Top Chef: Former champ Buddha Lo recaps latest episode, all-stars return to judge

Lo, a two-time Top Chef champion himself, shares his thoughts on Top Chef Season 21.

Season 21 of Top Chef heats up as the remaining chefs battle mental fatigue and the pressure of cooking for a crowd. 

Buddha Lo, a two-time Top Chef winner himself, offers his unique perspective on episode 10, highlighting the challenges faced by the chefs and his favorite dish from the Elimination Challenge.

While the actual cooking time may seem minimal compared to a typical kitchen shift, the constant strategizing and pressure take a toll on the chefs. 

Lo points out the mental fatigue that sets in during the later stages of the competition, mirroring his own experience during his seasons.

The Quickfire throws a curveball with a meat raffle, forcing chefs to adapt to a variety of proteins, from luxurious Wagyu beef to more unexpected choices like canned corned beef. 

Lo commends Savannah's strategic risk-taking with the canned meat, showcasing the judges' appreciation for chefs who can elevate unexpected ingredients.

The Elimination Challenge brings a unique twist with all-star chefs returning to judge a massive seafood boil for 100 people. 

While Lo questions boiling delicate fish, he commends the use of flavorful broths by most chefs. He also shares his preferred approach, mentioning Southeast Asian broths like tom yum for added depth.

Michelle, Danny, and Dan emerge as the top contenders, with Danny's dish receiving unanimous praise from the all-star judges. 

Savannah, despite a self-inflicted knife wound, is saved by her Quickfire win. Manny's safe approach keeps him safe from elimination, mirroring El Gato's similar journey in Top Chef: World All-Stars, according to Lo.

Soo's disjointed dish lands him back in Last Chance Kitchen, where he'll have to fight for survival. Don't miss the next episode of Top Chef on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo to see who comes out on top!