A sizzling culinary showdown is heading back to Mount Maunganui as the Battle of the Snack returns for its fourth year.

Hosted by Tourism Bay of Plenty and Cuisine magazine’s Kelli Brett, the event will involve four celebrated chefs teaming up with emerging local talent to craft 12 rounds of inventive snacks – each vying for the crowd’s vote and a place in Cuisine later this year.

Attendees will watch four of the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s most experienced chefs guide four rising culinary stars to create 12 rounds of bite-sized snacks for guests to taste, as they compete for votes for the coveted Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice titles.

Most of last year’s mentor chefs have agreed to return and volunteer for this year’s event.

These include Paul Patterson (owner of Fisherman’s Wharf Cafe, Ōhope), Malika Ganley (recipe developer and cooking experience operator), Shane Yardley (Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology tutor and business owner), and Ian Harrison (chef patron at The Grocer).

They’ll each be assigned one of this year’s fresh batch of mentee chefs: John Trongoy (Saltwater), Paige Nicholls (Sugo), Giancarlos Burrows (Fife Lane) and Pfeifer McIntyre (Harbourside).

“It’s promising to be another entertaining and very tasty premier culinary showdown. It really is a great way to kickstart the whole festival,” Brent said in a statement from Tourism Bay of Plenty.

Stuffed chicken wings won last year’s Battle of the Snack People’s Choice award. Photo / Tourism Bay of Plenty

“The Battle of the Snack winners will enjoy some well-earned kudos on the night, and the winning recipe and event highlights will be showcased in a future edition of Cuisine, later this year.”

The Flavours of Plenty Festival is offering nearly 60 foodie events across Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne between April 19 and May 3.

Tourism Bay of Plenty destination marketing head Loretta Crawford said it’s the fifth time the festival is being held, with this year the biggest one yet.

Loretta Crawford, head of destination marketing at Tourism Bay of Plenty. Photo / Tourism Bay of Plenty

“This reflects the ongoing support from our coastal region’s food and beverage producers, event organisers, and hospitality providers.”

Crawford said the festival’s key funders, sponsors, and partners play a vital role in the festival’s ongoing success.

For more event information, see www.flavoursofplentyfestival.com