Rebecca Mahon’s 2026 win brings prestigious culinary competition to South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford
South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford has been announced as the host venue for the Knorr Student Chef of the Year 2027 final, which will take place on campus on Thursday, 4th March 2027.
The prestigious competition comes to Waterford on the back of the outstanding win by SETU student Rebecca Mahon, who was crowned Knorr Student Chef of the Year 2026. By tradition, the college of the reigning champion is invited to host the following year’s final. SETU will now welcome the country’s most promising young chefs, their lecturers and an expert judging panel to Waterford next March.
Rebecca’s success is a strong reflection of the standard of culinary education at SETU. Competing against talented students from catering colleges across Ireland, she impressed the judges with two-course menu inspired by last year’s theme, “Borderless Cuisine”, demonstrating skill, creativity and composure under pressure.
Hosting the final is a major vote of confidence in the college’s culinary arts programmes, its lecturing staff and its facilities. It will put SETU Waterford firmly in the national spotlight and gives current students the chance to see first-hand the standard required to compete at the highest level.
Audrey Crone, Executive Chef Ireland for Unilever Food Solutions and Head of the Judging Panel said:
“Rebecca was an outstanding winner and her success says a great deal about the teaching and mentoring she received at SETU. Bringing the 2027 final to Waterford is a fitting way to recognise the college’s contribution to developing the next generation of Irish chefs. We’re looking forward to working with the team at SETU to deliver a fantastic event next March.”
Dr. Christa De Brun, Head of Department of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality said: “
We are delighted and very proud to host Knorr Student Chef of the Year 2027. Rebecca’s win was a tremendous achievement for her personally as well as a testament to the dedication of our lecturers and the strength of our culinary programmes. Hosting the national final here in Waterford is a wonderful opportunity to showcase SETU, our students and our city to the wider hospitality industry.”
Knorr Student Chef of the Year, run by Unilever Food Solutions Ireland, is the country’s longest and leading culinary competitions for catering and hospitality students. It gives young chefs a platform to showcase their talent in front of leading industry judges and has helped launch the careers of many of Ireland’s up-and-coming chefs.
Further details on the 2027 competition, including entry information and the shortlist of finalists, will be announced in the coming months.
