Open call for entries
As part of the “Crete – European Region of Gastronomy 2026”As part of the “” initiative, the Region of Crete extends an open invitation to culinary students or recently qualified chefs working in Crete to take part in the Pan-Cretan Young Chef Competition. Candidates are invited to present their own creative take on a traditional Cretan dish. The aim of the competition is to select the new chef who will represent the Region of Crete in the international “European Young Chef Award 2026” competition, organised by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, to be held in November 2026 in Gozo, Malta.
Deadline for the 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 take place in November 2026 in Gozo, the European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
The aim of the European Young Chef Award is to strengthen ties between European regions through young professional chefs, whilst promoting culinary innovation and sustainability, using traditional cuisine and local produce.
IGCAT wishes to highlight local food production and diversity, as food is often a unique point of reference for regions and a means 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 from across Europe to discover the food products of other regions and to build an international professional network.
Find out more about the application form here.
Source: ibo.crete.gov.gr