Kristen Kish

Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, Emmy-Nominated TV Host of Top Chef

Kristen Kish, Top Chef host and Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, smiling
Favorite Dish: Takeout chicken fingers with french fries, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise

"Always be the parsley leaf, not the chopped parsley."

Kristen Kish

About

Kristen Kish is the chef/partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, the host of Bravo’s Emmy award-winning Top Chef, the host/producer of Restaurants at the End of the World on National Geographic/Disney+, and creator of KISH Aperitif.

A Korean adoptee raised in Michigan, Kristen discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. After working her way through various kitchens in Boston, she competed on season 10 of Top Chef, ultimately winning the coveted title. Following her win, she published her first cookbook and starred in several other hit shows including Fast Foodies on TruTV and Iron Chef on Netflix.

In 2023, Kristen became the host of Top Chef for its 21st season. Both she and the show received nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards in Outstanding Host and Best Reality Competition Series, respectively.

Kristen has been recognized on influential lists, including TIME100’s Next, AdWeek’s Creative 100, and Marie Claire’s Power list.

Publications:

Video thumbnail

Meet Top Chef Season 21 Judge: Kristen Kish

Honors & Awards

  • Top Chef Winner
  • TIME 100's Next
  • AdWeek's Creative 100
  • Marie Claire’s Power List
  • The Critics Choice Associations (CCA) Inaugural Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television TV Host Award for “Top Chef”

Professional EXPERIENCE

  • Chef and Partner - Arlo Grey, Austin, TX
  • Emmy-nominated Host of Top Chef
  • Co-host of Fast Foodies
  • Co-host of “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend”
  • Host and Producer of "Restaurants at the End of the World”
  • Creator of KISH Aperitif

Education

  • Associate of Culinary Arts Degree, Le Cordon Bleu, Chicago, IL

In The News

Kristen Kish Reflects on Career, Adoption and ‘Accidentally Finding Purpose’ in New Memoir (Exclusive)

People, 9/4/24

Top Chef Host Kristen Kish Never Wanted to Be on Television

The Cut, 3/20/24

Kristen Kish: Her Incredible Story from Culinary School to Culinary Stardom

Escoffier The Ultimate Dish Podcast, 3/19/2024

How Does Kristen Kish Feel at the Top of ‘Top Chef’? It’s Complicated.

The New York Times, 7/25/23

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