Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Competition 2026 Commences Regional Rounds

The Nestlé Professional Golden Chef’s Hat Competition 2026, organised in partnership with the Chefs Guild of Lanka, has commenced its island-wide regional rounds, with the Colombo and Negombo competitions held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

The annual culinary competition aims to identify, nurture and develop emerging culinary talent within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry while supporting the growth of the country’s next generation of chefs.

Nine regional competitions will be held across Sri Lanka between July and October, with the top three teams from each region advancing to the grand finale scheduled for November.

Culinary teams representing leading hotels and hospitality establishments in the Colombo and Negombo regions competed in closely contested rounds, showcasing their creativity, technical skills and culinary expertise.

This year’s competition also introduced the Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award, a global recognition developed in partnership with the World Chefs Association. The award recognises chefs and culinary teams demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable practices, including reducing food waste, responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious kitchen operations.

Colombo Region

Green Spatula Award – Bellagio Colombo
Chef R. Dewadasan
Chef T.D.K. Kumara

Winner – ITC Ranadeepa
Chef Thirini Hiranya
Chef Kavindu Gayashan

1st Runner-up – Cinnamon Grand
Chef Dilhan Karunathilaka
Chef Natasha Dewine

2nd Runner-up – Galle Face Hotel
Chef Veeramma Dinesh
Chef K.G.A. Ometh

Negombo Region

Green Spatula Award – Sri Lankan Catering
Chef U.A.S. Shreelal
Chef I.A.T. Ransana

Winner – Sri Lankan Catering
Chef U.A.S. Shreelal
Chef I.A.T. Ransana

1st Runner-up – Goldi Sands Hotel
Chef H.A. Geethika Jyasingha
Chef W.C. Suraj Fernando

2nd Runner-up – Earls Regent Negombo
Chef G.K.J.M. Keerthisiri
Chef D.D. Kavindi Dalugamage

The introduction of the Green Spatula Award reflects a broader focus on sustainability within the competition and the culinary industry, encouraging professionals to adopt practices that contribute to more sustainable food systems.

As the B2B arm of Nestlé Lanka, Nestlé Professional Sri Lanka continues to work with food service professionals by providing tailored solutions and supporting skills development across the hospitality sector.

The remaining regional rounds of the Golden Chef’s Hat Competition will continue until October, with finalists from across the island set to compete for top honours at the grand finale in November.