With so many next-level chefs and restaurants across Canada, new research revealing the country’s most popular chefs according to Google data has everyone talking.
According to research conducted by Explore Worldwide that dove into Google search data from the past year to reveal which culinary giant from each country has made the biggest impression across the planet, the chefs with the most online searches across the world in the last 12 months have been crowned that country’s most popular chef.
Who is the most popular chef in Canada?
With the most online searches last year, Chuck Hughes—owner of Garde Manger, one of our favourite restaurants in Old Montreal, and star of the show Chuck’s Day Off—topped the list.
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Chuck Hughes’ eatery is known for being one of the more raucous experiences to be had in Old Montreal, a sharp, happy turn from the general vibe in the area. Anyone will tell you it gets busy at Garde Manger, and with good reason.
The abundance of fresh seafood, and familiar dishes like the scallops with jerusalem artichokes, brown butter, capers and anchovies—or the swordfish with celery root purée, brunoised root vegetables, and crispy parsnips—make this a briny gem where good times are on the regular. Go for the loud, party restaurant experience that feels extra in the best way.
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What other Canadian chefs made the list?
Chef Susur Lee secured the second spot with over 27,000 searches last year. Renowned for blending Asian and North American flavours using traditional Chinese techniques, Lee's inventive and visually appealing dishes have earned him acclaim in the culinary community.
Gail Simmons, a Toronto-born Emmy-winning cookbook writer and TV judge, holds the third position among the most searched Canadian chefs globally. Her consistent presence on Top Chef has solidified her status as one of the nation's most recognized food enthusiasts.
Making it to the top five most popular Canadian chefs in 2023, Martin Picard reopened his Cabane A Sucre Au Pied De Cochon, a widely popular 'sugar shack' known for its extravagant and indulgent dishes, drenched in maple syrup.
In the sixth position among Canadian chef rankings, Michael Smith garnered 4,400 online searches last year. With a distinguished culinary education and experience in several Michelin-starred restaurants, Smith is recognized as a sustainability advocate. His restaurant, The Inn at Bay Fortune on Prince Edward Island, utilizes 70 acres of local land for growing vegetables and produce, supporting small independent suppliers, and sourcing sustainable seafood.
Who are the world’s top 5 most popular chefs?
According to Explore Worldwide, these 5 chefs are the world’s most Googled chefs:
Gordon Ramsay, renowned for his popular TV shows like 'Hell's Kitchen' and 'Kitchen Nightmares,' has owned 58 restaurants across Europe, Asia, and North America. His Michelin-starred establishments include Le Pressoir d'Argent (two stars) in Bordeaux, Petrus by Gordon Ramsay (one star) in London, and the three Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London.
Jamie Oliver, a celebrity sensation since 'The Naked Chef,' launched Jamie's Italian restaurants and used his platform to advocate for improved school nutrition. His bestselling cookbooks, such as '30-Minute Meals,' have dominated the publishing world.
Guy Fieri, a charismatic presenter without formal training, owns several restaurants, including Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar. Known for shows like 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,' Fieri's passion for cooking started in childhood when his father encouraged him to cook and even built him a pretzel cart.
Nigella Lawson, a celebrated food writer and TV personality, is the first female foodie on the list. While not known for restaurant ownership, her best-selling cookbooks and captivating presenting style on shows like 'Nigella Bites' have gained immense popularity.
Giada De Laurentiis, an Italian-American chef and TV personality, appears on the Food Network and NBC's Today. As a successful cookbook author and restaurateur with establishments in Las Vegas, including Giada at The Cromwell, she has received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
For more information about the research conducted by Explore Worldwide, click here.
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