Jae Jung

The chefs are challenged in the Quickfire to put their own spin on the Tex-Mex classic queso.

Fifteen of the country’s best chefs arrive in Houston, Texas, ready to fight for the title of “Top Chef.” The opening Quickfire proves to be the toughest first challenge to date when the chefs must team up to create a cohesive dish that showcases each of their styles.

For the Elimination Challenge, the chefs will be tasked with creating dishes that speak to their souls for a block party fundraiser.

The finalists prepare themselves for the most important cook of their lives. They’ll have to leave it all on the plate in order to wow the judges.

For their first individual challenge of the season, the chefs are surprised in the kitchen by Top Chef Miami winner, Hung Huynh, and challenged to make a dish inspired by 5 of the larger Asian communities in Houston.

Working in pairs, the chefs must create salty-sweet desserts that will inspire a new flavor of Talenti gelato.