Australian-raised, London-based pastry chef Helen Goh was named among the winners of the 2026 James Beard Foundation Award Winners.

Her cookbook Baking and the Meaning of Life: How to Find Joy in 100 Recipes took out the Baking and Desserts category at the awards, which were held on June 13 in the US.

The awards highlight excellence in books, broadcast media, and journalism covering food or drink-related content. The initial nominations for the James Beard Foundation Awards were released in May.

James Beard Foundation chief executive  officer Clare Reichenbach said the awards shed a spotlight on exceptional storytellers who are shaping how we understand the world through food.

“Through their work, they bring meaning and perspective to the stories behind what we eat and drink, illuminating the people, places and experiences that move our culture forward,” she said.

“It’s a privilege to recognise them.”

It’s the third time Helen has been nominated for the prestigious award.

Helen shared the win on Instagram, writing “On Saturday night in Chicago I was thrilled and astonished to receive a James Beard award for my book Baking and the Meaning of Life!”

“For as long as I’ve collected cookbooks (and that’s decades), I’ve known what the silver James Beard medal on a cover signifies – a mark of excellence on books that taught me, inspired me, and expanded my sense of what a cookbook could be. I’m not gonna lie – the idea that Baking and the Meaning of Life now sits among those books is both deeply humbling and absolutely thrilling!

“The book bears the fingerprints of so many talented, generous people who cared for and believed in it. I share this moment with all of them.

“To everyone who bought the book, baked from its pages, shared your creations, sent messages, posted photos, and followed along here thank you. Seeing your bakes appear in the kitchens around the world has been one of the greatest joys of this experience. Your enthusiasm, generosity, and support have meant more than I can say, and every loaf, cake, tart, biscuit, and cookie you shared has made me incredibly happy. This book came fully to life through your hands, and I’m so grateful to have shared this journey with you.”