Highlighting the Dining Scene: 'Next Gen Chef' on Netflix - A Cutthroat Cooking Competition Featuring Esteemed Young Culinary Artists Vying for a $500,000 Prize
In the heart of the Culinary Institute of America, the renowned 'Harvard of culinary schools,' a unique cooking competition unfolds. The stage is set for Next Gen Chef, a high-stakes culinary battle that pits young, talented chefs against each other.
The competition sees 21 contestants, each well-accomplished in their field, divided into three teams of seven. Each team must elect their leader, with the likes of Andre Sargent, the sous chef at Per Se, and 23-year-old Juaquin Cariaso stepping up to the challenge.
The format of Next Gen Chef mirrors that of Top Chef, with each team creating a seven-course meal inspired by a famous CIA alumnus: Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, or Paul Bocuse. The contestants are under 30, with some in their early 20s, showcasing the fresh talent in the culinary Gen Z.
The first challenge, aptly named the 'Entrance Exam,' eliminates 9 chefs, leaving 12 to battle it out for the grand prize of $500,000. Hosted by Olivia Culpo, the first episode may feature the last use of the phrase 'CIA is the 'Harvard of culinary schools'.'
The judges for the competition are Master sommelier Carlton McCoy, chef Kelsey Barnard Clark, and various instructors from the institute serve as proctors. Guest judges for this round include Francis Lam, Cat Cora, and Paul Carmichael.
The first episode, a 50-minute whirlwind, presents the first challenge, which proves cumbersome due to the presentation of 21 meals taking 3/4 of the episode's runtime. Despite this, Netflix continues its practice of making each episode into a cliffhanger by not revealing the last saved contestant before cutting to the credits.
As the competition progresses, the group is cut down to 12 for the second episode, improving the flow of the series. The young team leaders, with their amazing leadership skills, belied their ages and set the tone for the rest of the season.
The TV series 'Next Gen Chef' is available in German on Netflix as of the German online premiere on September 17, 2025. It's a must-watch for food enthusiasts and aspiring chefs alike, showcasing the future of the culinary Gen X.
