Reality competition TV series “Top Chef” has dropped its first trailer and revealed its cast for its special 20th season.
The Emmy-winning Bravo series is going international, taking place entirely in Europe for the first time ever.
Padma Lakshmi returns as host alongside judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons. As shown in the recently released trailer, Indian culinary giants Asma Khan and Gaggan Anand will appear as guest judges.
Among the contestants, “Top Chef World All-Stars” features a handful of chefs of Asian descent vying for the “Top Chef” title, a $250,000 grand prize and an appearance at the 40th Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, Colorado, in June.
Nicole Gomes
Chinese Canadian Gomes has 28 years of culinary experience and won Season 5 of “Top Chef: Canada,” which was an all-stars season. She is the owner of Cluck ‘N’ Cleaver in Calgary, Canada.
Charbel Hayek
Lebanese-born Hayek won Season 5 of “Top Chef: Middle East & North Africa” in Saudi Arabia. Hayek, who is currently a private chef in Florida, has worked under two Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin at Mélisse in Los Angeles.
Ali Ghzawi
Jordanian chef Ali Ghzawai won Season 3 of “Top Chef: Middle East & North Africa” in Lebanon. He has worked at two Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez in Spain, as well as luxury hotels around the world, including the Ritz Carlton and the Four Seasons. He currently owns Alee restaurant in Jordan.
May Phattanant Thongthong
A “Top Chef: Thailand” Season 1 finalist, Thongthong is the executive chef and co-partner at Maze Dining in Bangkok. She has over 15 years of work experience as a professional chef in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Buddha Lo
Asian Australian Buddha Lo won the most recent season of “Top Chef” in Houston. Lo is currently executive chef at New York City’s Huso. His chef mentors include Clare Smyth (a guest judge on this new season) and Matt Abe.
