Mitch Lienhard has been named the 2016 S.Pellegrino Young Chef of the Year at a gala event in Milan.

The San Francisco-based chef’s signature dish, “roasted duck with spiced orange and yam”, beat out 20 finalists from across the globe as the best Young Chef in the world.

“It’s really exciting,” Lienhard said, commenting on his big win. “I feel like I’ve prepared for this moment, but I don’t feel like I’ve prepared for this moment. I’m ecstatic.”

His winning dish was a reminder of his home state of Michigan, with aromas of burning leaves and maple.

More information at Goodfood.com.au  Photo: World’s 50 Best