AHF National Culinary Competition
AHF’s National Culinary Competition is a career-changing opportunity for our competing member teams. Five teams of two are selected from self-operated facilities around the country. Each year our five teams compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze during a 75-minute timed competition with set ingredient options selected from AHF’s curated Market Basket.
Competitors are selected through a rigorous, blinded, selection process. The live competition will take place during our National Conference in New Orleans August 21-23, 2025.
Watch the recording of our 2024 Culinary Competition to get prepared and understand how our competition works.
Join the 2024 INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR – Registration Coming Soon
To learn more about this year’s competition, we invite you to attend our informational webinar hosted by the 2025 committee chair and the 2024 Gold Winner. Gain insights into the competition format, tips for success, and firsthand experiences from those who’ve tasted victory. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to prepare yourself for the culinary adventure ahead.
Competition Format: Unleash Your Creativity & Showcase Self-Op Excellence
Five teams of two will be selected to compete in a 75-minute timed challenge. The challenge? Craft extraordinary dishes using carefully selected ingredients from AHF’s curated Market Baskets.
Selection Process: Fair and Impartial
Our competitors are chosen through a rigorous, blinded selection process, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation. We take pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive competition environment.
Save the Date: Finalists Receive Complementary Registration and Travel Support
Mark your calendars for the live competition during our National Conference in New Orleans, from August 21 to 23, 2025. Join us for an unforgettable experience as teams vie for Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors. Selected finalists will receive complementary registration and travel support to attend AHF’s National Conference where you will earn 14+ CEUs through ANFP, ACF, and CDR.
Get Inspired: Watch Past Winners Take Gold
To get a glimpse of what to expect, we encourage you to watch the recording of our 2024 Culinary Competition. Gain insights, witness the creativity, and prepare yourself for the upcoming challenge. Watch Now
2025 Judges’ Panel – TBA
Following the competition, finalists are invited to a private critique with our panel of celebrated expert judges. This unique educational experience offers invaluable feedback from highly regarded chefs, helping competitors refine their craft. Renowned for their culinary expertise and integrity, our judges ensure the highest standards, guiding participants to reach new heights in their culinary journey.
The 2024 Judges’ Panel included:
Brian West
Owner
Chef Brian West, inc
“The Voice of Texas Cuisine”
Matthew Ward
Executive Chef
of Residential Dining
University of North Texas
Dining Services
Jared Hunter
Executive Chef
MD Anderson Cancer Center
2023 AHF National Champion
Aatul Jain
Executive Chef
St. Peter’s Healthcare System
2014 AHF National Champion
David Brue
Associate Director Culinary Outreach, Executive Chef
The OSU Wexner Medical Center
2021 AHF National Champion
2025 Market Basket – TBA
Market Basket A
- To Be Announced
Mystery Ingredient
- To Be Announced at Conference
Market Basket B
- To Be Announced
Showcase Your Team’s Talent on the National Stage!
Application Openning Early 2025
Deadline to Apply: March 30, 2025
If you have any questions, please email AHF Staff at culinary@healthcarefoodservice.org.
Culinary Competition Past Finalists
Need inspiration? Click below to see a gallery of final plated dishes of past competition finalists.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no maximum, but you are required to use a minimum of 2 items in Basket B; you can use more if you wish to. Be intentional about it.
Yes, we allowed this in previous years and will allow it again.
Traditionally, Yes. If you wish to bring your own stock, you must find a way to ship it to the hotel and store it safely. The stock must be included in your original recipe and meet the nutritional guidelines.
No, both team members must be from the same facility. Two teams from the same system may apply separately.
Yes, you can submit more than one recipe for consideration if you like. Only one recipe will be selected and only 1 team from your facility will be selected.
6 portions. 5 portions will be served to our judges for tasting and the 6th portion will be for display and photographs.
We plan to notify all applicants at the beginning of June.
No. No additional plug in heat sources are permitted, including sous vide equipment.
No, sous vide cooking is not permitted as a part of this competition.
There are 5 teams of 2, for a total of 10 competitors.
Yes, both dry storage and refrigeration will be available the day prior to the competition. More instructions will be given to selected finalists.
1 hour to wash produce, arrange the space, boil water. No cutting of produce or other prep of ingredients will be permitted.
Market basket ingredients will be provided for you. Any additional ingredients must be picked up before the event. Local grocery stores in Orlando will be provided. If you are shipping any products, shipping instructions will be given to you.
No, AHF will provide sanitation materials and access.
Each team will be given a speed rack with sheet trays that can be used to organize your materials.
Yes, the committee will keep that in consideration when selecting.
Please contact culinary@healthcarefoodservice.org, so we can provide you with what will be made available.
AHF will provide each team with the 11″ white plates.
We recommend using whatever your hospital uses or a commercial version. Please do not use an open source one from the Internet.
Applicants should use their own costs for the market basket ingredients.
Teams are required to showcase a minimum of two cooking methods to include any 2 of the following techniques: For moist; boil, simmer, steam, braise, stew and poach. For dry heat cooking methods; grill, sauté, roast, bake and fry
Get Excited!
