Armenian-Canadian chef Sebouh Yacoubian to compete on Top Chef Canada, premiering tonight

TORONTO— Armenian-Canadian chef Sebouh “Seb” Yacoubian will enter the national culinary spotlight tonight, Tuesday, October 20, as the 13th season of Top Chef Canada premieres at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Flavour Network.

The 32-year-old Toronto chef, executive chef and co-owner of the acclaimed Armenian restaurant Taline, is among 12 competitors vying for the prestigious title of Canada’s Top Chef. This season brings together nine new contestants and three returning chefs.

Ahead of the premiere, Yacoubian shared an enthusiastic message on social media, expressing both the intensity of the competition and his determination to make his family and the Armenian community proud.

“The pressure is real! The judges are tough! The time is never enough! But let’s make mama proud! Let’s make Armenians proud!” he wrote.

Yacoubian operates Taline alongside his brothers, Serouj and Saro. Named in memory of their late mother, the Toronto restaurant has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide for its contemporary interpretation of Armenian cuisine, blending traditional family recipes with modern culinary techniques.

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Yacoubian has built his career around introducing Armenian flavours and culinary traditions to wider audiences.

In his announcement, he also revealed that a traditional Armenian war song played in his mind throughout the competition, reflecting the determination and fighting spirit he brought into the kitchen.

Hosted by Eden Grinshpan, the new season features prominent Canadian culinary personalities Mark McEwan, Janet Zuccarini and Mijune Pak as judges.

Top Chef Canada premieres tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Flavour Network and will also be available to stream on STACKTV.