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Chef Shirley Chung, also known as “The Dumpling Queen of Los Angeles,” is the co-owner and Executive Chef of Dumpling mafia, where she showcases her Chinese heritage, signature dumplings, and progressive Chinese-American cuisine. In collaboration with Goldbelly.com, Shirley’s dumplings are also available for shipping nationwide.
Shirley’s culinary journey took off after competing in Bravo’s Top Chef season 11. In 2014, she became Chef Partner at Twenty Eight Modern Chinese, followed by a return to Top Chef in 2016, where she secured the runner-up spot. In 2018, she authored her debut cookbook, “Chinese Heritage Cooking from My American Kitchen,” and concurrently launched Ms Chi Cafe in Culver City with her husband, Jimmy Lee. In 2019, Shirley served as the inaugural chef at Abernethy’s, a chef-driven community restaurant at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles, and was invited to serve on the Council’s Culinary Advisory Committee for the Emerging Chefs Program in 2023. A passionate advocate for the AAPI community, Shirley is part of Mayor Karen Bass’s AAPI LA Task Force and TeachAAPI for children.
Shirley’s TV appearances include serving as a chef mentor for HBO Max’s The Big Brunch; regular appearances on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games and Guy’s Ranch Kitchen; competing on seasons 3,4 and 5 of Tournament of the Champions; She is the current winner of Food Network new competition show House of Knives; serving as a judge and mentor on Top Chef Amateurs, Chopped, Top Chef Family Style, FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen; and guest chef appearances on the TODAY Show, the Good Dish, Hallmark’s Home & Family Show, Tastemade’s Make This Tonight, Food Network’s The Globe, Food Network’s Big Food Bucket List, The Steve Harvey Show, TBS’ Dinner and a Movie, and more.
