CBS is raising the bar for televised cooking competitions with “America’s Culinary Cup,” a new reality TV cooking competition hosted by Padma Lakshmi that brings together some of the most decorated chefs in the country. With Michelin stars and James Beard honors in the mix, “America’s Culinary Cup” season 1 isn’t just about creative plates, but it’s shaping up to be a high-stakes culinary showdown. Here’s a look at the 16 chefs competing on “America’s Culinary Cup” 2026 below.
‘America’s Culinary Cup’ Season 1 Spoilers
For this new cooking competition, the “Top Chef” alum teases that the show will feature “16 of the most elite chefs in America, the most decorated group to ever compete against each other, invited to the ultimate culinary battleground.”
Lakshmi is the creator, host, and executive producer of this invitation-only series. The show also features chefs Michael Cimarusti and Wylie Dufresne, who will be serving as judges.
The show’s official description states these 16 elite chefs will be tested on 10 “culinary commandments” during the season. Those categories include meat, vegetables, sauces, dessert, innovation, flavors, sustainability, world cuisine, consistency, culinary science, and technology.
It goes on to say that these “commandments” represent “the very principles that define greatness in the kitchen.”
‘America’s Culinary Cup’ Chefs
Ahead of the series premiere, let’s take a look at the 16 chefs competing below.
CBS- Kim Alter – James Beard nominee from San Francisco, California
- Katie Button – James Bear winner from Asheville, North Carolina
- Keith Corbin – James Beard nominee from Los Angeles, California. He appeared on season 1, episode 5 of “Selena + Restaurant.”
- Rochelle Daniel – Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame member from Flagstaff, Arizona. He appeared on season 4 of “Chopped Grill Masters.”
CBS- Diana Dávila – James Beard nominee from Chicago
- Michael Diaz de Leon – Michelin-starred chef from Denver, Colorado
- Sol Han – James Beard nominee from New York City
- Russell Jackson – James Beard nominee from New York City. He competed on season 9 of “Food Network Star” and appeared on season 11, episode 18 of “Iron Chef America.”
More Season 1 Chefs
CBS- Beverly Kim – Michelin-starred chef from Chicago. She competed on season 9 of “Top Chef Texas.”
- Buddha Lo – Michelin-starred chef from New York City. He won both season 19 of “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: World All-Stars.”
- Chris Morgan – Michelin-starred chef from McLean, Virginia
- Matt Peters – Bocuse D’Or gold medalist from Austin, Texas
CBS- Malyna Si – Michelin-starred chef from Jackson, Wyoming. She appeared on season 7, episode 6 of “Somebody Feed Phil.”
- Cara Stadler – James Beard nominee from Madison, Connecticut. She competed on season 30, episode 13 of “Beat Bobby Flay.”
- Philip Tessier – Bocuse D’Or silver medalist from Napa, California
- Emily Yuen – James Beard nominee from New York City. She appeared on season 1, episode 3 of “Throwdown with Michael Symon.”
“America’s Culinary Cup” 2026 premieres on Wednesday, March 4, at 9:30 p.m. ET on CBS. New episodes will be available to stream the next day on Paramount+.
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