Croydon Cooks
A youth cooking competition that builds confidence, celebrates cultural diversity, and empowers the next generation of Croydon chefs — powered by Knowledge & Practice, Good Food Matters, New Era, HAF, and Croydon Family Hubs.
9+
Open to young people aged 9 and above
2
Competition rounds across school holidays
20
Food kits gifted to the winning organisation
5 July
Deadline to register your team
Key Details
About the initiative
A recent survey indicates that cooking ranks among the top three skills young people need for personal development. The Croydon Cooks Youth Award is designed to respond to that — building confidence, fostering teamwork, and enhancing practical skills through the joy of preparing real food.
It aims to help young people appreciate the value of home-cooked meals, make healthier choices, and acquire culinary knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives. This is about empowering young Croydoners to grow beyond the kitchen by engaging them in joyful and meaningful experiences.
Competition themes & values
The competition emphasises healthy, home-style cooking and “fake away” dishes — healthier alternatives to takeaways, made with skill and creativity.
Balanced nutrition
Dishes should make balanced use of all food groups — fruits, vegetables, proteins, and complex carbohydrates — demonstrating understanding of the eat well plate.
Hygiene & presentation
Consistent good hygiene throughout the cook, with excellent presentation. What you see is as important as the taste — first impressions count.
Teamwork
Judges will assess how well teams communicate and work together under pressure. A great dish is a team effort from start to finish.
"Fake away" challenge
Create healthy, homemade versions of popular takeaway dishes — proving that cooking from scratch can be just as satisfying, and much better for you.
Cultural diversity & creativity
We celebrate Croydon's rich cultural diversity. Teams are encouraged to bring their own food heritage, creativity, and flair to every dish they prepare.
Sustainability
Additional points are awarded for using seasonal ingredients, budget-conscious cooking, and demonstrating techniques that minimise food waste.
How it works
The challenge runs across school holidays in 2026, with each round offering ingredient boxes for both practice sessions and the cook-off competition itself.
The heats — tasting sessions at your hub
Teams host a tasting session at their own hub, or at one of the K4P partner hubs. Each team prepares a dish using a provided ingredient box supplied for the competition. Heats take place between 3rd and 31st August 2026.
The grand finale — two courses, expert judges
Shortlisted teams cook a two-course meal using surprise ingredients, judged by a professional panel. The finale takes place at Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace FC — a fitting stage for Croydon’s most creative young chefs. Date to be confirmed.
Eligibility & how to apply
Croydon Cooks is open to teams of young people supported by a recognised youth organisation or community hub. Here’s what you need to know before applying.
- Teams of 6 young people aged 9 or above
- Supported by a recognised youth organisation
- A DBS-checked adult must act as team lead
- Teams must commit to attending all competition rounds
- Media consent forms required for shortlisted teams
- No kitchen premises? Contact us — we will arrange one for you
We want to accommodate all teams. Kitchen access should not be a barrier to participation — reach out and we’ll find a solution.
Get in touch
Have questions about Croydon Cooks, or want to discuss your team’s participation? Reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.