Vancouver chef returns to compete on 'Top Chef Canada' season 13

Vancouver chef Katy Cheung is returning to Top Chef Canada as one of the three returning alumni in the Season 13 premiere. This follows her previous season, where she finished in the top three.

“Last season I competed to find my voice — and I got more than I could ask for — it was such a great growth opportunity,” said Cheung.

Cheung is a queer Chinese chef known for her Cantonese and Pacific Northwest cooking. Her cooking career started with a Facebook album, where, while studying as a UBC sociology student, she would post her creations under the title “I Like Making Sandwiches.”

From there, the hobby became a Hong Kong-based sandwich concept she ran with friends, featuring globally and Cantonese-inspired menu options. Following that, with no culinary school education, Cheung went on to cook at Michelin-starred Burdock & Co from 2019 to 2026. In between seasons 12 and 13, she has cooked at numerous pop-ups and collaboration dinners across Canada.

Katy Cheung

Cheung shared that she was initially hesitant to return to compete on the show so soon.

“After finishing in season 12’s top three, I’m back now to show how much I’ve grown, not just for me, but for other queer Asian female chefs and anyone who wants to celebrate their heritage through cultural cuisine,” she said.

Despite facing a whole new set of challenges in the new season, Cheung is remaining optimistic about her chances.

“I need to be brave and put myself out there and hopefully inspire people,” she shares. “No matter the result, as long as you’re brave, authentic, and kind, something good will come back to you,” Cheung added.

Top Chef Canada airs Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Flavour Network and streams on STACKTV.

For folks wanting to try her cooking, Cheung will be doing a collaborative dinner at Bao Bei featuring an à la carte menu with four to five dishes from Cheung alongside Bao Bei favourites. She is also offering a private, 20-guest dinner for auction at the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on Oct. 29.

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