Shirley Chung

Shirley Chung is a Chinese-American chef known for appearances on Top Chef: New Orleans, Top Chef: Charleston and Food Network's Tournament of Champions.

Shirley Chung
Born	Beijing, China
Culinary career
Current restaurant(s) Twenty Eight, Irvine, CA (2014-2018) Ms. Chi Cafe, Culver City, CA (2018-Present)
Television show(s) Top Chef: New Orleans Top Chef: Charleston Tournament of Champions Guy's Grocery Games

Early life and education

Chung was born in Beijing, China and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 17 years old.^[1] She was introduced to international cuisine as a child by her grandmother Liang Si Yi, who worked as a director for the Red Cross.^[2] Chung worked for several years in Silicon Valley, after graduating with a degree in business administration.^[3] She eventually left the tech industry to attend culinary school.^[4]

Career

Trained in classic French and Italian cuisine, Chung has since worked and opened restaurants for chefs including José Andrés, Thomas Keller and Guy Savoy.^[5][2] In 2014 she opened Twenty Eight with Stacie Tran, acting as partner chef at the Irvine, California restaurant.^[5]

Chung opened her first restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe, in Culver City in 2018.^[6] She spoke openly about her experiences with anti-Asian racism following the onset of the COVID-19 in order to draw attention to the impact of hate-motivated behavior on Asian Pacific American owned businesses.^[1]

In addition to working in restaurants, Chung has appeared on numerous cooking-related television shows. She first appeared as a contestant on Top Chef Season 11, where she finished in third place.^[7] She returned to the show during Season 14, competing against winner Brooke Williamson in the finals.^[8] The pair previously competed against each other as part of Top Chef Duels, where Chung bested Williamson.^[9] In 2022, she began participating on Food Network's Tournament of Champions hosted by Guy Fieri.^[2]

Publications

• Chung, Shirley (2018). Chinese Heritage Cooking From My American Kitchen: Discover Authentic Flavors with Vibrant, Modern Recipes. Salem, MA: Page Street Publishing (published Oct 23, 2018). ISBN 9781624146770.

References

1. Fox, Michelle (17 May 2021). "Shirley Chung of 'Top Chef' pivoted her business and became a voice against anti-Asian hate". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
2. Huddleston, Justina (25 February 2022). "The Truth About Shirley Chung From Guy Fieri's Tournament Of Champions Season 3". Mashed.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
3. Constante, Agnes (2 May 2016). "Irvine Chef Spotlight: Shirley Chung". www.destinationirvine.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
4. Radke, Brock (25 September 2013). "Chatting with Las Vegas 'Top Chef' contestant Shirley Chung". lasvegasweekly.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
5. Stapleton, Susan (8 December 2014). "Shirley Chung Ready to Wow with Twenty Eight Modern Chinese Cuisine". Eater Vegas. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
6. Harris, Jenn (27 September 2018). "'Top Chef' alum Shirley Chung wants to change the way people think about Chinese food in L.A." Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
7. Calvario, Liz (22 May 2021). "'Top Chef' Alum Shirley Chung Shares Her Family-Inspired Recipe for Scallion Pancakes". www.etonline.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
8. Bricker, Tierney (3 March 2017). "Top Chef Season 14 Crowns a Winner After the Best Finale Ever: Was It Brooke Williamson or Shirley Chung?". E! Online. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
9. Vilanova, John (14 August 2014). "Top Chef Duels recap: Shirley Chung vs. Brooke Williamson". EW.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.