Shirley Chung
Shirley Chung (born 1976 or 1977) 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 | |
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| Born | 1976 or 1977 (age 49–50)[4] Beijing, China |
| Culinary career | |
Current restaurant(s)
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Shirley Chung (born 1976 or 1977) is a Chinese-American chef known for appearances on Top Chef: New Orleans, Top Chef: Charleston and Food Network's Tournament of Champions.
Early life and education
[edit]Chung was born in Beijing, China, and immigrated to the United States with her family when she was 17 years old.[5] She was introduced to international cuisine as a child by her grandmother Liang Si Yi, who worked as a director for the Red Cross.[6] Chung worked for several years in Silicon Valley, after graduating with a degree in business administration.[7] She eventually left the tech industry to attend culinary school.[8]
Career
[edit]Trained in classic French and Italian cuisine, Chung has worked and opened restaurants for chefs including José Andrés, Thomas Keller and Guy Savoy.[9][6] In 2014 she opened Twenty Eight with Stacie Tran, acting as partner chef at the Irvine, California, restaurant.[9] In 2016, she left that restaurant.[3]
Chung opened her first restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe, in Culver City in 2018.[10] 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.[5] Ms. Chi Cafe closed in August 2024.[11][12]
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.[13] She returned to the show during season 14, competing against winner Brooke Williamson in the finals.[14] The pair previously competed against each other as part of Top Chef Duels, where Chung bested Williamson.[15] In 2022, she began participating on Food Network's Tournament of Champions hosted by Guy Fieri.[6]
Personal life
[edit]Chung is married. In May 2024, Chung was diagnosed with stage four tongue cancer.[11] She underwent chemotherapy and reported in 2025 that while she's still recovering, that the cancer is now in remission.[16]
Publications
[edit]- 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
[edit]- ^ "Modern Chinese restaurant Night Rooster is now open in Dallas". Nation's Restaurant News. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ^ "'Top Chef' alum Shirley Chung to close restaurant after revealing tongue cancer diagnosis". ABC News. Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Twenty Eight trades Chinese cuisine for meat-centric menu after exit of Top Chef's Shirley Chung". Orange County Register. 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
- ^ Luna, Nancy (March 9, 2017). "Life after 'Top Chef' for Shirley Chung – Orange County Register". The Orange County Register. Digital First Media. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ Constante, Agnes (2 May 2016). "Irvine Chef Spotlight: Shirley Chung". www.destinationirvine.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ Radke, Brock (25 September 2013). "Chatting with Las Vegas 'Top Chef' contestant Shirley Chung". lasvegasweekly.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ a b Stapleton, Susan (8 December 2014). "Shirley Chung Ready to Wow with Twenty Eight Modern Chinese Cuisine". Eater Vegas. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Holmes, Mona (2024-07-29). "'Top Chef' Alum Shirley Chung to Close Culver City Restaurant Following Cancer Diagnosis". Eater LA. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
- ^ "'Top Chef' alum Shirley Chung to close restaurant after revealing tongue cancer diagnosis". ABC News. Retrieved 2025-12-31.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Vilanova, John (14 August 2014). "Top Chef Duels recap: Shirley Chung vs. Brooke Williamson". EW.com. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
- ^ Etienne, Vanessa (2025-05-09). "Top Chef Alum Shirley Chung Says She's in '100% Remission' After Stage 4 Tongue Cancer". People.
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