaching the grand final five times before securing the top honour.
Held at Fine Food Australia in Melbourne, the 2026 Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award brought together 11 of the most talented young chefs from across Australia and New Zealand. Competing across a series of demanding challenges, finalists were tasked with preparing an entrée, main course and dessert that showcased their technical skill, creativity and ability to perform under pressure.
For her award-winning menu, Ashleigh Handsaker impressed judges with a mushroom and potato empanada with Grana Padano crema, pumpkin purée and pickled pumpkin ribbons, followed by beef flank with eggplant purée, candied eggplant, warrigal greens, a raspberry-glazed beef skewer and date jus.
To finish, she presented a honey-vanilla crémeux with basil sweet crumb, coconut jelly, lemon gel and chocolate tuile. The menu earned three gold medals and ultimately secured her the coveted title.
Chef Ashleigh said: “Winning the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is a dream come true and an incredibly proud moment for me. This was my sixth time competing and my final year of eligibility, so to take home the title after so many years of learning, growing and pushing myself is something I still can’t quite believe.”
“The competition has played such an important role in my journey as a chef. It has challenged me to be better, connected me with incredible mentors and peers, and opened doors I never thought possible. While my time as a competitor has come to an end, I hope this is just the beginning of a new chapter. I want to pass on my knowledge and experience to the next generation of chefs and hope to return as a mentor next year to help champion young talent across regional New South Wales,” said Ashleigh.
Nestlé Executive Chef and Golden Chef judge, Elke Travers said: “Ashleigh’s menu reflected experience, confidence and technical skill. Every element worked in harmony, with flawless execution and showcased a beautiful balance of flavours. She delivered an experience on the plate that ultimately set her apart from an exceptionally talented group of finalists.”
Nestlé Professional General Manager Oceania, Kristina Czepl, said the calibre of this year’s finalists showed why the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award remains such an important platform for emerging culinary talent.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award is seeing young chefs realise just how much they’re capable of. Chef Ashleigh and this year’s finalists brought incredible talent, passion and creativity to the competition, and it was fantastic to watch them challenge themselves and grow along the way.”
“While being crowned the winner is a huge achievement, the confidence, connections and experiences gained throughout the journey can help shape a chef’s career for years to come. That’s what keeps this competition so special more than six decades on,” said Kristina.
At IMPACT, it has been a privilege to help share Ashleigh’s journey, from her regional finalist success in 2024 and 2025 through to her national victory as part of our work with the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award.
Beyond the title itself, Ashleigh’s story is a powerful reminder of the dedication behind success. After years of competing and refining her skills, she now takes home a once-in-a-lifetime international culinary experience in Singapore, valued at $10,000, where she will gain experience in one of the country’s renowned restaurants.
For more information on the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Award, visit: https://www.goldenchefs.com.au/
Nestlé Professional is an IMPACT client.
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