Shirley Chung is a Chinese-American chef who has made significant contributions to the culinary world. Born in Beijing, China, she immigrated to the United States at the age of 17. Her early exposure to international cuisine came from her grandmother, Liang Si Yi, who worked as a director for the Red Cross and introduced her to a variety of foods from different cultures
Education and Career Transition
Chung initially pursued a career in the tech industry, working in Silicon Valley after earning a degree in business administration. However, her passion for food led her to leave the tech world and enroll in culinary school.
Culinary Training and Experience
Shirley Chung is trained in classic French and Italian cuisine and has worked with some of the most renowned chefs in the world, including José Andrés, Thomas Keller, and Guy Savoy. Her culinary journey took her from Napa Valley to Las Vegas, where she honed her skills in various cuisines, including French, Italian, Chinese, and Mexican.
Television Appearances
Chung gained widespread recognition through her appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef. She competed in Top Chef: New Orleans (Season 11) and Top Chef: Charleston (Season 14), where she showcased her unique blend of Chinese and American cuisines.
Restaurant Ventures
In 2014, Chung opened her first restaurant, Twenty Eight, in Irvine, California, where she served as a partner chef. The restaurant featured a menu that combined American cuisine with Chinese influences. In 2018, she opened Ms. Chi Cafe in Culver City, California, focusing on modern Chinese-American dishes.
Advocacy and Challenges
Chung has been vocal about her experiences with anti-Asian racism, particularly following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She has used her platform to draw attention to the impact of hate-motivated behavior on Asian Pacific American-owned businesses1.
Recent Developments
In 2023, Shirley Chung was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer, leading to the closure of Ms. Chi Cafe so she could focus on her treatment and recovery.
What unique elements does Shirley Chung incorporate into her Chinese American cuisine?
Shirley Chung’s Chinese American cuisine is distinguished by its innovative fusion of traditional Chinese flavors with modern American culinary techniques. She integrates elements from her classical French training and her deep-rooted Chinese heritage to create unique dishes. For instance, her restaurant Ms Chi offers creative dumplings like Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers and Vegan Garden Dumplings, blending familiar American flavors with traditional Chinese forms.
Chung also emphasizes the use of local, seasonal ingredients, which she combines with both Chinese and Western cooking methods to elevate her dishes. Her cookbook, Chinese Heritage Cooking From My American Kitchen, features recipes such as Sweet-and-Sour Baby Back Ribs and Scallion Pancakes with Hazelnut Pesto, showcasing her ability to innovate while maintaining authentic flavors. Additionally, she adapts traditional recipes to be more accessible, often eliminating the need for specialized equipment like a wok. This blend of tradition and modernity defines her culinary style, making her a standout in the realm of Chinese American cuisine.
What are some signature dishes at Ms. Chi that showcase her unique style?
Shirley Chung’s Ms. Chi Cafe features several signature dishes that exemplify her unique fusion of Chinese and American culinary traditions. Here are some standout items:
- Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers: This dish is a prime example of Chung’s innovative approach, combining the classic American cheeseburger with traditional Chinese potstickers. The potstickers are filled with a cheeseburger mixture and served with a tomato bacon jam, showcasing a playful yet sophisticated fusion.
- Scallion Pancakes: Chung’s scallion pancakes are made from scratch and are known for their unique twist. They are often paired with creative accompaniments like hazelnut pesto, adding a modern flair to a traditional Chinese favorite.
- Lu Rou Mein: This dish features thick egg noodles topped with a savory Taiwanese-style braised pork, reflecting Chung’s ability to incorporate Taiwanese influences into her menu while maintaining a balance between authenticity and innovation.
- Hand Cut Cold Sesame Noodles: A vegan option that highlights Chung’s commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. These noodles are served cold and dressed in a flavorful sesame sauce, offering a refreshing and modern take on a classic dish.
- Garlic Tomato Shrimp: This dish combines succulent shrimp with a garlic tomato sauce, blending Chinese cooking techniques with flavors that appeal to a broader palate. It has received positive reviews for its balanced and vibrant taste
What is Shirley Chung’s Chinese name?
Shirley Chung’s Chinese name is 张晴月
