Canberra’s original and best farmers market, Capital Region Farmers Market, will host the three finalists from Canberra’s Best Young Aspiring Chef competition in a live cook-off tomorrow, 17th September 2022.

The Market put the call out to find the region’s Best Young Aspiring Chefs and young Canberran cooks answered with 15 brilliant entries. Delicious creations were crafted by young chefs aged 9 to 15, ranging from entrées, mains, and desserts all using fresh local produce they sourced from Market, for their chance to take home the crown for Canberra’s Best Young Chef. 

The Market gifted each young cook $30 to spend on locally grown, freshly picked and hand-crafted produce to help bring their creations to life. The young chefs took to the Market with their families, choosing ingredients for their dishes before heading to their home kitchens to cook.

“The results were nothing short of scrumptious, with Baked Frittata with Pear Chutney, Chicken Sliders, Grandad’s Special Casserole and more featured in the young chefs’ entries,” said Capital Region Farmers Market Manager, Sarah Power.

“Canberra’s Best Young Aspiring Chef hopes to foster a lifelong interest in creating food from fresh local produce with low food miles, and to attract families to Market and show just how far even a limited budget of $30 can go,” Sarah continued.      

The three finalists are Amalija, age 13, and her Creamy Chorizo and Tomato Pasta; Charlie, age ten, and his Strawberry Chocolate Clafoutis; and Leeland, age ten, and his Pork Bifanas.

All three will compete in the live cook off on Saturday 17th September, judged by Minister Tara Cheyne, MLA, along with local Head Chef and creative behind Project Enoki and Sourdog Provisions, Gerald Ong.

View all entrants videos here