Australian food stylist Caroline Velik has won international acclaim after securing a major prize at the 2025 World Porridge Making Championship in Scotland with her inventive porridge toasted sandwich.
Velik, who has an extensive background in restaurants and food writing, claimed the award for “Best Speciality Dish” with her creative porridge jaffle, made from yoghurt flatbread filled with her mother’s rum bananas recipe — a mix of Bundaberg banana toffee rum liqueur, bananas, oatmeal, and waffle seeds, tossed in Davidson plum sugar.
The speciality dish category allows any recipe featuring oatmeal, while the main competition — known for its strict tradition — limits contestants to just three ingredients: water, oatmeal, and salt.
Now in its 32nd year, the championship was hailed as the most international edition ever, featuring competitors from 14 countries, including Estonia, Pakistan, and Norway. Velik was the sole Australian representative at the event.
The coveted Golden Spurtle trophy went to Sven Seljom from Norway, whose winning porridge featured Norwegian black oats, sea salt, and water he brought from Norway.
“It’s a great honour. I’m lost for words,” Seljom said, praising the warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Velik also won silver in the traditional porridge competition and expressed her joy on Instagram, saying she “can’t believe” her success.
