In the series debut, viewers meet the 16 chefs who will compete for the title of Canada's Top Chef. The first Quickfire Challenge of the season tests their kitchen prowess in a heated culinary skills tournament. In the Elimination Challenge, head judge Chef Mark McEwan challenges the competitors to create a dish that tells a story of who they are. 

The remaining chefs compete in the classic Top Chef Blindfold Taste Test for the Quickfire Challenge. Later, the chefs divide into teams to create a traditional Russian Zakusky – tapas style meal – using pure filtered vodka.