ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Every great dish tells a story. It carries generations of tradition, memories of home, and the unique identity of a culture. This spring, those stories came to life in kitchens across St. John’s as cameras followed newcomer chefs from around the world, capturing not only the preparation of their signature dishes but also the passion, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit behind them.
Over three months of filming, the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show transformed local restaurants, catering kitchens, and community spaces into vibrant television sets where culture met cuisine. The result is an inspiring fourth season that celebrates Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing multicultural community through one universal language everyone understands: food.
With the theme “How It’s Made,” Season 4 offers audiences an authentic, behind the scenes look at how ten beloved ethno cultural dishes are prepared from scratch by newcomer chefs who have built businesses, careers, and new lives in the province. 
More than a cooking series, the production tells the human stories behind every recipe, showcasing the traditions, family heritage, and determination that continue to enrich communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Filmed between April and June, the season features ten newcomer chefs representing ten cultures, each sharing a signature dish while opening the doors to their kitchens and their journeys.
Featured chefs and businesses include:
- Dorcas Akrong and Beatric Karikari of G&M Cuisines, preparing Ghana’s famous Jollof Rice.
- Liliya Nikishyna of SmachnoUA Restaurant at the Village Mall Food Court, demonstrating traditional Ukrainian Zrazy (Potato Meat Cakes).
- Hanan Nureddin, sharing the centuries old tradition of making authentic Ethiopian Injera.
- Claudia Fimbres, owner of Mamacita Mexican Kitchen & Latin Market in Mount Pearl, preparing authentic Mexican Tacos.
- Lamyae Charifi of Casablanca Bakery & Catering, introducing viewers to Morocco’s celebrated Couscous.
- Mike Zhang of Basil Leaf, showcasing the techniques behind Thailand’s iconic Pad Thai.
- Loretta Concesco of Lolly’s Kitchen NL, demonstrating the rich flavours of traditional Butter Chicken.
- Alishba of Taste of Mediterranean, preparing a fresh and colourful Greek Salad.
- Safaa Tohme of Safaa’s Syrian Kitchen, revealing the authentic preparation of Chicken Shawarma.
- Sweenie Tissera of Tissera’s Sri Lankan Fusion, introducing viewers to Sri Lanka’s beloved street food, Kottu.
Behind every episode was a dedicated production team working alongside chefs, volunteers, and community supporters to capture every detail, from early morning ingredient preparation to the final plated masterpiece. The behind the scenes experience reflected the teamwork, enthusiasm, and cultural exchange that define the Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show.
Season 4 is about much more than cooking. It is a celebration of the newcomer entrepreneurs who are strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy while introducing residents to authentic international cuisine. Their restaurants and catering businesses have become gathering places where cultures connect and communities grow stronger.
The Tombolo Multicultural Variety Show continues to serve as a platform for promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity, and sharing the remarkable stories of newcomers who now proudly call Newfoundland and Labrador home.
As viewers prepare for the premiere of Season 4, they can expect an unforgettable journey across ten countries, ten cultures, and ten remarkable stories, proving that while recipes may differ, food has the extraordinary power to bring people together.