Open call for entries
Within the framework of the “Crete European Region of Gastronomy 2026” initiative, the Region of Crete extends an open invitation to culinary students or recently graduated chefs operating in Crete to take part in the Pan-Cretan Young Chef Competition. Candidates are invited to present their own creative version of a traditional Cretan dish. The purpose of the competition is to select the new chef who will represent Crete as a Region in the international competition “European Young Chef Award 2026” organized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, in November 2026 in Gozo, Malta.
Deadline for Submission of Applications: Sunday 24 May 2026
About the European Young Chef Award
The “European Young Chef Award 2025” is a competition organised and promoted by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) and will be held in November 2026 in Gozo, European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
The aim of the European Young Chef Award is to strengthen ties between European regions through young professional chefs, while promoting culinary innovation and sustainability, using traditional cuisine and local products.
The IGCAT wishes to highlight local food production and diversity, as food is often a unique point of reference for regions and a way of supporting regional development. By enabling young chefs to learn about the value of local food diversity and local identity, IGCAT hopes to inspire future ambassadors of the European Regions of Gastronomy.
This event is not only a competition judged by international chefs and gastronomy experts, but also an opportunity for the finalists of the competitions from all over Europe to get to know the food products of the other regions and to create an international professional network.
See more about the application form here.
Source: ibo.crete.gov.gr