Chef Shuai Wang is prepared to bring the heat, and the Lowcountry is ready to cheer him on — he is one of 15 chefs competing in season 22 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”
Chef Wang has not one but two popular North Charleston restaurants (Jackrabbit Filly + King BBQ), was named a 2025 SC Chef Ambassador, and still found time to chat with us before representing Lowcountry on a global stage, which he said was an honor.
“Charleston has become home to me; some of the most major events in my life happened in Charleston. Like marrying my beautiful wife, opening our businesses, and buying our first home. So this city means a lot to me, and representing a place I hold dearly was big for me.”
When it comes to “Top Chef,” it’s kind of like a box of chocolates; you never know which ingredients you’ll get, so we asked Chef Wang what he wishes he always had in his basket, and he told us tomatoes. He said, “I love tomato season; I’ll eat an aggressive amount of tomato sandwiches. But I think having limited amounts of them a year makes them even more special.”
When it comes to ingredients he dreads, he said, “I’m not great with bitter melon. My family loves it, but I just can’t get over the bitterness.”
If you’re wondering about go-to kitchen gadgets, Chef Wang says he loves his mini spatula. Now when it comes to which is more difficult, unusual food or discerning judges... He said, “I’ll take unusual food any day.”
If Chef Wang had all his loved ones gathered around the table, he said would prepare dumplings, adding, “Our family has always made dumplings together ever since I was little.”
You know we couldn’t wrap things up without showing the Holy City some love, so we asked Chef Wang about his top three favorite local restaurants right now (besides his own, of course). He said he’s enjoying Vern’s, Shiki, and Bintu. We’ll have to chat with Chef Bintou N’Daw next, because Chef Wang sang her praises, saying “Bintu is an amazing chef, I truly admire her. She’s making some of the best food in Charleston right now and celebrating her culture through it.”
Excited to see how Wang fares in the competition? The season premieres Thursday, March 13, at 9 p.m. on Bravo. Pro tip: Episodes will be available the next day on Peacock.
