After countless months of grueling food competition, cutting-edge challenges, mind-blowing techniques, and unforgettable moments that broadened the definition of the possible, Top Chef Season 22 has announced Chef Tristen Epps as the winner.
Some of the best chefs in North America battled for the coveted title and an extraordinary prize package worth more than $250,000 on the Canada-based season. This season inspired food fighters to embrace surprising new flavors and honor the diverse culinary traditions that have made Canadian food so uniquely delicious, from the hustle and bustle of Toronto’s busy kitchens to serene, rustic locations where elimination challenges unfolded.
The last 3 chefs, Tristen Epps, Shuai Wang and Bailey Sullivan, had all brought their individual cooking philosophies and life stories to the finale and it made for one of the most emotionally charged finales ever. These talented chefs have demonstrated impressive technical skill, and also the grit and innovation that define a champion throughout the season.
Houston chef Tristen Epps, who overcame his father's death during filming only to win it all in the end, accomplished just that when he was crowned the winner of Top Chef Season 22. His victory certainly cements him as one of the show’s most inspiring winners, showcasing not just his exceptional culinary talent but the sheer determination and strength that took him through one of the most challenging seasons we’ve seen on this show.
Tristen Epps gets crowned as Top Chef Season 22 winner
The Houston-based chef's incredible journey ended on a high note when he won Top Chef Season 22 after continuously producing outstanding dishes. Epps demonstrated his culinary expertise by winning two Quickfire tasks, including a remarkable steak tartare dish fashioned with ingredients from Chipotle and a West African-inspired risotto that earned him $10,000 in the semifinal.
Tristen’s standout challenges and signature dishes
Tristen consistently dazzled judges during season 22 with his creative way of fusing personal story with global influences. He demonstrated his ability to turn common items into restaurant-caliber food when he turned the ingredients from his Chipotle lunch order into an elegant steak tartare dish, earning him his first Quickfire victory.
This inventiveness became a defining characteristic of his culinary approach, showing that he could draw inspiration from the most unlikely sources while yet using the high-tech methods required of a Top Chef.
He successfully addressed the infamously challenging dish by adding African elements, like heirloom tomatoes and grilled buttered greens, to his semifinal risotto, which turned out to be a turning point.
In addition to guaranteeing his place in the final, the meal brought him a sizeable monetary award, demonstrating that his distinct culinary viewpoint could withstand the strain of elimination rounds. Throughout the competition, he showed remarkable emotional fortitude and consistently produced exceptional meals, making him the epitome of what a Top Chef winner ought to be.
The winning moment
With the ultimate Top Chef title hanging in the balance, Epps and his fellow finalists Bailey Sullivan and Shuai Wang had to prepare the greatest four-course progressive dinner of their life for the final task. As each chef contributed their individual tales and culinary philosophies to the plate, the Milan location served as a dramatic backdrop for what would turn out to be one of the most emotionally charged finales in recent memory.
The season-long journey that saw Tristen overcome personal obstacles while keeping his focus on culinary perfection wrapped up when host Kristen Kish declared him the champion. In addition to crowning a new Top Chef champion, the presentation honored a chef whose perseverance and commitment had motivated viewers all season long.
Head to Bravo to watch Top Chef Season 22 Part 2.