The events of the last year have transformed the culinary industry, but just like a phoenix rises, Canada’s chefs are emerging stronger than ever with fresh new perspectives and unique new voices. This competition will shine a light on Canada’s culinary future by assembling 11 of the best professional chefs from across Canada to compete in brand-new challenges and never before seen twists in a season like no other. Canada is ready for the future of food, but only one chef will emerge from the competition with the title of Canada’s Top Chef.
Episode 1
In the season premiere, host Eden Grinshpan and head judge Mark McEwan welcome 11 chefs from across Canada to compete in the most prestigious cooking competition in the country. In the season’s first Quickfire Challenge, the chefs must create a dish that highlights their brand and the style of food they are bringing to the table. Later, the chefs channel the energy of a phoenix rising from the ashes to create a dish inspired by an element found in fire.
Episode 2
The chefs are thrown for a loop in the Quickfire Challenge when they find out they must transform diner classics into plant-based plates. In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs compete in teams to create harvest-inspired baskets served to the judges at a Top Chef Canada picnic.
Episode 3
The chefs get creative as they bake, flip or fry a dish using oat flour in the Quickfire Challenge. In the Elimination Challenge, the competition gets festive as the chefs present dishes inspired by their favourite holiday meal for the Top Chef Canada Holiday Potluck.
Episode 4
It’s time for Takeout Wars! In a twist on the classic Top Chef Canada challenge, the chefs battle it out in two teams to create an unforgettable takeout experience featuring contact-less pickup for the public and delivery direct to Janet Zuccarini’s home for the judges.
Episode 5
It’s time for the chefs to show off their skills in the Top Chef Canada Culinary Skills Race, and the stakes are higher than ever. One eliminated chef will have a chance to cook their way back into the competition and replace a chef still in the running to be Canada’s Top Chef. In the Elimination Challenge, the chefs take inspiration from the “Eat Local” movement.
Episode 6
In a very special Quickfire Challenge, the chefs get some virtual help from a group of mini-sous chefs from The Boys and Girls Club of Canada. In the Elimination Challenge, the competitors get an education in Indigenous ingredients and cooking before serving an unforgettable menu at a traditional Longhouse.
Episode 7
Head Judge Mark McEwan puts on an apron and shows the competitors how it’s done in a Quickfire Challenge that tasks them with creating a wine paired dish under serious time constraints. Later, in the penultimate challenge of the season, the final five chefs have one last chance to serve up a grand slam dish worthy of earning them a spot in the finale.
Episode 8
The season culminates with the final four chefs facing off by creating the most important meal of the competition: a progressive five-course tasting menu that they will serve in the epicenter of luxury at The Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. In a surprising twist, only two chefs will serve their full menu but one chef will win it all and become Canada’s Top Chef