Historic chef competition International Salon Culinaire, taking place on 25-27 March 2024 at ExCeL London, has opened for entries with more than 100 live and static competitions taking place over three days.  

New for 2024 is the Australian Wagyu Beef competition in partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia, Junior and Senior pasta competitions in partnership with Dell’Ugo Foods and an evolution of Tilda Chef Team of the Year which will challenge competing chefs to focus on using ‘waste’ or by-products to create delicious dishes. The competition has also welcomed Oatly as a partner for an all-new plant-based challenge.  

Returning challenge Pub Chef of the Year will be partnering with Essential Cuisine to ask chefs to create an outstanding pie dish, while Craft Guild of Chefs Team of the Year in conjunction with Waitrose & Partners will be asking chefs to develop a delicious bowl food menu.  

The Skills Theatre will allow aspiring and student chefs to demonstrate their skills in live competition and provide the perfect platform to showcase their talents and refine their skills essential for their career growth. In Salon Display, chefs will be challenged to construct a visually beautiful plate and put their creativity to the test. 

Salon Chef Director Steve Munkley comments: “Chefs are in more demand than ever, with the industry crying out for new recruits. HRC and Salon Culinaire give us, the ‘cheffing’ industry, the opportunity to shine and show off our talents, encouraging others to join and make us stronger in the long term.” 

Judges for the 2024 edition of Salon Culinaire include John Williams MBE, Executive Chef at The Ritz London, Will Torrent, Senior Brand Development Chef at Waitrose & Partners, Michelin-starred chef and consultant Daniel Galmiche and Cherish Finden, acclaimed pastry chef and judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.  

Finden says: "I am honoured to be a part of the 2024 International Salon Culinaire judging panel. Live competitions provide chefs with a remarkable opportunity to test their skills, showcase their culinary creativity, and expand their professional network. I wholeheartedly encourage chefs, regardless of their skill level, to participate and elevate their careers." 

The competition is once again supported by Compass Group UK & Ireland as headline partner.  

Nick Vadis, Culinary Director and Compass Group comments: “International Salon Culinaire is an incredibly valuable chance for chefs to expand their skillset, demonstrate their creativity and resourcefulness, and connect with industry peers. The competition has been fantastic for chefs across Compass Group who have been able to stand out from the crowd and embrace new opportunities within the business. I can’t wait to see what this year’s competitors bring to the table.” 

To find out more about all the competitions at International Salon Culinaire 2024, and for more information on entering, visit internationalsalonculinaire.co.uk. Salon Culinaire takes on 25-27 March 2024 at ExCeL London alongside HRC, Hotel, Restaurant & Catering, The Pub Show, IFE, International Food & Drink Event and IFE Manufacturing.