Celebrity chef Shirley Chung, a finalist on Top Chef Season 11, has made a shocking revelation on social media: she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer.
The 47-year-old culinary expert, who has also appeared on Tournament of Champions and Top Chef: Amateurs, took to social media to share the news on Friday. Alongside the announcement, she posted a video and several photos of herself shaving her head in preparation for chemotherapy treatments.
Sadly, Chung also revealed that her restaurant, Ms. Chi Cafe in Culver City, California, will be closing its doors next month to allow her to focus on her treatment.
In the video, Chung is seen shaving her head, joking about how her bald head resembles an egg.
Top Chef star Shirley Chung has revealed on social media that she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 tongue cancer
The chef also announced that Ms. Chi Cafe, the restaurant she opened in Culver City, California in 2018, will be closing next month due to her treatment
Chung explained that she had been experiencing dental issues since last year, including a severe tongue bite and a fractured tooth. She eventually discovered a hidden tumor under her tongue, which led to her diagnosis.
Despite the challenging news, Chung remains optimistic, saying she’s “always thrived under pressure” and is focused on her treatment plan.
She has chosen to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatment at the University of Chicago, which has successfully treated a similar case in the past.
Chung expressed her gratitude to her loved ones and supporters, saying she’s “learning to lean on others” and “be more vulnerable” during this difficult time.
She concluded her post by saying, “I am a fighter, I am a chef, I can be that unicorn too,” and vowed to return stronger than ever in 2025.
She’s told, ‘You don’t have to smile, Shirley,’ but she insists, ‘That’s automatic. Camera? I smile’
She adds, ‘Surprisingly, shaving it off for my mentally… it felt better than pulling it off in the morning,’ adding, ‘It’s kind of sexy too’
‘And I was too busy to see a EMT specialist. The end of May, ulcers erupted in my mouth and my oral surgeon discovered a hidden tumor under my tongue,’ she said
‘I was very calm when doctors delivered the news, as a chef, I’ve always thrive under pressure. ,’ she admitted