TikTok chef Joshua Weissman shares what’s on his plate at Kentucky Derby 2025

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• 2025 marked TikTok chef Joshua Weissman’s first trip to the Kentucky Derby.
• The content creator partnered with Churchill Downs to create a “Kentucky Derby At-Home” menu and two specialty items served up Saturday.
• Weissman said he was inspired by bourbon when crafting the menu.

While filling up his first plate, of several more “rounds” planned, inside Club SI at Churchill Downs, the TikTok-famous chef Joshua Weissman said Saturday marked two personal firsts.

It marked Weissman’s first time to the Kentucky Derby and first visit to the state. He brought along his mom, dad and wife for the trip to Louisville.

“Just the historic level of the Derby, it already feels like such an honor,” he told The Courier Journal. “I think that there’s a whole culture here that I’m just excited to be involved with.”

The content creator with 7 million followers on TikTok and 10 million subscribers on YouTube teamed up with Churchill Downs to create the 2025 “Kentucky Derby At-Home” menu and two specialty items served up on Saturday, including Kentucky Bourbon Hot Honey Pork Belly and a Kentucky twist on Challah French Toast.

“The number one thing I’m looking forward to is the food for today,” Weissman said, balancing a plate full of potatoes, rib roast and bourbon French toast. “That being said, of course, the race, but honestly, the most fun part is being around a bunch of people having a great time.”

When cooking up menu ideas, Weissman joked his main inspiration was “bourbon.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to explain a feeling in food, but I do think there’s a certain energy in the type of food that should be served at the Derby,” he said. “I just tried my best to bring that same energy while also bringing my style.”

Weissman, who also traveled with a videographer, said he’s excited to share some of his experience at Churchill Downs with his online followers.

“This is one of those events where it’s like, if you don’t know what it is and you haven’t seen it, you need to,” he said. “I think it will be kind of a pivotal moment for them when they see it.”

It was shaping up to be a big moment for him, too.

“I didn’t realize how massive this is,” he said. “I’m having a good time. I’m going to come back.”

Reach food and dining reporter Amanda Hancock at [email protected].