The next generation of culinary talent will play a key role in strengthening Northern Ireland’s food and drink tourism offering, Tourism Northern Ireland Chief Executive Laura McCorry has said.
Speaking at the launch of Ireland’s Next Top Chef 2026 in Belfast, attended by First Minister Michelle O’Neill, McCorry highlighted emerging chefs as a key driver of the region’s tourism ambitions, pointing to the growing importance of food and drink in attracting visitors and shaping how they experience the destination.
The high-profile event at the Balmoral Hotel, hosted by broadcaster Barra Best, marked the official start of this year’s competition and brought together senior figures from across the hospitality, tourism and business sectors.
Now entering its fourth year, Ireland’s Next Top Chef has rapidly established itself as a leading platform for identifying and supporting emerging culinary talent across the island of Ireland.
Launched in 2023 by the Balmoral Hotel, the not-for-profit competition is free to enter and is designed to challenge chefs across technical skill, creativity and real-world kitchen performance.
Laura McCorry, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said:“Ireland’s Next Top Chef is a fantastic platform to showcase the exceptional cheffing talent we have right across our tourism and hospitality sector. Food and drink accounts for over one third of visitor spend and continues to be an increasingly important motivator for travel, shaping how visitors experience and remember a destination.
“Competitions like this not only celebrate creativity and skill, but play a vital role in raising the profile of our industry, inspiring the next generation of chefs and allowing us to tell our food story with real pride, confidence and ambition.
“I wish all of the entrants the very best of luck as they compete across the heats in the coming months. It promises to be an exciting journey that highlights the strength, passion and creativity of our industry.”
The competition continues to build momentum year-on-year, with previous winners including Gareth Crawford (Co. Antrim, 2023), Michelle dela Cruz (Co. Antrim, 2024) and Lauma Kilgas (Co. Roscommon, 2025), each progressing their careers within the hospitality sector following their success.
This year’s competition will see chefs from across Ireland compete through a series of knockout stages, progressing from online entry to live heats at Waterman House Cookery School in Belfast, before culminating in a grand final at the Balmoral Hotel on 29 July 2026.
The final three will go head-to-head in front of a live audience and an expert judging panel in their bid to be crowned Ireland’s Next Top Chef 2026.
At stake is a career-defining prize, with the winner securing a prestigious stage at the two Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London, alongside the coveted Ireland’s Next Top Chef title.
John Trainor, Operational Director at the Balmoral Hotel and founder of the competition, said:“Ireland’s Next Top Chef has firmly established itself as a leading platform for emerging culinary talent across the island. It is not simply a competition, but a meaningful pathway for chefs to develop their craft, gain recognition and progress within the industry.
“What began as an ambitious idea has grown into a highly respected initiative, supported by some of the most influential voices in hospitality. From suppliers and sponsors to established chefs and industry leaders, there is a shared commitment to supporting the next generation and investing in the future of our sector.
“We’re seeing first-hand the quality of talent coming through, and that’s what makes this so important. It reflects the strength of our food culture and the role hospitality continues to play within the wider economy, both north and south.
“For 2026, our focus is on building on that momentum by delivering a stronger, more ambitious competition that creates greater opportunity, increased visibility and a platform capable of making a lasting impact on the careers of those who take part.”
Ireland’s Next Top Chef 2026 is supported by a strong network of industry partners, including Balmoral Hotel, Henderson Foodservice, Direct Wine Shipments, Estrella Damm, Drinks Inc, Bunzl McLaughlin, Frylite Solutions, Tanqueray Gin, Coca-Cola HBC, Ryak Cleaning & Support Services, Lynas Foodservice, Keenan Seafood, Féile an Phobail and Waterman House Cookery School.
For more information and to apply, contestants can visit www.irelandsnexttopchef.com.