Paul Qui rocketed the ranks to culinary stardom after winning Top Chef followed up by a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest. Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio once called Qui the most talented chef in the show’s history. And he’s grown to become one of the most formidable young talents in the North America with critically-acclaimed restaurants and a group of Asian-inspired food trucks in Austin, Texas.
Born in Manila, Philippines and trained in classic French and Japanese cuisine, Qui takes a modernist approach towards food that’s playful, authentic and unexpected. He’s a master at marrying classical technique with local flavors, while also taking inspiration from Filipino, Japanese, Spanish and French culinary styles.
Food is about memories, familiarity and comfort
says Qui who strives not to be pigeon-holed into a single type of cuisine. Instead, he’d rather be defined by the experience of his guests, who keep delivering rave reviews.