Vancouver Island Culinary Challenge 2026

Host: Vancouver Island University — Culinary Arts

Date: Saturday, April 25

Location: Nanaimo, BC

Divisions: Student / Open

Total Competitors: 10 competitors

Welcome to the Vancouver Island Culinary Competition, a premier culinary competition showcasing the talent, creativity, and skill of both student chefs from Vancouver Island’s post-secondary culinary programs and working professionals from the Island’s vibrant culinary community.

This exciting event brings together ten competitors in a single-heat format, where all participants will cook simultaneously under the same conditions, demonstrating their culinary expertise, precision, and innovation. The challenge is designed to test technique, creativity, and presentation while fostering camaraderie and inspiration among Island chefs.

This competition package provides all the details you need, including the competition task, expectations, required submissions, equipment, timing, and rules for participation.

We look forward to an inspiring day of culinary excellence and innovation, celebrating the talent and dedication of Vancouver Island’s next generation of chefs and seasoned professionals.

2026 VICC WInners

Student Division Results

Gold – Ved Van Hees (VIU)

Silver – Sean Silberer (VIU)

Bronze – Ashleigh Hughes (NIC)

Open Division Results

Gold – Simon Martin (VIU)

Silver – Ian Blom (The Old Firehouse Wine Bar)

Bronze – James Farrell (Kingfisher Resort)

A big thank you to our judges—Debbie Shore, Xavier Bauby, and Lesley Stav,