On April 21, “Chopped” aired a first-of-its-kind episode. Season 64, Episode 6, “Indigenous Inspiration,” brought together four Native chefs to compete using ingredients that reflect Indigenous foodways.
Instead of the usual mystery basket curveballs, the episode featured ingredients like whitefish and sumac, putting Indigenous flavors and knowledge front and center.
The chefs featured were:
- Justin Pioche (winner), Pioche Food Group
- Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet/Cherokee), founder of Indigikitchen
- Ray Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo), owner of Manko: Native American Fusion food truck
- Jessica Walks First (Menominee), chef and owner of Ketapanen Kitchen
Each chef brought their own perspective to the competition, shaped by their communities, ingredients, and approach to food.
The judging panel reflected that too:
Sean Sherman, an Oglala Lakota chef known as The Sioux Chef, has been a leading voice in Indigenous food systems and education. Pyet DeSpain, Prairie Band Potawatomi and Mexican, made history as the first-ever winner of “Next Level Chef.” Having judges with that background matters in an episode like this.
If this episode leaves you wanting to learn more, Sherman’s cookbooks are a good place to start:
Both focus on Indigenous ingredients and food traditions across Turtle Island, with an emphasis on cooking that connects back to land and culture.
We’ve also featured a few of these chefs through our Indigenous chef interview series, including Justin Pioche, Mariah Gladstone, and Jessica Walks First. Their perspectives add another layer to what you see on screen.
We’re currently working on connecting with Ray Naranjo and will update this post if we’re able to include his story as well.