June 13th 2025.
Tristen Epps, a talented chef from Houston, has emerged as the winner of Season 22 of Bravo’s popular cooking competition, Top Chef. Not only did he earn the prestigious title, but he also took home a whopping $250,000, making it the largest prize in the show’s history. Throughout the season, Epps wowed the judges with his innovative and flavorful dishes, drawing inspiration from his Afro-Caribbean roots and personal culinary identity.
In the final showdown, Epps went head-to-head against fellow chefs Bailey Sullivan and Shuai Wang. With a four-course progressive meal that beautifully combined Ethiopian and Trinidadian influences, he secured the win. Epps also chose Zubair Mohajir, a previously eliminated Top Chef contestant, to be his sous chef for the finale.
The winning menu featured mouthwatering dishes such as monkfish with baccala mbongo, pollo dorengo with injera shrimp toast, oxtail Milanese crepinette, and a root vegetable cake with charred plantain cream. While most of his creations received high praise from the judges, there was some debate over whether his dessert was the right choice to end the meal. However, despite the split decision, Epps ultimately emerged as the champion.
In a touching acceptance speech, Epps dedicated his win to the talented chefs who have paved the way for Afro-Caribbean cuisine and also paid tribute to his stepfather, who passed away during the season. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition of his cuisine and the people behind it, stating that his mission was to elevate the value of Black food on a global scale.
Aside from the cash prize, Epps also received Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion Status, $125,000 in Delta travel credit, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, and a dinner at the James Beard House. He will also have the opportunity to present at the James Beard Foundation Awards and make an appearance at the annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. After spending a decade pursuing his dreams, Epps has returned to his hometown of Houston, where he is currently preparing to open his own fine dining restaurant called Buboy, which will showcase his unique "neo-Afro-Caribbean" flavors.
Previously, Epps served as the executive chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster in Miami, where he earned a Michelin star. His culinary journey has been nothing short of impressive, and he continues to make a name for himself in the food world. As an advocate for Afro-Caribbean cuisine, Epps hopes to inspire others to appreciate and recognize the rich and diverse flavors of his heritage. His win on Top Chef is just the beginning of what is sure to be a successful and influential career in the culinary industry.
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