Ashleigh Shanti

The chefs are put to the ultimate test: to build restaurants from the ground up. The signature challenge levels up yet again, requiring the chefs to satisfy their VIP counter and a dining room full of guests.

The chefs expand their horizons in a master class on Nigerian flavours guided by local chef Ope Amosu and all-star Kwame Onwuachi, and need to make a stew that pairs perfectly with traditional Nigerian swallows.

The chefs must create salty-sweet desserts that will inspire a new flavour of Talenti gelato; in the Elimination Challenge, the chefs must draw inspiration from the lives of some of Texas's most influential women.

The chefs are tasked with creating a monochromatic plant-based dish for their Quickfire Challenge; for the Elimination Challenge, the chefs are tasked with creating dishes that speak to their souls for a block party fundraiser.

The chefs are surprised in the kitchen by "Top Chef Miami" winner Hung Huynh, and challenged to make a dish inspired by five of the larger Asian communities in Houston; the chefs must also serve 100 guests at Asian Night Market.

Fifteen of the country's best chefs arrive in Houston, Texas, ready to fight for the title of Top Chef.