Melbourne student selected to compete in Culinary Olympics 2028

Le Cordon Bleu Australia is thrilled to announce that Melbourne student Nguyễn Hồng Anh (Hana) has been selected to represent the Australian National Culinary Squad in the Culinary Olympics, held in Germany in 2028.

As part of the Australian team, Hana will strive for Gold at the World Cup in Luxembourg in November 2026, highlighting the high level of training and mentorship provided by Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne.

Hana – who completed an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management (Cuisine) and is currently studying a Bachelor of Business – was overcome with excitement when she was announced as part of the national team.

“This is one of the greatest achievements I’ve ever accomplished,” she says.

“Not only is it a huge milestone in my culinary journey, but an incredible opportunity to learn from experienced chefs and further develop my cooking skills.

“Above all, I believe this will serve as a strong steppingstone for my future career in the culinary industry.”

The announcement follows an inspiring masterclass held in February by chef Andrew Ballard, captain of the Australian Culinary Team, who visited Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne to offer invaluable insights into the rigorous demands of competition training.

Hana had the opportunity to speak with chef Andrew and was encouraged to apply for the trials, in order to try her luck at making the team.

To participate, she was required to design a three-course menu, test the dishes and prepare all the necessary equipment for four servings of each course – entrée, main and dessert.

“During the actual competition, the judges did not miss a single detail, from our technical skills and kitchen organisation to hygiene practices,” she says.

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A priority for Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne has been to provide our students with exceptional mentorship, training and opportunities to participate in prestigious culinary competitions.

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“As I understand it, the final decision was made after a thorough discussion among members of the Australian Culinary Federation, who carefully reviewed our performance before announcing the final team.”

Complimentary to Hana’s skill and dedication, she credits her family, teachers and Le Cordon Bleu for the support in helping her perform well during the competition.

“I especially want to thank chef Mariano, who has supported me through all the competitions wherein I participated,” she says.

“He ensured I had everything I needed, whether it was equipment, advice or time and space to practice my dishes and I am truly grateful for that.”

Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne’s Program Manager, Lili Franco, expressed pride in Hana's success.

“A priority for Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne has been to provide our students with exceptional mentorship, training and opportunities to participate in prestigious culinary competitions,” she says.

"We are incredibly proud of Hana’s accomplishments and are excited to see her continue to excel as she prepares for the Culinary Olympics.”

The Culinary Olympics is one of the world’s most prestigious international culinary competitions, bringing together professional chefs from across the globe to compete individually or as part of national teams.

More than 1,200 chefs from 55 nations competed in the last Olympics, held in 2024.