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When Kristen Kish won Top Chef Season 10, she didn’t expect to ever be back.
Cut to Season 21: the winner returned to her alma mater, this time as host alongside veterans (and friends) Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio. “It felt familiar but also very new at the same time,” Kish says of her return. “It’s as comfortable and familiar as something so uncomfortable and unfamiliar can be.”
But since winning in 2012, “host” isn’t the only title Kish has added to her resumé. “Something I’ve been very passionate about is bridging what I know as me being a Korean American with other companies and people that are Korean American,” Kish tells E! So when she was approached to collaborate on her own line of soju, the answer was an easy yes.
The result is Kish Apéritif. The line features four unique flavors of soju that Kish says “are based on different points of my life and different flavor profiles that I am excited about."
“Because I was adopted, I’m learning what it means to be Korean to me by way of others” the chef explains. "That's why being able to partner with a Korean brand and founder was such a special opportunity."
Kish isn't done adding to her resume just yet. In April 2025, she's releasing her debut memoir, Accidentally on Purpose, available for pre-order now.
But in the midst of it all, she’s still very much a chef at heart. We asked the Top Chef host to share the kitchen staples, cooking tools, and hosting must-haves she swears by.
Shop kitchen essentials inspired by her answers below!
A Chef-Approved Kitchen Item That's Worth The Splurge
“Great pots and pans, like stainless steel and beautiful cast iron," says Kish.
"Having the right variety of pots and pans for different things you’re cooking makes all the difference. Higher quality is worth investing in,” she explains.
Sardel 4 qt. Sautte Pan With Lid
This is the kind of stainless-steel pan Kish is talking about.
The four-quart pan can be used on the stovetop or in the oven.
Sardel 8 qt. Stock Pot
You can't have a stainless-steel pan without a matching pot!
This stock pot is perfect for making stews, soups, pastas, and more.
Buy it now and save $80.
Lodge Round Cast Iron Skillet
A cast-iron skillet like this one will make you feel like a true top chef.
It's super versatile and you definitely can't beat the price on this pick. It's under $30!
On Budget? This Affordable Upgrade Can Really Elevate Your Cooking
She suggests ditching plastic cutting boards for something bamboo or wooden. Although Kish admits her family had plastic boards when she was growing up, the chef wouldn't use one now. And you should make the swap too!
“You can find great quality wood cutting boards for not a lot of money,” she advises. "Not only will they hold up with the test of time, but they'll also protect your blades."
The $22 Kitchen Item Kish Loves Best
Another affordable tool rec from the Top Chef host? “I love a Y-peeler, they're my favorite," she shares of the kitchen tool that can do everything from peel potatoes to cut citrus spirals.
We found a great one below. Add it to your cart ASAP.
Shop by Bravo Top Chef Cutting Board
Take Kish's advice and upgrade your flimsy plastic cutting boards to a wood option like this one. Hey! It even has the Top Chef logo.
This will also make a fabulous gift for any fans of the reality cooking competition series in your life.
Synergy 6-Piece Stainless Steel Knife Set with Knife Block
A home chef is only as good as their tools, including their knives.
This six-piece set of stainless steel knives from Wolfgang Puck has everything you need to get you started. Featuring ergonomic handles, this set also comes with a wooden display for easy storage. And if you're using a wood cutting board like the one above, you're protecting the quality of your blades even more!
Refresh: Green Y-Peeler
The affordable kitchen tool that Kish can't live without is this Y-peeler.
You can use it to peel potatoes, cut thin cucumber and carrot strips for salad, or even create citrus garnishes for your Kish Apéritif.
HexClad Hybrid Griddle Pan - 12"
You can use this versatile griddle pan for everything from pancakes to bacon.
It features a nonstick surface and built-in temperature control. Plus, you can even put this pan in the dishwasher.
Finally! A Top Chef-Approved Hosting Gift
“I’m guilty of just bringing wine. But we can do better than that,” Kish tells E!
"Instead, opt for something more personal. Like if you see them using a plastic cutting board, bring them nice wooden one.”
And if you’re wondering what to gift a professional chef or even just the home cook in your life, “I love getting cookbooks as gifts. I have so many all around the house,” Kish shares.
Bringing It Home: Favorite Recipes from a Life of Adventurous Eating
OG Top Chef host Gail Simmons proves that cooking and entertaining doesn't have to complicated in this must-have cookbook.
Inspired by her time on the show and her travels, Simmons also shares cooking techniques and helpful hacks you'll love bringing into your own life.
Shop by Bravo Top Chef Knife Tote Bag
The Top Chef fan in your life needs this roomy tote bag.
It's perfect for a trip to the farmer's market, a picnic in the park, or to put your favorite cookbook in and gift to a friend.
Craft of Cooking: Notes and Recipes from a Restaurant Kitchen
Tom Colicchio fans need this cookbook in their lives.
Craft of Cooking puts you in Colicchio’s brain so you can shop like a pro. Learn how to choose the best of everything, from fresh fish to the perfect mushroom, and how to prepare it just right.
Bookshop Accidentally on Purpose by Kristen Kish
Want to learn more about how Kristen Kish went from Top Chef winner to Bravo host? Read her new memoir!
"It’s a very personal project and one that I’m very, very proud of," Kish told E!.
