Upamanyu Biswas
NBC’s ‘Yes, Chef’ is a reality cooking show where 12 contestants are pitted against each other to showcase their culinary skills on the ultimate stage. Nominated by their bosses, co-workers, friends, and family, the chefs must navigate the pitfalls of their personal egos, personalities, ambitions, and tempers while trying to win the final prize. The show is presented by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, who also serve as the guides for the competitors as they battle through some complex challenges intended to test their limits as rising stars. Each episode brings out two new types of obstacles for the participants, designed to illustrate their skills both in and out of the kitchen, including leadership abilities. To that end, the show’s intricate culinary backdrop serves as an essential stage as our contestants line up to cook their best dishes.
Yes Chef Filming Locations
Filming for ‘Yes, Chef’ primarily takes place in the region of Ontario, specifically in the vibrant and bustling city of Toronto. The first season of the reality series was likely shot between February and March 2025, with the cast and crew enjoying their time off-set by taking trips to nearby sushi restaurants. “We were working 14-hour days, six days a week, nonstop, in full makeup, and then the first day I did get off, the (Delta plane) flipped over at the Toronto airport and none of us could get home,” Martha Stewart explained in an interview. “But it was overall a great experience, and the show was intense and great fun.” Ontario is known for its incredible architecture and its blend of modern and historical aesthetics. It is also famed for its natural landmarks, such as lush forests, provincial parks, and the world-renowned Niagara Falls.
Toronto, Ontario
‘Yes, Chef’ was mainly shot in Ontario’s capital city, Toronto, which has garnered recognition over the last few years for its diverse appeal as a filming location. The reality series mainly takes place in an interior environment, meaning that the production team intricately designed the kitchen environment where we see the contestants lock horns and work through their problems. The closed-off space afforded the competitors and hosts the ability to focus on counseling and cooking the best dishes possible, with the various caveats included in their challenges. Additionally, the set was kept primed with a wide array of culinary tools that may be required at a moment’s notice. There was also a small storage space to provide the contestants with fresh ingredients.
Host José Andrés shared his experiences of his time in Toronto by stating, “In Toronto filming “Yes, Chef!” with @marthastewart48 for @nbc…and when I’m not on set, staying busy making sushi and sashimi with amazing fresh seafood from @oroshi_fishco.” One of the prominent features of Toronto is its dynamic and eye-catching skyline, which is dominated by one building, the CN Tower. Other landmark spots scattered around the area include the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Hockey Hall of Fame, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Harbourfront Centre, among many others. Over the years, the city has hosted the production of several reality projects like ‘Got to Get Out,’ ‘The Amazing Race,’ ‘Love It or List It,’ ‘Canada’s Got Talent,’ and ‘Kenny vs. Spenny.’
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