Young Cooks
Welcome to Young Cooks, where young culinary enthusiasts can take part in a thrilling journey into the world of flavours, creativity, and lifelong skills.
2025 Competition
This program is designed to ignite your passion for cooking and uncover the chef within you. Young people are invited to take part in our Young Cooks cookery competition with the winners receiving a share of £500! In addition, a finalist will be selected to cook at a Showcase Lunch at The Dog in Wingham and may have the opportunity to attend a master class with an award-winning chef!
All entries should include:
- A list of ingredients
- The method used to prepare the dish(es)
- A breakdown of the cost of each dish
- A photo of the dish(es) you have prepared
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16 + Entry requirements
Your entry should be a 3 course meal for 2 people
The cost of 2 portions of your 3 dishes should not exceed £20.00 in total.
You have a time limit of 2.5 hours in which to prepare the dishes and clear away.
Entry Requirements
For all primary and secondary entries, your dish should consist of a main course using at least 6 items from the following list:
Potatoes Leeks Mushrooms
Rice Butter Stock Cubes
Pasta Flour Carrots
Milk Garlic Tinned Tomatoes
Onions Eggs Meat
Beans Pulses Fish
Lentils
You may add other ingredients to those from the list above, but the cost of 4 portions of your dish should not exceed £16.00.
You have a time limit of 1.5 hours in which to prepare the dish and clear away.
Deadline 31st January 2025
Young Cooks Final Photo Gallery 2024
Take a look at the photo gallery from the Young Cooks final held at Broadstairs College – March 2024.
Young Cooks 2024 Final
Take a look at the live final, a spectacle and culinary showdown. All finalists came to Broadstairs College’s professional catering kitchens which echoed with the sizzle and clatter of an exciting cook-off.
The energy in the room was contagious, with the aroma of delicious flavours wafting through the air where all the young cooks battle to take the crown of Young Cooks Winner 2024! The day was an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators alike.
What did our previous contestants have to say?
"The young cooks live final was a great experience, cooking in a professional kitchen, and has made me even more enthusiastic about cooking!"
"We loved the whole masterclass, and Aiden hasn't stopped talking about it, and could not wait to show off what he made."
"It was really cool! I really liked being there and cooking in a proper kitchen. It was lots of fun!"
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
“We are committed to global food security through research and education. The Young Cooks Competition supports our mission by nurturing young talent in sustainable food practices and nutrition awareness. As a leader in food security and sustainable agriculture, we aim to inspire the next generation to think responsibly about food.
Visit NRI’s website to see how our research is transforming food systems worldwide and supporting initiatives like Young Cooks for a more food-secure future.”
Showcase lunch at the award winning Dog at Wingham
Our Young Cooks winners, their grown-ups, sponsors, judges and special guests were all invited to The Dog at Wingham where they were treated to a 3-course lunch cooked by The Dog’s team of professional chefs and Yuri, the winner of our 16+ category. The chefs and Yuri took his winning dishes and created a menu to serve to the 30 guests. However, they were not merely dishes; they were works of art, showcasing the fusion of skill, creativity, and passion that defines the Dog’s culinary team. Their unique touches elevated the dining experience, leaving every palate enchanted.
Young Cooks Masterclass
We had an incredible day at Brakes UK head office for our Young Cooks Masterclass!
We invited a select group of primary and secondary school students who came close to making the final in March, giving them a unique opportunity to learn new skills and refine their techniques. Take a look at the photo’s from the day.
Sponsored By
