Ways you can support Chef Melissa:
Chef Melissa King is an award-winning chef, author, curator, and television personality. She is best known as the winner and Fan Favorite of Top Chef All-Stars: Los Angeles (Season 17), and holds the record for the most challenge wins in the history of the show. She is the host of National Geographic docuseries Tasting Wild and has served as a judge and educator on shows like Top Chef, America’s Test Kitchen, and Pamela Anderson’s Cooking with Love.
Her forthcoming cookbook Cook Like a King: Recipes from my California Chinese Kitchen debuts September 23, 2025.
King completed a B.A. in Cognitive Science at the UC Irvine, graduated at the top of her class at the Culinary Institute of America, and is a certified level 1 sommelier. Her unique style of cooking combines modern California cuisine with Asian flavors.
King has helmed several Michelin-starred kitchens in San Francisco under acclaimed names such as Dominique Crenn and Ron Siegel. She has cooked for notable figures such as Oprah Winfrey and Al Gore and was the culinary curator for the 2022 Met Gala alongside Anna Wintour.
As a proud Asian-American, queer woman, King has a passion for supporting the community — donating 100% of her Fan Favorite prize to Asian Americans For Equality, Asian Youth Center, The Trevor Project, and National Black Justice Coalition. She works with non-profit organizations and LGBTQIA charities such as Stop AAPI Hate, The Human Rights Campaign, World Central Kitchen, and more. She was the honorary chef for the congressional reception at the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting alongside House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi. She served as the Celebrity Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride and made the Out100 list by Out Magazine, recognizing members of the LGBTQ community for their impact around the world. She introduced the first Korean American muppet on HBO Max’s Sesame Street: See Us Coming Together Special celebrating the AAPI community.
She has modeled for Levi's advocating for the LGBTQ community and starred in GAP’s 2021 global spring campaign to celebrate diversity and advocacy.
Based in San Francisco and New York, Melissa runs a business centered on creative partnerships and culinary experiences. She is the founder of King Sauce, a small batch sauce and spice line and continues to push culinary boundaries while championing diversity and representation in the food industry.
FOR BOOKING:
General inquiries:
MEDIA, PRESS, & PUBLIC RELATIONS:
Ginger Chan (WME)
PARTNERSHIPS & ENDORSEMENTS:
Jeff Googel (WME)
Jenni Levine Michener (WME)
FILM & TV:
Addie Poris (WME)