Sophina Uong, a James Beard 2024 Best Chef South semi-finalist, is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Mister Mao in New Orleans, a restaurant recognized by Bon Appétit as one of the “50 Best New Restaurants”. Renowned for her “inauthentic” globally-inspired cuisine, Uong creatively blends her deep knowledge of international flavors with a unique interpretation of Southern cooking.
With over 25 years in the culinary industry, Uong has held nearly every role in the restaurant business, but her true passion has always been cooking. Her journey began at the age of two when her family moved from Cambodia to Long Beach, California. Immersed in a community rich with diverse culinary traditions, she developed an early love for cooking by observing family and friends prepare everything from traditional American dishes to Mexican stews and homemade tortillas. This formative experience instilled in her a deep love for bringing people together through food.
Throughout her career, Uong has made a significant impact at renowned San Francisco Bay Area restaurants such as Restaurant Lulu, Absinthe, Citizen Cake, Revival Bar + Kitchen, and Waterbar, among others. In 2016, she earned the title of Food Network’s Chopped “Grill Master Napa Champion” and was later chosen to open Andrew Zimmern’s Lucky Cricket restaurant in Minneapolis.
Uong’s passion for Southern cuisine, sparked by her travels through the Deep South, ultimately led to the creation of Mister Mao. The restaurant embodies her vibrant, eclectic style, offering a festive dining experience with bold, globally-inspired dishes, exceptional cocktails, and attentive service. Mister Mao’s success has earned it features on national platforms like the Today Show with Hoda and Jenna.
Beyond the kitchen, Uong is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Nothing brings Uong greater joy than hosting underserved pop-ups at Mister Mao highlighting up and coming chefs in Louisiana and across the country. She also actively supports a variety of nonprofits, including the MiNo Foundation, the New Neighbor Project, and Grow Dat ensuring that the joy she creates extends beyond the dining table.