Grain is proud to announce that our very own Executive Chef Victor Borg, the creative force behind our Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Under Grain and our Bib Gourmand recognised Grain Street, has been selected as a jury member at the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25. This marks a historic moment, as Chef Victor is not only the sole Maltese judge to feature in this latest edition but also the first-ever Maltese judge in the competition’s history.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent. The event provides a global platform for young chefs to showcase their skills and creativity, with the goal of shaping the future of gastronomy. The competition spans 15 regions, with local juries selecting the top young chefs to compete in the Grand Finale in Milan in 2025. This year, Malta is set to host the South Europe and Mediterranean Regional for the first time, highlighting the island’s rising reputation as a culinary destination with a rich gastronomic heritage.
‘‘We’re delighted about Malta’s debut as a regional final host. This is testament to how far our country has come in establishing itself as a culinary force to be reckoned with and it’s great to know that our Michelin-starred Under Grain and our Bib Gourmand Grain Street has played a role in helping our culinary scene gain the international recognition it deserves. I wish all the young contestants gathering in Malta the best of luck in showcasing their culinary skills,” commented Executive Chef Victor Borg.
Throughout his career, Chef Victor Borg has worked at many top restaurants and earned numerous international awards. At 24, he became the youngest chef to win the National Chef of the Year award. Victor has competed with Malta’s National Team of Chefs for 15 years, serving as captain for eight. He led the team to win two gold medals at the World Association of Chef Societies (WACS), a unique achievement for a Maltese chef. In 2019, Victor led Under Grain to Michelin success, a feat he has held for five consecutive years, and ensured Grain Street earned a Bib Gourmand within three months of service. He also served as one of three resident judges on MasterChef Malta 2024.
Joining Chef Victor Borg for the S.Pellegrino regional final in Malta this November is an impressive lineup of culinary luminaries, including Thanos Feskos from Greece, Iwona Niemczewska from Poland, Alexandru Iacob from Romania, and Igor Jagodic from Slovenia. Together, they will evaluate the signature dishes of the young hopefuls, selecting the most promising talents to advance to the grand final in Milan. In addition to the main prize, three special awards will be given, the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award.
Reflecting on the news, Chef Victor Borg says:
“This is a huge honour for me, made even more special as the regional final will be hosted in my home country. I fondly remember my early career and the opportunities I had to compete in international competitions. These moments are the making of great chefs, and I can’t wait to see the talent of the best young chefs from South Europe and the Mediterranean on full display at this much-anticipated regional final in Malta.”