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Battle of the Snack has become one of the standout events of the Flavours of Plenty Festival. Created in collaboration with Cuisine magazine, the event celebrates local talent, creativity, and high-energy competition as chefs push their skills to the limit.
Battle of the Snack has quickly become one of the most talked-about events of the Flavours of Plenty Festival. Created in collaboration with Cuisine magazine, the event shines a spotlight on local talent and celebrates fearless creativity in food. Now three years in, it is known for its high energy, fun atmosphere, and the chance to see chefs push their skills to the limit.
The format is simple but thrilling. Local chefs and rising talents compete to create the ultimate canapé. Two winners are crowned each year: the Judge’s Choice, selected by Cuisine Editor-in-Chief Kelli Brett, and the People’s Choice, decided by the audience. The Judge’s Choice recipe is then published in Cuisine, giving the winner a platform on the national stage.
Four emerging chefs compete to create the ultimate canapé, guided by experienced mentor chefs from across the region. Each year, two awards are presented: the Judge’s Choice, selected by Cuisine Editor-in-Chief Kelli Brett, and the People’s Choice, voted live by the audience. The Judge’s Choice recipe is then published in Cuisine magazine. As Malika reflected:
The Judge’s Choice went to Paige for her Spice Girls snack, featuring a cauliflower bhaji, apple kasundi, coriander and jalapeño aioli, and pickled onions.
Paige and mentor Ian prepare Paige’s Bambi snack — a venison Wellington spring roll with portobello, walnut and truffle mousse, spinach, prosciutto, and blackberry fluid gel.
The Judge’s Choice went to Rikayla Bridge-Zwezerynen of Solera, whose winning canapé featured in Cuisine. The People’s Choice winner was awarded to Nathan Turley of Somethin’ Somethin’ café.
Aditya Raut, supported by Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology mentor Shane Yardley, claimed Cuisine magazine’s Judge’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice winner was awarded to Kristian So’e.
Sugo restaurant’s Aditya Raut claimed Cuisine magazine’s Judge’s Choice Award with his spiced lamb, salsa, and tapioca cracker snack.
The Public Choice went to Papa Mo’s junior sous chef Kristian So’e who presented a curried duck rillette croquette with coconut ketchup. He was supported by mentor Neil Sapitula.
The Judge’s Choice went to Alex Smith with a mushroom snack. The People’s Choice winner was awarded to Sanish Dhungana.
Alex Smith’s mushroom snack won the highest praise from host judge Kelli Brett.
Sanish Dhungana’s venison tartar earned the most votes from diners at the Battle of the Snack event.
2026 mentee and mentor chefs
2025 mentee and mentor chefs
2024 mentee and mentor chefs
2023 mentee and mentor chefs
Battle of the Snack will be returning for the 2027 Flavours of Plenty Festival. Join our newsletter to keep up-to-date with competition details and other festival information.
Are you a future culinary star, or do you know someone who is? Nominate a chef for Battle of the Snack 2027. Selected chefs will be mentored by the region’s top chefs, create dishes for 120 guests, and have the chance to feature in Cuisine Magazine.
