Nini Nguyen

Nini Nguyen is an American chef. Based in New Orleans, she is known for her appearances on Top Chef: Kentucky, Top Chef: All-Stars L.A., and Last Bite Hotel. Her first book Đặc Biệt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook was released in August 2024 under Knopf. In 2024, Nguyen won the debut season of Last Bite Hotel on Food Network.

Early life and education Nguyen was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her grandmother taught her to cook; Nguyen referred to her grandmother as "a huge influence as to why I became a chef."

She attended Louisiana State University and received her bachelor's degree in business.

Television Nguyen gained wider prominence as a contestant on season 16 of Top Chef. Although she was eliminated early in the competition, she was invited to appear on the next season, Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.

In 2022, Nguyen hosted Focus Features' Downton Kitchen, a cooking series inspired by Downton Abbey. In 2024, she made her Food Network debut on season five of Tournament of Champions, where she entered the main bracket after winning the qualifying round. Later that year Nguyen was a contestant on the cooking competition show Last Bite Hotel. She won first place. Of the title, Nguyen said "to be dac biet is to elevate or make more distinguished...In Vietnamese-American slang, it's like you're being extra, you're being dac biet. From the way I dress to the way I cook to just my personality, I feel like I am dac biet." In a starred review, Sarah Tansley wrote in the Library Journal, "Nguyen’s delicious efforts to bring her unique cuisine and personal style to print will be a hit with fans and newbies alike."

Works Dăc Biêt: An Extra-Special Vietnamese Cookbook. Nini Nguyen & Sarah Zorn. Knopf. 2024.