Belfast Teen Chef Hanna Asish Wins Regional Crown, Heads to UK Final
A young aspiring chef from Belfast is celebrating a significant victory after being crowned the regional winner in a national competition to find the UK's top young culinary talent. Hanna Asish, aged 14 and a student at Our Lady and St Patrick's College in Belfast, impressed judges during the regional heat hosted at Belfast Met's Titanic Quarter, earning her a coveted spot in the final.
Securing a Place in the National Spotlight
Hanna overcame tough competition from local students and will now represent Northern Ireland at the UK-wide Springboard FutureChef 2026 final in London this March. Now in its 27th year, Springboard FutureChef stands as the UK's largest school culinary competition, boasting an impressive list of successful alumni. Notable past participants include Poppy O'Toole, known as the 'Potato Queen' on Instagram, Tom Hamblet, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, and Bobby Odu, owner of Bobby Bakes.
Judging and Mentorship by Culinary Stars
Throughout the competition, participants receive mentorship and are judged by all-star Springboard FutureChef Champions and supporters. The Lead Judge for 2026 is the multi-award-winning chef Chantelle Nicholson. Hanna captivated the judges with her innovative menu, featuring a main course of Manor Farm thyme butter roasted chicken, herb and sesame crusted chicken lollipop, hasselback Comber baby potatoes, tender stem broccoli, and carrot puree. For dessert, she served a Granny Smith apple and baked oats crumble with aerated vanilla custard and pannacotta, accompanied by baby toffee apples.
Hanna's Reaction and the Programme's Impact
Speaking about her impressive win, Hanna expressed her excitement, stating, "This has been such an amazing competition and overall experience. I can't believe I've won. My mentor Garreth has worked so hard with me in preparation for today, helping and guiding me, as well as teaching me the culinary skills I needed to prepare my meals today. So excited to have won and now going to London to represent Northern Ireland at the UK finals."
Designed to develop the next generation of chefs, the Springboard FutureChef programme connects students from diverse backgrounds with chefs, employers, and mentors. It provides early access to essential skills, guidance, and real-world experience, supporting long-term career progression and fostering a more diverse and resilient workforce.
Supporting a Vibrant New Generation
FutureChef Lead Judge 2026, Chantelle Nicholson, commented on the initiative's importance, saying, "For our industry to grow in a way that is innovative, resilient, and genuinely sustainable, we must open doors for everyone. Programmes like Springboard FutureChef play an essential role in encouraging young people from all backgrounds, helping them overcome obstacles and find their place in the kitchen. It's a privilege to be part of an initiative that supports such a vibrant and representative new generation of chefs."
Upcoming National Final Events
Finalists from regional heats across the country will advance to the National Final in March. The celebrations will commence with a dinner on March 22, 2026, at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, followed by the National Final itself on March 23, 2026, at Capital City College in Westminster.
