Jamaican chef Darian Bryan wins ‘Next Level Chef’ crown on Gordon Ramsay show

Jamaican-born chef Darian Bryan has been crowned the winner of Season 5 of the hit American cooking competition “Next Level Chef,” defeating fellow finalists Connor Caine and Nicole “Cole” Lawson in Thursday night’s finale.

The culinary competition series, which airs on Fox Broadcasting Company, began with 24 contestants divided among professional chefs, home chefs and social media chefs. Bryan emerged victorious after a demanding 90-minute finale challenge that required contestants to prepare a full three-course menu across all levels of the show’s signature multi-story kitchen.

His win earned him a $250,000 grand prize and a year-long mentorship with celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais.

Throughout the competition, Bryan consistently showcased his Jamaican roots through his dishes, incorporating flavors and cooking traditions from the Caribbean.

Speaking with TV Insider after the finale, Bryan reflected on the significance of the moment.

“It’s just a blessing to show that. I’m coming from Jamaica with not much, and to come here and get crowned king on a stage like this — especially, it’s a Gordon Ramsay show, and he’s been my mentor for the last 15 years of watching him — it’s just a grace,” he said.

Bryan said several elements of his final dishes were inspired directly by Jamaican street food culture.

“Pepper lobster slash pepper shrimp, we have all throughout the Caribbean, all through Jamaica. You see all those folks on the side of the road selling pepper shrimp, and also the escovitch is something you see everywhere,” he explained.

The chef added that sticking to Jamaican cuisine throughout the competition was intentional.

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“I would not have forgiven myself had I gone in another direction and lost,” he said.

In a separate interview with Gold Derby, Bryan became emotional while reflecting on his journey from rural Jamaica to winning one of American television’s top cooking competitions.

“A little kid from Jamaica, growing up in a house with 23 people, no electricity, no running water — and now you’re standing there with a $250,000 check,” he said, recalling his childhood.

Bryan said his love for cooking began while helping his mother at her cookshop in Jamaica, where he learned to prepare traditional dishes including curry chicken, which he described as the first meal he truly mastered.

He also spoke proudly about receiving praise for Jamaican cuisine from Ramsay, one of the world’s most recognizable chefs.

“When Gordon Ramsay said my dishes were exceptional, I’m like — listen, this is Jamaican food,” Bryan said. “The food that everybody has put in the background for so long, saying it’s just comfort food. I’m here to elevate that.”

“Next Level Chef” is available for streaming on Hulu.