A chef based in Paddington has received national recognition after securing the Golden Knife award at the Bocuse d’Or Australia 2025 culinary competition.
Local Background and Venue
Chef Nik Hill, co-owner of Porcine Bistro in Paddington, was awarded the Golden Knife at this year’s Bocuse d’Or Australia contest. The restaurant, opened in 2021 above a natural wine shop on Oxford Street, is known for its traditional French menu and whole-animal cooking style.
Competition Overview
The competition was held during Foodservice Australia as part of Melbourne’s Food & Hospitality Week on 18 May 2025. Four finalists, each supported by a commis chef, were required to prepare two complex dishes within five hours. Chef Hill worked alongside Liam Beasy, an apprentice chef at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Cooking Challenge Details
Finalists prepared a duck ballotine using corn-fed duck and foie gras, served with sauce salmis. The second task involved presenting a lamb saddle platter using Parwan Valley lamb. Additional required ingredients included WA black truffles, sardine garum, veal glace, culinary cream, and chicken stock.
Future Steps for the Winner
As the Golden Knife recipient, Chef Hill will now represent Australia in the Bocuse d’Or Asia Pacific regional final. This may lead to participation in the biennial world final held in Lyon, France—considered one of the world’s premier culinary contests.
Recognising Emerging Talent
Odile Roberts, a Victoria University student and apprentice at Chin Chin Melbourne, was named Best Commis and will support the national team in the next regional competition. Other finalists included chefs from Melbourne, Gold Coast, and Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Career Development Program
For the first time, the Golden Knife winner will receive a four-year mentorship and development pathway. This includes working alongside Australia’s current Bocuse d’Or candidate Paul Golding ahead of the 2028 regional event.
What’s Next
Chef Hill’s victory brings national attention to Paddington’s food scene and marks the beginning of a structured international campaign for Team Australia, with the regional contest next on the calendar.
Published 9-June-2025
