International Salon Culinaire launches street food competition

Chef contest International Salon Culinaire has launched a Street Food competition for its 2026 edition.

Reflecting the growing influence and creativity of the UK’s street food sector, the Street Food Salon will debut at HRC 2026, which will take place from 30 March to 1 April at Excel London.

Competitors will cook live for judges and a public audience, working from fully equipped mobile street food kitchens in a theatre-style environment.

The competition is open to specialist street food vendors and will celebrate the latest trends across street food stalls, trucks and food court operators.

Teams will be challenged to demonstrate culinary skills, creativity and commercial thinking, producing a substantial main dish and a dairy-free, gluten-free vegetarian option suitable for takeaway service.

Dishes will be assessed by leading chefs from across the sector, with medals awarded alongside daily Best in Class recognition and a People’s Award voted for by invited guests.

Steve Munkley, salon director, said: “Following two years of planning, I’m incredibly excited to introduce the Street Food Competition, celebrating one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic sectors of our industry. Street food chefs continually push the boundaries of innovation, concepts and global cuisines, delivering high-quality food to wider audiences in a relaxed, mobile setting.

“HRC and International Salon Culinaire not only showcase competitors and students but also champion the chefs shaping the future of food and setting the trends of tomorrow.”

Salon Culinaire and HRC will be partnering with the Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS), for the new competition, with the association also curating a new dedicated Street Food Stage at the show, featuring discussions and insights from street food vendors.

Alan Fox, chief executive at the NCASS, added: “Street food, event and mobile catering is home to some of the most agile and entrepreneurial independent businesses in hospitality, and this competition is a fantastic platform to showcase that talent on a national stage.”

The Street Food Salon will run across selected days during International Salon Culinaire, with a final shortlist of 10 teams chosen following an application process.

There is no entry fee, and all competitors will be provided with a selection of equipment supplied by CCE London in mobile kitchen units supplied by Amobox.

Entries are now open, with an application deadline of Friday 20 February 2026.

International Salon Culinaire’s 2026 edition will see hundreds of culinary professionals compete in more than 90 live and static competitions throughout the HRC trade show.