Top Chef
Going Whole Hog
Season 23, Episode 6 · Aired 2026-04-13

Synopsis
There's no Quickfire Challenge this week as the chefs take on a Carolina classic: whole-hog barbecue. Splitting into teams of two, they gear up for a head-to-head battle showcasing five key cuts of the hog. Before their Elimination Challenge begins, they venture to Charlotte and Lexington to experience Carolina BBQ at its source. Then it's an all-night cook where the heat is on as they'll not only need to impress the judges, but also "Top Chef" alum and Pitmaster Michelle Wallace and a group of local pitmasters from across the state.
In the series
This episode is part of Top Chef (2006–present) on Bravo.
Pack your knives — culinary competition as prestige unscripted.
Key cast
- Padma Lakshmi as Host
- Tom Colicchio as Judge
- Gail Simmons as Judge