Adelaide student takes top honour at SA Golden Chef's Regional Cook-Off

Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide culinary student Matilda Birkholz has claimed the coveted title of regional winner at the South Australian Golden Chef’s Regional Cook-Off, held at our Adelaide campus last week.

The prestigious event saw a record 20 chefs from across the state compete in a high-pressure kitchen showdown.

Impressing the judges with her skill, creativity and calm composure under pressure, Matilda walked away with the highest score of the day and was awarded a gold medal for her outstanding performance.

“Winning the Golden Chef’s SA Regional Finals means so much to me,” Matilda says,

“It’s such an incredible feeling to compete at this level.

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To win the SA Golden Chef’s Regional Finals wearing and representing the Le Cordon Bleu logo feels like a dream come true.

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“Less than a week ago, I finished my Final Commis French qualification exam — now I’m holding gold and preparing for the National Golden Chef's Finals in Sydney.”

Matilda’s journey has been one of dedication, practice and the support of her mentors at Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide.

“The chefs at Le Cordon Bleu have given me unconditional support and believed in me, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself,” she says,

“Chef Simon, Robyn and Paul have all been such big inspirations. I can’t thank them enough for their guidance, even during my first six months of Certificate III.

“They gave me the confidence I needed to excel, and I used every bit of it on competition day.”

The Golden Chef’s Hat Award is Australia’s longest-running culinary competition for young chefs, and Matilda will now go on to represent South Australia in the national finals in Sydney this September.

“Le Cordon Bleu is more than a culinary school — it’s a platform for passionate and driven students to take the next step towards their dreams,” she added.

“To win the SA Golden Chef’s Regional Finals wearing and representing the Le Cordon Bleu logo feels like a dream come true.”

The gold medal, Matilda says, isn’t just her achievement — it’s a testament to the mentorship and community that surrounds her.

“It’s a representation of Le Cordon Bleu’s work ethic, beliefs and teaching style. The medal is just the icing on the cake.”

Le Cordon Bleu congratulates Matilda on her exceptional achievement and looks forward to supporting her as she competes for national glory later this year.