Top Chef: Buddha Lo Unpacks Unexpected Twists, Old Memories and Upcoming ‘Boundary-Pushing Dishes’

Mar. 15, 2025

Buddha Lo (left), Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons.Photo:Jordan Strauss/Bravo via Getty; David Moir/Bravo

Jordan Strauss/Bravo via Getty; David Moir/Bravo

Buddha Lois a two-timeTop Chefwinner, executive chef atHūsoin New York City, and aSaratoga Spring Waterbrand ambassador. He is sharing his thoughts after the premiere and final episode ofTop Chefseason 22, set in Canada, offering a unique perspective as a former cheftestant.

Warning: This article contains spoilers.

Top Chefis back! For those of us who live and breathe this show, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. This season, 15 chefs are competing inTop Chef: Destination Canada —a title that sparks curiosity. Could this mean a future filled with international editions? If so, I’d love to put in an early application forTop Chef: Destination Australia!

From the moment the chefs arrived, the energy was palpable. You could see it in their eyes — the hunger, the excitement and the sheer determination to claim the title ofTop Chef. This is not just about cooking great food; it’s about proving you have the versatility, execution and resilience to rise above some of the best culinary talents in the world.

This season, the winner will walk away with $250,000, courtesy of Saratoga Spring Water, the show’s official water. But that’s not all — this season introduces a new, prestigious honor. The winner will also get to headline their own exclusive dinner at the James Beard House, an institution synonymous with culinary excellence. It’s a game-changing opportunity that adds even more pressure to the competition.

The season kicks off in an unexpected way. The chefs meet in a parking lot, where the classicTop Chefknife block awaits them. However, instead of simply drawing knives for teams or ingredients, each chef pulls a knife with a number corresponding to a BMW they must enter.

Right away, I knew the challenge had already begun. If I were in the competition, I’d see this as a moment to observe, strategize and gauge the competition and find out the strengths of my fellow teammates. These early moments can set the tone for the entire season.

Vincenzo Loseto, Lana Lagomarsini, Paula Endara, Kat Turner, Henry Lu, Corwin Hemming, Mimi Weissenborn, Katianna Hong, Cesar Murilo, Massimo Piedimonte, Shuai Wong, Bailey Sullivan, Anya El-Wattar, Zubair Mohajirl.David Moir/Bravo

David Moir/Bravo

The Quickfire Challenge

Right away, we get a sense of the dynamics at play. Some teams work seamlessly, while others clash as they attempt to merge their styles. It’s always fascinating to see how chefs adapt to working with complete strangers in a high-pressure environment.

One of the most exciting tasks of this challenge was watching the Red Team struggle to find common ground. There were moments of tension, but ultimately, they pushed through, channeling their differences into a strong dish. Meanwhile, the Yellow Team took a different approach — trust, communication and confidence. Their apple and fennel soup with corn relish stood out, securing them the first win of the season. Their ability to collaborate effectively set them apart early on.

Tom Colicchio, Nicole Gomes, David Zilber, Jeremy Charles, Gail Simmons, Sheila Flaherty, Kristen Kish, Dale MacKay.David Moir/Bravo

The Elimination Challenge

With the icebreaker challenge behind them, the chefs faced their first elimination challenge, and the stakes were immediately raised.

Adding to the excitement, we saw the return ofTop ChefAll-Stars Nicole Gomes and Dale MacKay as guests of the challenge. Their presence instantly brought an extra layer of comfort to the challenge.

As the chefs shopped at Whole Foods, one bold move stood out — Bailey announced she would take on risotto, a dish notorious for sending contestants home in previous seasons. The so-calledTop Chef risotto cursehas plagued even the most talented chefs, making it a risky choice in the very first elimination challenge. But I respect the ambition — playing it safe rarely winsTop Chef.

Kristen Kish, Paula Endara, Lana Lagomarsini, Vincenzo Loseto, Tom Colicchio.David Moir/Bravo

Who Won

Once the elimination challenge began, you could feel the tension in the kitchen. Nerves, pressure and the weight of the competition were evident as the chefs worked to showcase their skills.

Across the board, there were some exceptional plates, but also some missteps — first-challenge jitters and shakes played a role in a few unfortunate errors.

Vinny’s salmon with mushrooms stole the show as the winning dish. His approach was refined, elegant and focused, allowing the ingredients to shine. His ability to balance restraint and technique made it clear he’s a serious contender this season.

Katianna Hong, Cesar Murilo, Mimi Weissenborn.David Moir/Bravo

Who Lost

The eliminated chef was Mimi, whose pork loin and overcooked potatoes ultimately sent her home. It was a heartbreaking moment, especially because I know firsthand how devastating it is to have one misstep define your fate.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of my ownTop Chefexperience, where my teammate Luciana blended potatoes into a gluey paste, forcing me to redo them in 20 minutes. I warned her the judges wouldn’t like it, and sure enough, they didn’t. Seeing Mimi’s dish struggle in a similar way was toughto watch. But she’s not out completely — she now has a chance to fight her way back through Last Chance Kitchen.

If Episode 1 is any indication, this season is going to be electric. The chefs are fired up, fearless, and ready to take risks — all the ingredients for an unforgettable season.

I’m particularly excited to see how the different culinary perspectives come into play. With such a diverse cast, we’re in for some seriously creative, boundary-pushing dishes. If this is just the beginning, I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Top Chefairs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.

source: people.com