Comme d'habitude quand y'a une équipe mec/meuf c'est la foire du mansplaining, le mec veut toujours écraser la fille et il remet toujours en question ses idées ça M'ÉNERVE #TopChef
— K (@kaitlyne____) February 13, 2019
2. The Why
But then there's him, standing out right from the start. With a somewhat blank expression, a work area buried under a chaotic mess, and explanations that make no sense to the bosses. That's all it takes to recognize the one who will have us laughing until we cry throughout the show, and make us want to try whatever substances have transported him to the unique universe in which he thrives. He's a kind soul, he's imaginative, sometimes out of this world, and somehow, he always makes it work, even with the most bizarre combinations. We adore his style, and although we suspect he may not make it to the end (lacks skills, too bad), we can't help but cheer him on anyway.
"Je prends ma carotte, je la mets dans mon laboratoire et j'en fais un tournesol !" 😂
— M6 (@M6) March 6, 2024
En expliquant sa recette, ce candidat perd complètement les chefs !#TopChef - Nouvelle saison, tous les mercredis à 21.10, à partir du 13 mars 🔪 pic.twitter.com/NMLoihdhZd
3. The Gifted Child
If we had to sum up this candidate in a few words, we would say "the young hyper annoying one". You know, the one who is half your age, and who has already worked at half of Paris' famous restaurants before ending up as a sous-chef at the Ritz at the age of 6 and a half. Can you picture it now? Every season has one, and let me tell you, this kid has huge potential. The proof is Hugo Riboulet, 23 years old, the second chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant, who easily beat all the other competitors and won season 14.
Jérémie cacherait un rat cuisto surdoué sous sa casquette #topchef pic.twitter.com/zr0hc4asbk
— Régis-journaliste (@RegisJournalist) April 19, 2017
4. The technician
Also known as the "favorite candidate of Philippe Etchebest ", who, from the very first episode, can't help but exclaim "Oh, that's my type of candidate, he's precise, I love chefs like that" (while the candidate in question just wants to end up at Paul Pairet's). On paper, he's impressive. He chops carrots so quickly it's dizzying, and can bone a chicken in 6 seconds flat. Unfortunately for him, the technician severely lacks creativity, madness – some might say he lacks that spark, right? And this often ends up backfiring on him.
Bien sûr qu'Etchebest prend Matthias. Socle technique, toujours le socle technique. #TopChef
— Sophia N (@harpy_happy) February 10, 2021
5. The Belgian
Oh, the Belgian contestant! Thanks to the French reality TV show, there's always a representative from our lovely neighboring country. Maybe not the most standout in appearance, except for his quirky humor and unmistakable accent. But that's what makes him so charming and endearing to us. It may seem unfair, but he's usually quite talented and might even win the competition (hello Arnaud, season 13!). Here's to the Belgians who steal our hearts!
Palmarès de Matthieu : être le belge sympathique de la saison #TopChef pic.twitter.com/YOGv4YpRyM
— Out of context Top Chef (@TopChefOOC) February 10, 2021
6. The (too relaxed?) contestant
Every fan of the show will always remember Adrien Cachot, the laid-back contestant who casually strolled to the bathroom during the qualifying round while the chefs waited for him at his workstation. That pretty much sums up the mentality of this type. Like the spaced-out candidate, the relaxed contestant is known for their unique style and quirky ideas. They also exhibit a calmness that can sometimes come off as provocative. You either love them or hate them, and that's where all their talent shines.
- Tu étais où ?
— M6 (@M6) February 19, 2020
- Je suis allé aux toilettes 🚽
Découvrez Adrien, un candidat à la force (bien) tranquille ! #TopChef pic.twitter.com/hLH0VVXPGu
7. The Bon Vivant
You can't miss this phenomenon. It's the candidate who swears only by butter, meat, and rich sauces, with wine or beer. This candidate who sometimes finds themselves completely lost in a challenge involving vegetables or in healthy recipes, and who, let's be honest, doesn't hesitate to crack some really cheesy jokes from time to time. It's a style that not everyone can appreciate (and that's understandable). But hey, it can have its charm, and it adds a little quaint countryside touch to the show, why not.
"Un dessert sans beurre et sans crème, moi j'appelle ça une salade" #TopChef pic.twitter.com/hu9998buPI
— Out of context Top Chef (@TopChefOOC) February 16, 2022
8. The Firebrand
He's the kind of person who you either love or hate. He never listens to the bosses' advice, always follows his own instincts, and his main goal is to stir things up, shock people, and get a reaction. Remember Arnaud (from season 12) and his "toilet bowl" dish (yes, you read that right), or Jordan (from season 11) who loved going against Michel Sarran's recommendations (RIP, sweet angel). He's the troublemaker who thinks his ideas are brilliant, even though they usually end up blowing up in his face.
Michel Sarran : ça va pas marcher
— Leeloo ∞ (@Sasseeloo) March 11, 2020
Jordan : #TopChef pic.twitter.com/NsROmxiNDt
9. The Chemist
Also known as the frustrated one in life, who dreamed of being a laboratory technician but unfortunately ended up behind the stove. He only has one thing on his mind: experimenting in the kitchen. The mashed potatoes should change color, the roast beef should start foaming, and the sauce should fizz in the mouth. But, too bad for him, it's a flop half the time, and what's left on the plate usually isn't enough to save the day. He's also the one who, thanks to molecular gastronomy, believes he will be the first to make Hélène Darroze love celery. A very beautiful dream.
Haha dans #TopChef le gars il joue au petit chimiste et fait changer la couleur du chou rouge en fonction du pH xD c'était mon sujet de TIPE en sup !
— Cordélia (@MxCordelia) February 7, 2018
10. The Sensitive
Each new episode of the show focuses on this particular contestant, as every dish they make evokes memories of their loved ones - their mother, sister, 2nd grade teacher, or even the cousin of their neighbor's nephew who happens to be a baker. While we sympathize with these heartfelt stories, we can't help but wish the show was 30 minutes shorter or showed more cooking instead of listening to what can sometimes come across as complaining. It's not that we lack compassion, but when it comes down to it, food is the most important thing.
Oh look, here comes the Twitter widget! Get ready for some fun tweets coming your way! 🐦🎉J’ai une histoire très personnelle avec la pomme de terre parce que ma grand-mère elle en avait chez elle #topchef2022 #TopChef
— poussin (@poussinfuter) April 13, 2022