The culinary world is abuzz with excitement as Bravo’s hit TV series Top Chef announces its 2025 season destination: Canada. Season 22 will explore the diverse and rich food scene across the Great White North.
In an Instagram post on June 25th, the show revealed the location of season 22: “Time to turn your taste buds up… way up North! The next season of #TopChef is going to be a feast for the senses in Canada, and so much more than maple syrup and poutine.”
In the announcement video, which was a three-way video chat between the three hosts shows Toronto-area native Gail Simmons revealing to fellow judges Kristen Kish and Tom Colicchio that she is indeed not home in Canada for a family visit but has something much bigger to share. “No, I’m here checking out the new season location,” Gail continues. “That’s right, Season 22: destination, Canada.”
“Shut the front door, this is epic!” Kish reacted to the news.
“Bring on the poutine and maple syrup,” Colicchio added.
Canada’s Rich Food Culture
OKANAGAN VALLEY, CANADA – JULY 5: A Canadian flag blows in the wind amongst the grapevines growing … [+]
Top Chef Season 22 has the opportunity to highlight many regional specialties that define Canadian food culture. The show might dive into iconic dishes like poutine in Quebec, sample indigenous-inspired foods, or highlight the farm-to-table practices found in many parts of the country. Canada’s growing wine industry also presents options, with vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley and Ontario’s Niagara region producing some of the finest wines in the world.
Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer at Destination Canada, shared her excitement about the upcoming season. “Canada’s culinary identity is rooted in our vast geography, the rhythm of our seasons, and the culture and traditions of our communities; yes that includes maple syrup and so much more. We’re excited to see it unfold through the judges, cheftestants’ challenges and experiences, and surprise viewers along the way.”
The Economics and Impact of Reality TV on Tourism
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – FEBRUARY 28: George Russell of Great Britain and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team … [+]
As we look ahead to the next season, there’s not only excitement and pride of place for those on location but also anticipation of the broader impact on tourism and the area’s profile. With the rise of reality TV in the last decade, extensive research has been conducted on how such shows affect consumer behavior.
A recent study from the December 2023 journal Foods titled “Gastronomic Curiosity and Consumer Behavior: The Impact of Television Culinary Programs on Choices of Food Services” found that nearly three-quarters of respondents chose restaurants based on recommendations from TV shows. Although this did not always translate to increased frequency of dining out, it highlights the significant influence of culinary programs on consumer decisions.
Consistent Culinary Excellence
TORONTO, ON – March 13 – Middle Eastern fine dining restaurant on Toronto’s Roncesvalles Avenue … [+]
Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Quebec City, and Calgary have garnered impressive ratings and accolades for their food scenes. These cities are celebrated for their diverse culinary offerings, innovative chefs, and vibrant food cultures, making them prominent destinations for food enthusiasts worldwide. Toronto, in particular, has received Michelin stars, features in the World’s Best Restaurants lists, and high placements in global food city rankings. These accolades highlight the extraordinary talent and the dynamic food scenes that make Canada a significant player on the international culinary stage.
Looking Back at Season 21
TOP CHEF — “Goodbye, Wisconsin” Episode 2112 — Pictured: (l-r) Tom Colicchio, Kristen Kish, Laura … [+]
This announcement comes on the heels of the Season 21 finale, which took place in Wisconsin and received critical acclaim for its focus on the local food culture and culinary traditions. The season was praised for highlighting Wisconsin’s unique food heritage, including its famous cheese and dairy products, and the innovative farm-to-table practices of its chefs. Notably, Top Chef Wisconsin was recently nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, underscoring the show’s impact and excellence in reality TV.
Looking Forward
As “Top Chef” prepares for its Canadian adventure, viewers can anticipate a season filled with stunning landscapes, innovative challenges, and, of course, delicious food.
Season 22 of “Top Chef” is set to premiere in 2025, promising a remarkable journey through one of the world’s most exciting and diverse food landscapes. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a casual viewer, this season will leave you inspired and hungry for more.