Sophina Uong is the Executive Chef/Co-Owner of Mister Mao in New Orleans, one of Bon Appétit’s “50 Best New Restaurants 2022.” Known for her self-proclaimed “inauthentic” globally-inspired cuisine, the Cambodian-American chef melds her expertise in collaborative cooking tradition and flavors from across the world with her creative dissection of the Southern plate. With over 25 years in the culinary industry, Uong has worked in nearly every position in the restaurant business, from serving and tending bar to managing and – her real passion – cooking.
When Uong was just two years old, her family moved from Cambodia to Long Beach, California. The self-taught chef grew up surrounded by families and friends of all backgrounds and spent her time in kitchens, watching as mothers cooked traditional American suppers with delicious pot roast and abuelas made tortillas and stewed Mexican guisados. These deep-rooted memories have given Sophina an innate love of bringing people together around food to create their own stories.
Since then, the spirited chef has worked in some of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most acclaimed restaurants including Restaurant Lulu, Absinthe, Citizen Cake, Revival Bar + Kitchen, Waterbar, Pican, and Calavera. In 2016, Uong was named Food Network’s Chopped “Grill Master Napa Champion” and soon after, was tapped to open Andrew Zimmern’s Lucky Cricket restaurant in Minneapolis.
Throughout her many years of cooking, one thing has remained constant – Uong’s love of Southern cuisine. Travels to the Deep South inspired her dishes back in California and eventually led to the conceptualization of Mister Mao. The result – a vibrant and festive New Orleans restaurant filled with “inauthentic” food, killer cocktails, and detailed, personal service.
Uong is equally passionate about giving back and advocating for the local community and is actively involved in a variety of non-profits including the MiNo Foundation, Turning Tables NOLA, and Make-A-Wish Foundation; working to ensure that the happiness she brings to people extends far beyond their palates.
Accolades and Awards:
Bon Appétit’s “50 Best New Restaurants2022”
Conde Nast Traveler “Global Food Map to World’s Best Restaurants 2022;”
Restaurant Hospitality “Chefs Power List 2022”
Thrillist “Best Restaurants New Orleans”
Houston Chronicle “Best New Restaurants in New Orleans”
Food Network Chopped Grill Masters Napa, Grand Champion, 2016
San Francisco American Lamb Jamb Best in Show, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Cochon Heritage Fire Napa, 2015, 2016
Cochon Heritage BBQ, San Francisco, 2015, 2016
Cochon 555, San Francisco 2014, 2015
