Over the Pass: Top Visiting Chefs Share Who They’re Most Excited To See at Tasting Australia 2025

Tasting Australia kicks off today, and chefs from all over the world are flooding into town. And while Tasting Australia’s main objective is to deliver unforgettable dining experiences to guests, for many chefs the festival is a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues and chat about the newest trends.

We asked seven visiting chefs who they’re most excited to catch up with and learn from at Tasting Australia 2025.

O Tama Carey: Lankan Filling Station, Sydney

The line-up of chefs is so extensive, it’s a great place to catch up with people you know and those that you admire. But Maggie Beer, one of the festival patrons, is someone who I would love a chance to talk to – but she also makes me a little starstruck.

Lennox Hastie: Firedoor and Gildas, Sydney

Chiara Pavan and Nicola Palmer both have an incredible understanding of their environments, and I’m looking forward to cooking an elemental dinner with them, showcasing fire, water, earth and some incredible ingredients.

Catching up with Karena Armstrong is always a pleasure; her connection to local produce and the way she brings people together around food is something special.

But more than anything, I’m excited to visit some of my favourite South Australian producers like the team at Section 28, who are making truly world-class cheese. The producers are fundamental to everything we do as chefs, and it’s always inspiring to hear their stories and see their work up close.

Adam D’Sylva: Coda and Tonka, Melbourne

Cheong Liew, the legend! So much to learn from him from just having a conversation.

Danielle Alvarez: Sydney Opera House, Sydney

My event is a bit remote, so I’m not sure I’ll get to meet loads of chefs, but I have been promised a foraging trip with Uncle Nola (an elder of the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges) and Rebecca Sullivan of Warndu foods while we are on location in Arkaroola, and I’m really excited about that.

Darren Robertson: Rocker and Three Blue Ducks, Sydney

Tasting Australia always pulls together an unreal line-up, and I’m keen to catch up with the festival director Karena Armstrong. She’s an absolute legend, and what she’s doing for the festival and at The Salopian Inn is next level. She’s got such a deep connection to local produce and true respect and understanding of our industry, I love the way she operates.

I’m also really looking forward to chatting with Douglas McMaster from Silo in London. The way he’s pushing sustainability in restaurants – zero waste, full-circle cooking, and rethinking how kitchens work with regards to waste management – is pretty inspiring stuff.

Jacqui Challinor: Trader House, Melbourne

Honestly, I'm just looking forward to one of those infamous Lennox Hastie hugs, I’ve missed them since I moved to Melbourne!
I’d also love to say “hi” to Zoe Birch. I hear such great things about Greasy Zoe’s and I’ve been dying to get there! It’s always great to talk and connect with other women in the industry. Tasting Australia is always a highlight in the calendar, it’s such a great opportunity to catch up with old friends over good food.

Ollie Wong-Hee: Bar Heather, Byron Bay

Although there is so much talent and exciting cooks around, I’m most excited about Maggie Beer. To me, she is the summary and make up of Adelaide and the surrounding area’s food scene. Humble, classic and delicious food that is so in tune with the seasons has always been an inspiration for me. I have many of her books, have watched all the Cook and the Chef episodes. So to be able to chat with her would be endgame for me. She just seems to be the most loving, genuine person that has so much care for communities around the country, all being driven by the importance of nutritional and yummy food. I share those values, so would love to chat with her.

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