After competing in season 10 of Top Chef Canada, ELEM owner Vish Mayekar is joining fellow Vancouverite Katy Cheung as a returning competitor on the cooking competition’s most recent season.
“REDEMPTION TIME…… Keeping this one quiet wasn’t easy… 🤫🔪 I’m back for another shot in the #TopChefCanada kitchen! I’m thrilled to be part of this season’s competition,” shared Mayekar on his Instagram.
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Mayekar has his fair share of accolades outside of Top Chef Canada already. In 2024, he opened the doors to ELEM in Mount Pleasant, which has since been named one of the Best New Restaurants in Canada in 2025 and has been Michelin-recommended for both years it has been open. Mayekar was also the recipient of the 2026 Michelin Guide Vancouver Young Chef Award.
“Born in Mumbai and trained at culinary schools in India and Canada — with experience in kitchens cooking contemporary and Italian food — Chef Vish Mayekar has a gastronomic perspective like few others,” wrote Michelin.
As for ELEM, the menu is largely inspired by Mayekar’s travels and features seafood, local produce, and bold flavours (think slow-cooked dishes inspired by Indian culinary practices). It also boasts a killer cocktail menu.
Top Chef Canada airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on Flavour Network and streams on STACKTV.
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