Canadian Culinary Championship expands to 20 chefs competing in team format for 2027
The national food competition is doubling its chef lineup to mark its 20th anniversary. Marc Lepine of Atelier has been named to represent Ottawa alongside a qualifier from the city.
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The Canadian Culinary Championship is growing for its 20th anniversary. The 2027 competition in Ottawa will feature 20 all-star chefs instead of the usual 10, competing in 10 two-person teams that pit "Team East" against "Team West."
Ottawa's regional qualifying event takes place Monday, September 21 at Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine on Elgin Street. Five past winners of Ottawa qualifying events will compete as small-plate judges and the public, seeking the sole slot to advance to the national championship alongside two-time national champion Marc Lepine of Atelier on Rochester Street.
The five competing local chefs are Yannick La Salle, now chef for the Supreme Court of Canada; Joe Thottungal, chef-owner of Coconut Lagoon and Thali; Jason Sawision of Stofa on Wellington Street West; Ian Carswell of Black Tartan Kitchen in Carleton Place; and Lizardo Becerra of Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine. The winner advances to nationals as Lepine's partner.
Team East represents St. John's, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg. Team West brings together Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. The national championship spans three events in late January 2027: a mystery wine pairing at Rogers Centre on January 29, a black box competition at La Cité Collegiale on January 30 morning, and the finale signature-dish competition at Rogers Centre that evening. B.C. chef Jay Park won the 2026 championship—the third consecutive win for a B.C. chef. The last Ottawa chef to win nationally was Briana Kim in 2023. Regional qualifying events branded as Canada's Great Kitchen Party raise funds for MusiCounts, Spirit North, and food charities across Canada.
Good to know
When is Ottawa's qualifying event for the Canadian Culinary Championship?
Ottawa's regional qualifying event takes place on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Raphaël Peruvian Cuisine on Elgin Street.
Who represents Ottawa at the 2027 Canadian Culinary Championship?
Marc Lepine of Atelier on Rochester Street represents Ottawa as a two-time national champion, alongside a qualifier from the city's September 21 regional event.
When is the national championship in 2027?
The Canadian Culinary Championship national events span late January 2027, with competitions on January 29 and January 30 at Rogers Centre and La Cité Collegiale.
