Arts & Culture
Apr 20, 2026

‘Chopped’ episode to feature Indigenous chefs and cuisine

A special April 21 episode, “Indigenous Inspiration,” features four Native chefs competing with Indigenous ingredients for a $10,000 prize


April 20, 2026

A new episode of the Food Network’s “Chopped” will highlight Indigenous chefs and foods in a special installment titled “Indigenous Inspiration,” according to ICT. The episode, airing April 21, features four Native chefs — Mariah Gladstone, Ray Naranjo, Justin Pioche and Jessica Walks First — competing to create a three-course meal using Indigenous ingredients. 

The competition will be judged by Sioux Chef Sean Sherman, Prairie Band Potawatomi Chef Pyet DeSpain and Chef Eric Adjepong, with Ted Allen hosting, according to ICT. The winner will receive a $10,000 prize. Organizers said the episode marks the first time the show has featured a full lineup centered on Indigenous cuisine, with dishes incorporating ingredients such as whitefish and sumac.

  1. 1.Sandra Hale Schulman. ICT, .

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