YOUNG CHEF 2026

Young chefs from across District 1200 gathered at Queen’s College Taunton for the District Final of the Rotary Young Chef Competition. Competitors, each representing their local Rotary clubs, demonstrated impressive culinary skill, creativity and organisation as they prepared their dishes under competition conditions.

VIP guest judges for the day were Manupa Nhete, known for her appearance on MasterChef and as one of the region’s most exciting emerging culinary talents. Michelin-starred chef and highly respected chef Peter Gorton also judged the event as a VIP Chef. Peter has been MasterChef of Great Britain and is an author and TV personality. Both judges commented on the exceptionally high standard they witnessed in the competition kitchens, praising the young chefs for their creativity, technical ability and calmness under pressure.

The overall winner of the District Final was Ksusha, the Rotary Club of Taunton candidate. With this success, Kusha now progresses to the Cluster Final, which will be held at Clifton College 22 March.

The Rotary Club of Taunton was represented at the event by IPP Tracey Khodabandehloo, who supported the club’s entrant and celebrated the achievements of all competitors with the Rotary Clubs in attendance - Dorchester Casterbridge, Yeovil. Crewkerne, Frome, Burnham -on-Sea and Bath

In the photograph accompanying this report are winner Kusha, District Governor Mike Kew, Assistant District Governor Peter Townley, and Tracey Khodabandehloo from the Rotary Club of Taunton.

Thanks are extended to Club members Sally Nystrom and Andrew Goodwin for organising the  earlier stages of the competition .