Vancouver, BC — The Chefs’ Table Society is thrilled to announce the return of one of Vancouver’s most anticipated and beloved culinary competitions: The Chowder Cup, taking place on February 5, 2026 as a part of Dine Out Vancouver.

This high-energy event will see eight talented chefs go head-to-head in an all-out sustainable seafood chowder brawl, competing for ultimate bragging rights and the coveted Chowder Cup trophy. Each chef will craft a signature chowder featuring responsibly sourced BC seafood ingredient, thoughtfully paired with a complementary BC craft beer or cider paired to elevate the dish from local beverage partners.

The 2026 Chowder Cup proudly celebrates BC’s seafood industry with the support of its seafood partners: Uni-Fresco, Organic Ocean Seafood, BC Crab Fishermen’s Association, Golden Eagle Black Cod, BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSFGA), Underwater Harvesters Assn, Skipper Otto, and Pacific Halibut Management Association. Support is also being provided to each competitor from Fresh Point and BC Dairy. Their collaboration underscores the event’s commitment to sustainability, traceability, and the people behind BC’s food systems.

A panel of esteemed judges will determine the official Chowder Cup Champion and Best Pairing, while attendees will play a crucial role in the competition by casting their votes for the People’s Choice Award.

The 2026 Chowder Cup competitors are:

Chef Will Lew & Chef Sharon Chan, MAMA in the Kitchen paired with Smugglers Trail Cask

Spencer Moores, Cahoots paired with The Parkside Brewery

Alexandra Sandoval, Maxine’s Café & Bar paired with R&B Brewing

Michelle Garcia, Wildlight Kitchen + Bar paired with Strange Fellows Brewing

Saroonan Chandrasekaran, Four Winds Brewing paired with Four Winds Brewing

Alex Guido, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar paired with Black Kettle Brewing

Heat Laliberte, Friendship Catering paired with Strathcona Beer Co.

Jonah Joffe, Bravo Vancouver paired with Sea Cider

“The Chowder Cup is a celebration of BC seafood, the chefs who champion it, and the community that supports a more sustainable future for our industry,” says Johnny Bridge, President, Chefs’ Table Society. “It’s competitive, it’s delicious, and it directly supports the next chapter of culinary education and collaboration in our province.”

Guests can expect bold flavours, inspired pairings, and plenty of friendly rivalry as some of the region’s most exciting chefs ladle up their finest creations. Equal parts competition and celebration, the Chowder Cup is a showcase of culinary talent, sustainability, and community — all served in one delicious evening.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit The Commons by CTS, which opened in October 2025. The Commons is a purpose-built culinary hub dedicated to education, mentorship, preservation of BC’s culinary history, and the long-term sustainability of the hospitality industry.

Come hungry, come curious, and be part of the excitement as we crown the next Chowder Cup Champion.

Event Details
Event: The Chowder Cup
Date: February 5, 2026
Venue: Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver

Host: Chefs’ Table Society
Tickets & Information: https://chefstablesociety.com/event/chowder-cup/

Thanks to the generous support of the Craft Brewers, the Sustainable Seafood Partners, the competing Chefs and Fresh Point and BC Dairy!