Meet Chef Noel
Noel Cunningham is a Jamaican-Canadian chef, author, television personality, and entrepreneur based in Toronto, Canada. His career spans professional kitchens, national television, publishing, catering, and culinary experiences, reflecting a passion for food, creativity, and connecting with people through storytelling.
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Noel developed his culinary expertise through formal training and experience in the hospitality industry before moving to Canada to pursue new opportunities. Today, he brings together his culinary knowledge, engaging personality, and creative vision across food, television, and business.
Whether in front of the camera, behind the scenes, or creating experiences for clients and audiences, Chef Noel brings a distinctive perspective shaped by his journey from Jamaica to Canada.
The Journey
Noel’s career reflects a journey of growth, adaptability, and an ongoing commitment to his craft. After establishing himself in Jamaica’s culinary industry, he moved to Canada in December 2013 and continued developing his career while studying hospitality and tourism management at Red River College in Winnipeg.
During his six years in Manitoba, Noel built a strong presence in the local culinary scene, combining professional kitchen experience with television appearances and other food-related engagements. His work as a culinary expert on The Marc & Mandy Show and CTV Winnipeg Morning Live introduced him to a broader audience and helped establish his presence in food media. In 2019, Noel relocated to Toronto to pursue new opportunities and expand his work across culinary, media, and hospitality platforms. The move marked another chapter in a career that continues to evolve through television, publishing, catering, partnerships, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Television & Media
Chef Noel has established himself as a recognizable culinary personality on Canadian television, sharing his expertise through cooking demonstrations, seasonal segments, food conversations, and practical culinary insights. His television credits include CTV Your Morning, CP24 Breakfast, Breakfast Television, Global News Morning, CHCH TV, and CTV Morning Live Winnipeg, among others.
He also brought his professional expertise to the judging panel of Season 4 of Maggi Food Court Caribbean, a cooking competition celebrating culinary talent across the Caribbean. Beyond television, Noel is the host of What’s Cooking with Chef Noel, a podcast exploring food, chefs, culture, and the personal stories behind the culinary industry. His media experience also includes food writing for Canadian and Caribbean publications, as well as appearances at major public culinary events, including the Toronto Food & Drink Festival and the Canadian National Exhibition Celebrity Chef Stage.
Through these platforms, Noel connects with audiences by making food engaging, accessible, and relevant to everyday life.
Author & Storyteller
Chef Noel Cunningham has built a diverse body of work as a food columnist, published contributor, and author, using food writing to share culinary knowledge, explore food culture, and tell the stories behind the dishes we enjoy. In 2019, Noel published Cuisine by Noel: A Culinary Journey Through Recipes and Stories, a cookbook featuring 100 recipes alongside reflections on his life and career. The book brought together his culinary expertise and storytelling, offering readers a personal perspective on the experiences and influences behind his work.
His writing career began in 2016 with Cooking Sense Magazine, which hosted his first online food column, “A Jamaican in Your Kitchen.” Through the column, Noel shared recipes and explored the food traditions and influences that shaped his culinary perspective. He later served as a culinary expert for the Toronto Caribbean newspaper, writing the popular biweekly column “What’s Cooking with Chef Noel.” Combining accessible, do-it-yourself Caribbean recipes with culinary history and storytelling, the column highlighted the depth and diversity of Caribbean food and its place in the wider culinary landscape.
Noel has also contributed articles and specialized recipes to JamaicanEats magazine and shared recipes and food-related insights through The Jamaica Gleaner, extending his readership across Canada and the Caribbean. Across his cookbook, columns, and published work, Noel uses food as a medium for storytelling, education, and cultural connection, bringing culinary knowledge and the stories behind the recipes to readers at home and abroad.
Awards and Recognition
Chef Noel Cunningham’s work has earned recognition across Canada and internationally, reflecting his contributions to the culinary industry, media, and entrepreneurship.
His notable honours and milestones include:
2025 Canadian Global Awards — Top 20, Trailblazer
2024 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards—Recognized for his achievements and contributions that have positively shaped Canada since arriving in the country.
10 ByBlacks People’s Choice Awards—Recognized across categories including Best Chef, Best Caterer, Best Podcaster, Best Restaurant, and Best Baker.
Winnipeg Night Life Awards (2018) — Top Five Finalist, Best Chef in Winnipeg.
Jamaica 60 Game Changers—Greater Toronto Area. The recognition celebrated his extensive contributions to the Canadian culinary landscape, specifically his advocacy for elevating, diversifying, and showcasing the depth of Caribbean cuisine
James Beard House, New York City (2018) — Featured at Savoring Jamaica.
These milestones reflect Noel’s journey and growing presence across culinary, media and business platforms.
Beyond the Kitchen & Screen
As the founder of Cuisine by Noel Inc., Noel has built a culinary business centred on catering, private dining, special events, and customized food experiences. His work ranges from intimate gatherings to corporate functions and large-scale celebrations, with an emphasis on thoughtful menus, presentation, and hospitality.
He also collaborates with brands and organizations on culinary activations, demonstrations, special projects, and events. Alongside his personal platform, these ventures reflect his continued growth as a business owner and the development of a brand that extends beyond cooking alone.
Based in Toronto, Noel continues to develop new opportunities across the culinary and creative industries, building on his experiences in Jamaica and Canada while shaping the next chapter of his career.
Chef Noel’s Culinary Showcase
