COMPETITIONS

Are you a chef with over four years’ experience in the industry?

The City of Oxford Guild of Chefs, in partnership with The Food Heroes, is proud to present the OxFood Hero of 2026 competition.

Date: Wednesday 1st April 2026
Location: City of Oxford College, central Oxford

The OxFood Hero Competition has been created to inspire and motivate chefs with over four years’ professional experience—whether you are a Chef de Partie, Junior Sous, Head Chef, or another. At the City of Oxford Guild of Chefs, we believe in celebrating the dedication and talent within our trade and creating opportunities that reward passion, skill, and creativity.

Legendary chef Pierre Koffmann heads the Food Heroes family. Under his expert guidance, a distinguished panel of judges will crown the OxFood Hero of 2026.

Competitors are required to produce a show-stopping dish within two hours, placing Koffmann’s Blue potatoes firmly at the heart of the plate. Dishes will be presented to a judging panel led by none other than Pierre Koffmann himself.

Potatoes are a humble yet incredibly versatile ingredient, and judges will be looking for imaginative, skilfully executed dishes that showcase both creativity and technical ability. There are no restrictions on the style of dish—it may be a bar snack, starter, main course, or even a dessert. Success will come down to originality, flavour, and execution.

Each competitor will be provided with 2kg of washed Koffmann’s Blue potatoes. All additional ingredients must be supplied by the candidate. All standard and basic kitchen equipment will be provided at individual stations, candidates are welcome to bring any other equipment they wish.

Pierre Koffmann, legendary three Michelin-starred chef and mentor to the likes of Marco Pierre White and Gordon Ramsay, is head of The Food Heroes family. He led the judging panel that crowned the OxFood Hero of 2025, Asia Mihelis, for her remarkable dish:

Potato & chocolate mousse, potato ice cream, potato & chocolate chips, passion fruit, and potato & chocolate beignets.

To enter the competition, simply complete the application form:  APPLY HERE
Application deadline: 1st March 2026, midnight.

Successful applicants will be notified by email and be given a two week deadline to submit details of the dish they will be serving Pierre and the judges.

There can only be one OxFood Hero of 2026.

The winner will be invited to the City of Oxford Guild of Chefs Annual Gala Dinner at St Edmund Hall on 18th April 2026, where they will receive their award and prize from Pierre Koffmann during the evening’s award ceremony.

The Food Heroes present an exceptional dining experience for two at Fallow, London, seated at the chef’s counter.

Applicants must have a minimum of four years’ professional experience as a chef within the industry.

• Gain invaluable competition experience
   
• Strengthen and refine your culinary skillset
   
• Earn recognition within the industry
   
• Challenge yourself and grow as a professional
   
• Cook for and present your food to world-renowned chef Pierre Koffmann
   
• And most importantly—have a lot of fun