New generation of chefs and hospitality talents honored at Talent van de Toekomst 2026

Of the 15 teams participating in the culinary competition, the team from the Sterklas ROC in Amsterdam was named the winner of Talent van de Toekomst 2026. Cyriel Jansen, Idse Kapenga, and Douwe Keman managed to hold their own in a fierce competition. They created a stunning menu that earned the highest score from the jury.

Dick Middelweerd, Chair of the Chefs’ Jury: “I’ve often emphasized this. It’s mainly about flavor, perfect cooking, and a few garnishes. Overall, there was a huge improvement in the level of all participants. The vegetable dishes and desserts, in particular, were of a very high standard.”

Firda Drachten Team 1, with participants Rhodé Smit and Rienk Dijkhuis, were the winners of Talent of the Future 2026 in the service competition.

Petro Kools, Chair of the Service Jury: “Today I saw that the participants drew on their instincts to give their best. There were several real gems among them, and I am very proud of this upcoming generation.”

The up-and-coming talent was judged by the top names in Dutch gastronomy. For the kitchen brigade, the jury team consisted of Dick Middelweerd (De Treeswijkhoeve **, 17.5 G&M points), Erik van Loo (Parkheuvel **, 17.5 G&M points), Yornie van Dijk (Basiliek *, 16 G&M points), and Ollie Schuiling (Kasteel Heemstede *, 17.5 G&M points).

For the service team, the jury consisted of Petro Kools (Da Vinci *, 16.5 G&M points), Nadine Mögling (Bij Jef *, 17 G&M points), Cindy Borger (De Groene Lantaarn **, 18 G&M points), and Joey de Kruijff (Central Park *, 15.5 G&M points). The young hostesses and hosts were judged on hospitality, presentation, professional and product knowledge, and food-wine pairing.

The complete results.

Chefs - Talent of the Future 2026

1. Sterklas ROC van Amsterdam
2. Cas Spijkers Academie Almelo
3. ROC Midden Nederland

Service - Talent of the Future 2026

1. Firda Drachten 1
2. Rooi Pannen Eindhoven 1
3. Firda Sneek

Best Fish Dish: Rooi Pannen Breda

Best Vegetable Dish and Pairing with a Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Cas Spijkers Academy Almelo and ROC Zadkine Hospitality College

Joop Braakhekke Talent Award Nomination: Evi Borghouts, Rhodé Smit, and Puck Nijwening

Talent of the Future

Talent of the Future (Talent van de Toekomst) organizes an annual professional competition for vocational students to compete in various teams in both the culinary and hospitality fields. Talent of the Future is an initiative of Koppert Cress, Miele, Gault & Millau, SVH, Garçons Group, and some twenty quality suppliers to the professional culinary sector. The goal is to encourage young talent in the hospitality industry, thereby ensuring quality and continuity in the culinary field.