S.PELLEGRINO Young Chef Academy was recently launched in Tel Aviv, one of the world’s leading international competitions promoting chefs under the age of 30. This is the seventh time the competition is held in Israel, aiming to identify, nurture, and spotlight the next generation of chefs on the global stage.
Israel, facing a shortage of workforce in the restaurant industry, sees the competition as a significant tool to raise professional standards and instill excellence. This year, led by Tempo, the representative of S.PELLEGRINO in Israel, the response was unprecedented: Over 40 young chefs applied, the highest number registered from Israel to date.
Applications and auditions can be submitted until June 8, with the 15 chefs advancing to the regional final to be announced on July 20.
Yoash Ben Eliezer, Deputy CEO of Tempo, said: “Nurturing the next generation is not just a matter of prestige but an existential necessity in the culinary sector. This competition is the world’s best platform for personal development, mentoring, international connections, and entry into the global chefs’ community. We hope it will inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence.”
The launch event took place at the restaurant of chef Naifa Moula, as a tribute to her reaching the regional final in the previous competition, and was attended by industry leaders: Ruti Broudo, Asaf Doctor (Ha'achim, DoK), Avi Biton (Popular, Yassou, Sulica), Tamar Cohen Zedek (Cucina), Evyatar Malka (Rova Alef), Gil Dahan (Mashiya), Yehi Zino (Pescado), Moshiko Avraham (Noema), and more.
Another new feature this year is the Young Chefs Festival, which will be held in Israel for the first time around the Shavuot holiday. The festival will be dedicated to renewal and excellence and will allow the public to taste dishes from the young chefs who advanced in the competition.