Chef Nini Nguyen

Based in New Orleans, Nini Nguyen is a chef and cookbook author known for

blending her Vietnamese heritage with Louisiana flavors. She began her culinary

journey in some of the country’s most innovative kitchens, including Eleven Madison

Park in New York, before stepping into the spotlight on Top Chef Season 16 and Top

Chef: All-Stars Los Angeles, where she earned a dedicated fan following.

Her debut cookbook, Đặc Biệt: An Extra Special Vietnamese Cookbook, was

released in 2024 and named one of Amazon’s Best Cookbooks of the year. Called

“an invaluable guide to the fundamentals of Vietnamese cooking,” the book is a

heartfelt celebration of her roots and the food that shaped her.

Nini made her Food Network debut on Tournament of Champions Season 5 and

returned for Season 6. She also won the premiere season of Last Bite Hotel and has

appeared on Guy’s Grocery Games, Bobby’s Triple Threat and 24 in 24: Last Chef

Standing. She contributes recipes and stories to Food & Wine, Food52, and Serious Eats, and

shares tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes kitchen life on Instagram and TikTok

@chefnininguyen. Learn more at www.chefnininguyen.com.