As we close out Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, also known as AANHPI Heritage Month, we put together a list of great local chefs who are also great personalities to follow! Explore the below, check out each of these places & when you go, make sure to say hi to the chef if they’re there.

Updated May 2023


 

CHEF PING LEE OF WOK STAR CHINESE

Chef Ping Lee, the chef behind Wok Star Chinese, discovered his passion for creating authentic Chinese cuisine while growing up in Taiwan. With a deep appreciation for food and culture, Chef Lee brings a sense of home and community through family-style meals. Try his modern twist on beloved Chinese dishes, like hand-pulled la mian, and don’t skip the chocolate bao buns & cookie dough egg rolls 🤤

 

wok star Chinese

CHEF NIKKY OF ASIAN MINT

“Born in Dallas, raised in Bangkok,” Chef Nikky is one of the most vibrant souls! It comes across in her Thai cooking found at her 5 Asian Mint locations in Dallas. Plus, she has her own products now, as well as cooking classes & a super fun Youtube channel!



CHEF JIMMY PARK OF SHOYO DALLAS

From Nobu to Namo to Nori, Chef Jimmy made a name for himself around Dallas before opening his own omakase restaurant, Shoyo! His food is heavenly but if you have yet to try, he is opening a 2nd restaurant on Greenville Ave later this year! 



CHEF TATSUYA SEKIGUICHI OF TATSU DALLAS

Tatsuya Sekiguchi, a fourth-generation sushi master, honed his skills in Tokyo & opened his first omakase restaurant in NYC. Seeing the demand from TX visitors, he moved to Dallas & his 10-seat restaurant has become a sought-after spot, catching the eye of monthly reservation seekers & the James Beard Foundation.



CHEF UNO of RED STIX STREET FOOD

In 2012, Anthony Bourdain chose Chef Uno as his mentee on Taste, leading to the opening of her first restaurant, Chino Chinatown, in Trinity Groves. Today, you can try her fast-casual Asian fusion dishes near SMU!



CHEF REYE DUONG OF SANDWICH HAG 

The owner of the best banh mi’s in town, Chef Reye is a self-proclaimed “notoriously unapologetic” & frequently advocates for fellow local restaurant owners. And now she’s a James Beard Best Chef!


 

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