Sally Abé shares Toque d’Or tips
As the 2026 Toque d’Or grand finals approach, head judge Sally Abé has called on the next generation of hospitality talent to focus on resilience, curiosity and self-belief.
As the 2026 Toque d’Or grand finals approach, head judge Sally Abé has called on the next generation of hospitality talent to focus on resilience, curiosity and self-belief. The highly-regarded restaurateur shard her perspective on what it takes to succeed under pressure – both in competition and in the real world.
‘You have to love it’
Reflecting on her own journey, she said: “You need resilience, definitely, but also curiosity and a willingness to keep learning. The people who last are the ones who stay open, adapt and don’t let their ego get in the way. You have to genuinely love it, because it will test you.”
As head judge, Abé encouraged young chefs and front-of-house talent to prioritise fundamentals and continuous learning as they build their careers. “Don’t rush,” she advised “Focus on getting really good at the basics and understand why you’re doing things, not just copying. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The best chefs are the ones who never stop being students.”
Her final message to competitors was one of confidence and clarity: “Back yourself. You’re there for a reason. Focus on what you can control, keep it simple and do it well. And try to enjoy it, these moments don’t come around often.”
The grand finals will be held from 10th to 14th May. Click here for more information about the competition.
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