tuesday, april 8 | culinary stage | 10:10AM
Watch as our finalists compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes plus a chance to win an all-expenses paid entry to the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge at the PEI International Shellfish Festival!
RC Show 2025 gives Garland Canada and Restaurants Canada the opportunity to renew their commitment to our thriving and passionate culinary community by showcasing top emerging talent at the annual Garland Canada Culinary Competition.
Competitors from across Canada have the chance to prove their skills and creativity before a panel of esteemed judges, crafting dishes that reflect the 2025 RC Show theme—FUEL—in this high-stakes, high-energy showdown.
Finalists will develop and present an original dish that showcases their culinary style and expertise, and brings their personal culinary story to life on the plate. The dish should be suitable for restaurant service (efficient, streamlined, and cost-effective).
Applications are now closed. Attend RC Show 2025 to watch and cheer on our competitors!
The Garland Canada Culinary Competition’s diversity and inclusion mandate ensures that 50% of competitors are women, with a strong focus on prioritizing diverse talent from equity-deserving groups.
2025 Competition Details
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM-5:00 PM | Culinary Stage
Round 1 - Culinary schools and organizations across Canada will review applications and choose the semi-finalists.
Round 2 - Finalists will travel to the RC Show in Toronto to compete in the semi-finals on April 8, 2025. Competitors will be divided into three heats and will participate in a timed cooking demonstration before a panel of three esteemed judges. Winners will be determined by the judges’ scores from each of the three heats.
The winners will be selected and announced on the Culinary Stage live at RC Show on April 8.
COMPETITION PRIZES
- 1st Place - $5,000
- 2nd Place - $3,000
- 3rd Place - $1,500
- Runner-Up - $500
- Fan Favourite - $500
The winner of the Garland Canada Culinary Competition will receive an all-expenses-paid entry to the Garland Canada international Chef Challenge at the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, with a chance to win $10,000.
*Plus top-tier culinary gear from our sponsors
Vote for Your Fan Favourite
Running parallel to their quest for the finals, chefs will also compete for the chance to win the ‘Fan Favourite’ prize of $500. Watch our finalists videos and cast your vote. Voting closes April 6 and our winner will be announced at RC Show.
2025 Judges & Hosts
JUDGE
Eva Chin
Executive Chef & Entrepreneur, Hong Shing Restaurant Group | Yan Dining Room
JUDGE
John Higgins
CHCA Brand Ambassador & Chef in Residence, The Centre of Hospitality and Culinary Arts George Brown College
JUDGE
Missy Hui
Executive Chef & Culinary Instructor, and/ore Restaurant & George Brown College
HOST
Cristina Carpio
Media Personality & Editor-in-Chief, Evolve Magazine
HOST
Devan Rajkumar
International Chef & Culinary Consultant
2025 FINALISTS
Alijah Casellasy
Westin Harbour Castle
Ontario
Andrew Handt
Auberge du Pommier
Ontario
Apinya Taychadeeprom
Canoe Restaurant
Ontario
Caitlin Devine
The Malcolm Hotel
Alberta
Cleo Mariz Valerio
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
Ontario
Karley Ready
The Gate Restaurant
Ontario
Maya Petten
The Merchant Tavern
Newfoundland & Labrador
Nicola (Niki) McKenzie
Fishy People Butchery
NWT
Nikolay Vil
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
British Columbia
Tia Huszczo
Spencer's At The Waterfront
Ontario
Kiran Ruhela
Royal Canadian Yacht Club
Ontario
Chutikarn Amsakul
Park Hyatt Toronto
Ontario
