UK winner of Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire announced

Kamil Nowak, senior sous chef at the Michelin-starred Dysart Petersham restaurant in London’s Richmond, has been crowned UK winner of the 56th Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire.

He was runner-up to Paul Burgalières, head chef of the three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume in Cumbria, during last year’s UK heat.

The competition is open to chefs around the world aged between 24 and 40 with more than five years’ experience.

As the UK winner, Nowak has earned himself a place in the international finals, which will take place in Paris in January 2024.

He will be competing against winners from Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

Chefs will be required to use this year’s hero products, pollock and two lobsters, in their signature dish. Last year, it was pork and in 2022, it was beef.

Nowak also received €2,400 (£2,102) for his UK victory.

Michel Roux Jr, president of the UK National Competition, said: “It’s always brilliant to see someone continue to challenge themselves. Kamil came runner up last year with a truly excellent dish; this year, he has come back with even more experience and passion that shone through in his dish. I’m so looking forward to following Kamil on his journey to the global final in Paris.”

Jean Pierre Redont, secretary general in charge of the organisation at Le Taittinger, said: “After a landmark year last year where the final was hosted outside of Paris for the first time, Le Taittinger is back for the 56th edition and full of energy.

“The Taittinger family are very passionate about supporting grassroots talent across all industries and arts but especially in gastronomy, which lives deep in their roots.”

The winner of the international final will receive €20,000 (£17,500) and a trophy, while the runner-up will be awarded €5,000 (£4,375) and €2,500 (£2,187) will go to the chef in third place.

As of this year, Le Taittinger Prix Culinaire also forms part of the newly launched ArsNova Endowment Fund, a charitable organisation founded by Maison Taittinger.

Previous winners of the competition include Régis Marcon, Michel Roth and Joël Robuchon.