The Truth About Food Network Star Shinmin Li
Both the television and culinary worlds are tumultuous and ever-shifting — Bobby Flay is reportedly leaving Food Network after decades of partnership and Ina Garten's Food Network show almost didn't happen — but new blood keeps stations like Food Network not only afloat but also thriving. Enter Shinmin Li, a decorated pastry chef who's proven her chops time and time again as a judge on a few of Food Network's most popular competition series.
According to IMDb, Li has been a resident judge on Food Network's "Halloween Wars" since its inception in 2011. Since then, she went on to host "Holiday Wars" as well. On these shows, Li brings a high level of baking expertise, which allows her to effectively critique contestants' skills and end products with ease. Fans of Li can see her incredible works of art on her Instagram, where she posts plenty of show-stopping, mouthwatering creations. She's created a stunning purple flower cake, breathtaking pastries, picturesque fruit tarts, and so much more. It's clear why Food Network brought her in to judge others' bakes.
Shinmin Li's goal is to connect people and food
It's known that some celebrity chefs don't eat their own food, but some everyday people don't like to eat their own either. This is where Shinmin Li comes in. In addition to her Food Network career, Li is a co-founder of the app Kora, which connects skilled cooks with everyday people. These cooks prepare home-cooked meals for users of the app and bring those fresh meals to their homes.
Kora's mission statement reads: "We represent the growing trend of busy bees in our country — dual working families, single parents, aging adults, caregivers, and everyone who is just trying to keep their heads above water and enjoy this thing called — Life Moments." She's joined by fellow professionals Deepa Sureka and Jane Nayagam Thomas as co-founders.
Generally, Li is a private person. However, we do know some things about her, such as that she's a dog person and she doesn't like mom jeans (via TVOvermind). She loves yoga, though, and we know she's a mom, too! According to her Kora bio, her favorite dish is her "mom's homemade chicken noodle soup with fat rice noodles, spicy radish, and a big heap of bok choy."
Li is part of the future of Food Network, and her journey is beautiful to see!