Culinary competitions highlight Italian professional chefs and regional traditions

Several culinary competitions are highlighting professional talent and regional traditions in Italy. The sixth edition of ‘ExtraCuoca – Il talento delle donne per l’olio extravergine di oliva’ is currently accepting applications. This national contest is designed for professional female chefs to showcase their skills using high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Participants can submit recipes across four categories: appetizers, first courses, second courses, and desserts. Applications are open until September 30, 2026.

In San Vito Lo Capo, the 29th edition of the Cous Cous Fest will feature the 2026 Conad Italian Cous Cous Championship. Food and travel blogger Barbara Conti, representing Scicli, is one of four finalists competing for the national title. Her entry, ‘Cous Cous Mediterraneo’, utilizes traditional hand-kneaded semolina and regional ingredients such as Pachino tomatoes and Mazara del Vallo prawns. The competition, held on September 18 and 19, offers winners access to the World Cous Cous Championship.