Vancouver-based chef Alex Kim has capped off an extraordinary year of professional highs, solidifying his reputation as one of Canada's top culinary talents. His 2025 was defined by two major accomplishments: a national championship victory and a gripping run on a popular television competition.
A Double Dose of Culinary Competition
The year's successes began in February 2025, when Kim triumphed at the prestigious Canadian Culinary Championships in Ottawa, earning the national title. This victory set the stage for his next challenge. In October, he entered the kitchen arena of the 12th season of Top Chef Canada as one of ten competitors. Displaying consistent skill and creativity, Kim navigated the season's challenges to secure a spot in the final two. The climactic episode aired on December 3, 2025.
Reflecting on the parallel experiences, Kim noted the shared focus on core skills. "It's really about cooking and demonstrating your capabilities under pressure," he said. While the Culinary Championships honed his fundamentals, Top Chef demanded more. "I realized it's also about creativity, quick thinking, and expressing your identity through technique, flavours, and textures. They want to see your personal story on the plate, not just technical proficiency."
The Emotional Journey to the Finale
Hosted by chef and author Eden Grinshpan, the season featured three contenders from British Columbia: Kim, chef Katy Cheung of Vancouver's Burdock & Co., and chef Nick Maharaj from Victoria's Part and Parcel. The judging panel included notable figures like chef and fermenter David Zilber, restaurateur Janet Zuccarini, chef-owner Mark McEwan, and food expert Mijune Pak.
For Kim, the competition was as much an emotional journey as a culinary one. He recalls a vulnerable moment in Episode 6 when a visit from his wife led to an on-camera display of emotion. "I cried when talking about childhood stories," Kim admitted. "Friends and family later said it was nice to see me open up. As a chef, you don't always show that side, but it was genuine."
Sovereign est. 1867: A Canadian Dream Restaurant
After seven episodes, the final challenge pitted Kim against Ontario's Coulson Armstrong. The task was to bring their dream restaurant concepts to life. Kim presented Sovereign est. 1867, a concept paying deep homage to Canadian producers.
His proposed five-course tasting menu was a coast-to-coast celebration of iconic ingredients:
- Arctic char from the Northwest Territories
- Sablefish and Dungeness crab from Haida Gwaii
- Alberta lamb
- Ontario strawberries
- Quebec foie gras
- Nova Scotia lobster
Despite the strength of his concept and performance, the ultimate title was awarded to Armstrong, who is part of Matty Matheson's Toronto-based Our House Hospitality Company.
"Naturally, I wanted to win," Kim stated, reflecting on the finale. "But I'm immensely proud to be the 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion. It would have been incredible to hold both titles, yet reaching the Top Chef Canada final is an achievement I hold in high regard." He emphasized the unique demand of television, where resourcefulness and creativity are tested with surprise ingredients under the constant gaze of cameras—a different kind of heat than in a standard competition kitchen.
Alex Kim's year of championships and acclaim has not only raised his profile but also showcased the depth of culinary talent rooted in Vancouver and British Columbia, inspiring food lovers and aspiring chefs across the nation.
