Equal to the task: why is there a lack of women in culinary competitions?

There's no battle of the sexes when it comes to chef competitions; although men frequently take the top spot, female chefs are failing to even reach the judging stages. Vincent Wood asks whether it's a question of bias or a lack of opportunity

The hospitality industry is in the midst of an overdue culture shift when it comes to women in kitchens. Role models like Core's Clare Smyth and Darjeeling Express' Asma Khan are making pioneering steps, both in their food and their approach to life behind the pass. Long-held calls for a removal of the hyper-masculine era of kitchens are being answered, albeit slowly. However, in the nation's top culinary competitions, women still appear to be underrepresented.