Viet Pham is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for blending fine-dining technique with bold, crave-driven flavors. Born in a Malaysian refugee camp to Vietnamese parents and raised in the U.S., Pham’s culinary journey reflects resilience, creativity, and cultural curiosity.

A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Pham rose to prominence as co-chef and co-owner of Forage in Salt Lake City, earning national acclaim including Food & Wine Best New Chef honors and multiple James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist nominations. After years in fine dining, he pivoted toward approachable excellence with Pretty Bird Hot Chicken, a chef-driven Nashville-style hot chicken concept that has expanded across Utah and received national recognition.

Pham is a celebrated competitor on television, with victories over Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America and Beat Bobby Flay, along with appearances on Guy’s Grocery Games, Tournament of Champions, Food Network Star, and Bobby’s Triple Threat.

Today, Pham continues to balance restaurant growth, television, and creative projects while championing food that is technically sharp, emotionally resonant, and deeply rooted in personal experience.