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Halal Chef Qualifying Rounds

Your Path to World Recognition Starts Here

Halal Chef is an open championship. We give every chef, regardless of stars or restaurant status, the chance to prove their skill. The only requirement is strict adherence to halal standards at every stage — from the choice of knife to the plating of the dish.

Below is the full roadmap from your first clip to the Grand Final.

Stage 1. Online Qualification (Video Selection)

Timeline: February 1 – April 30

What to do:

  1. Prepare one signature halal dish (hot, cold, or dessert — your choice).

  2. Record a video up to 7 minutes long, showing:

    • the work process (cutting, heat treatment)

    • the final plating

    • the chef's commentary (ingredients, technique, why this dish is halal)

  3. Upload the video to YouTube (as "unlisted") or to a cloud storage service.

  4. Fill out the form on the website and attach the link.

Judging criteria:

Criterion Weight
Compliance with halal standards (ingredients, butchering) 30%
Technical precision and knife skills 25%
Creativity and originality 20%
Visual presentation 15%
Clarity of the audio commentary 10%

Result: up to 60 of the best videos receive "Recommended for the Semifinal" status.

Stage 2. Regional Semifinals

Timeline: May 15 – July 15
Locations: 6 zones (1 city each)

2026 Zones and Venues:

Zone City Date
Asia Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) May 25–26
Middle East Dubai (UAE) June 5–6
Africa Casablanca (Morocco) June 15–16
Europe London (UK) June 26–27
CIS Almaty (Kazakhstan) July 8–9
North America Chicago (USA) July 18–19

Semifinal format:

  • 10 participants per zone (traveling at their own expense; the organizing committee assists with accommodation at partner rates)

  • Competition challenge: cook a blind dish from a "black box" (3 secret halal ingredients)

  • Time: 45 minutes

  • Jury: 2 international experts + 1 local chef + a halal certification representative

Result: 2 winners from each zone advance to the Grand Final. Total — 12 finalists.

Stage 3. Super-Selection (Wild Card)

Timeline: August 1–15

What this is:
An additional chance for those who did not make it to the final but delivered a standout performance.
The organizing committee reviews all semifinalists (all 60 participants) and selects 4 more chefs in the following categories:

  • "Best Dish Story" (connection to culture and heritage)

  • "Youngest Talent" (under 25)

  • "People's Choice" (winner of the online vote on semifinal videos)

  • "Sharia Expert's Award" (impeccable kitchen cleanliness)

These 4 chefs join the 12 finalists. Total participants in the Grand Final — 16.

Stage 4. Grand Final (as part of the World Halal Summit)

Timeline: November (exact dates to be confirmed)
Location: the main stage of the World Halal Summit, exhibition center (city announced 6 months in advance)

Final challenges:

Day Round Format Time limit
1 Black Box Secret ingredients, one chance 45 minutes
1 National Heritage Adapting a native dish to be halal 60 minutes
2 Semifinal (Top 8) Head-to-head battle: one ingredient, two chefs 30 minutes each
2 Grand Final (Top 4) Full 3-course set + tasting plating 120 minutes

The final is broadcast live in 3 languages (Arabic, English, Russian/Turkish).
Viewers vote through the app — 20% goes toward the winner's prize pool.

Important Rules for All Stages

  • A halal certificate for the kitchen, or the chef's personal confirmation (with on-site ingredient checks).

  • No alcohol in sauces, marinades, or garnishes.

  • Full traceability of meat (supplier name, batch number).

  • A separate set of dishware and knives (never in contact with haram products).

Key Dates for the 2026 Season (Calendar)

  • February 1 – online registration opens

  • April 30 – video submission deadline

  • May 10 – publication of the semifinalist list

  • May 15 – July 19 – regional semifinals

  • August 1 – wild card announcement

  • September 15 – publication of the 16 finalists

  • November – Grand Final

Ready to Prove Your Skill?

Don't wait for next year. The champion's seat is open, and the jury is already ready to judge.

[Apply now]
[Watch the video guide "How to Film the Right Qualifying Video"]
[Ask the organizing committee a question]

"Every great chef once stood at the starting line. Take that step today."