Best Chip
JUDGING (100% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)
OVERVIEW
To be eligible to nominate for Best Chip, the venue must also enter another Food Award category.
The chips must be either part of a meal ordered or able to be ordered separately. Chips will be judged on criteria including taste, texture, appearance, portion size, and overall customer satisfaction.
BEST CHIP CRITERIA
- Quality and consistency of the chips (taste, texture, temperature)
- Use of fresh and well-prepared ingredients (e.g. potato quality, oil type)
- Appearance and visual appeal of the chips
- Portion size and value for money
- Suitability of chips to the venue's overall menu and dining style
- Variety of chip options offered (e.g. shoestring, steak cut, sweet potato)
- Innovation in seasoning, preparation, or accompaniments (e.g. sauces, toppings)
- Staff knowledge of chip preparation and service standards
- Presentation and plating of chips
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
The following category is judged 25% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS, 25% by interview and 50% by anonymous site inspection.
The following categories are judged 100% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Best Social Media Campaign
Property Awards
The following categories are judged 75% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS and 25% by guided site inspection.
Food Awards
- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Chip
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
The following categories are judged 30% by WRITTEN SUBMISSION and 70% by INTERVIEW.
The following categories are judged 100% by practical interview.
NOTE: Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award
