Associate Professor–Culinary Arts, The Culinary Institute of America; San Antonio, TX

Uyen Pham ‘04 is associate professor–culinary arts at the Culinary Institue of America (CIA). Chef Pham is a distinguished culinary expert and educator whose journey spans both the fine dining world and culinary education. With a master's degree in education and a bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Houston, she graduated magna and summa cum laude. After nearly a decade of teaching at the collegiate level, Chef Pham transitioned to the culinary arts, earning top honors as a 2004 graduate of the CIA. Her culinary journey then led her to New York City, where she apprenticed at prestigious restaurants under renowned chefs and restauranteurs such as Gray Kunz, Danny Meyer, Anita Lo, Alfred Portale, and Andrew Carmellini. Following her time in NYC, she moved to Seattle, where she worked at Farestart and opened Dumpling Dojo, a temporary restaurant that further deepened her commitment to innovation. In 2017, she joined the CIA’s San Antonio campus, where she has taught culinary and baking and pastry students. She opened the college’s acclaimed restaurant, SAVOR, in 2019, which has been named one of the top local restaurants. Chef Pham has also served as a judge on Food Network’s All-Star Academy and developed recipes for global brands such as Optivia. Her culinary expertise spans global cuisines, with a special focus on Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, as well as fermentation, gluten-free, vegan, and special dietary needs. 

Beyond her work in the kitchen, Chef Pham is an advocate for sustainability, food recovery, and food insecurity. She has worked with organizations like the San Antonio Independent School District to improve school meal programs, helping to feed 100,000 meals a day. A Certified Executive Chef and UNESCO Chef Ambassador, Chef Pham is a sought-after speaker and consultant. She has presented at major culinary conferences and worked with prominent corporations, including Google and Facebook, on team-building and culinary events. 

Her philosophy revolves around creating balanced, nutritious food that nourishes both the body and the environment. As a purist in technique who embraces modern culinary trends, Chef Pham offers a unique perspective in both her teaching and her work, blending tradition with innovation. Her extensive experience, global perspective, and dedication to culinary education make her an ideal voice for presenting on the intersection of food, culture, and health. @chefuyenpham