Judy Joo

Since 2010, Judy Joo has become a familiar face on the Food Network and beyond, first gaining widespread attention as a contestant on Iron Chef UK. As one of the show’s four Iron Chefs, she became the first female Iron Chef in the United Kingdom — and only the second in the world, following Cat Cora in the United States. She later went on to host her own show, Korean Food Made Simple, which also became the title of her debut cookbook.

Over the years, Judy has appeared across a wide range of popular culinary programs as a host, judge and guest chef. Her credits include Food Network favorites. Outside the network, she’s also appeared on ITV’s Cooking With the Stars UK and Bravo’s Top Chef, before returning to Food Network most recently with House of Knives.

Judy’s love for food and cooking began at home, where she often watched her mother cook authentic Korean dishes. Growing up in a bicultural environment and having a worldly lifestyle gave Judy a seasoned and interesting perspective on food and cooking. She is able to draw from her unique personal experiences, melding Asian, American and European cuisines together.

She graduated from Columbia University, where in addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in engineering, she explored New York’s diverse culinary offerings and expanded her palate for gastronomic adventures. For several years she embarked on a career on the trading floor, but Judy still felt the lure of the kitchen and decided to pursue her true passion. She enrolled at the French Culinary Institute, where her enthusiasm and dedication to her new trade led to her graduating as class valedictorian.

She went on to work in Saveur magazine’s test kitchen developing recipes and researching food traditions. Judy also started Slow Food USA’s first inner-city Slow Food in Schools project in Harlem at The Children’s Storefront School.

Serendipitously, when Judy dined at Gordon Ramsay, the notorious chef was there and Judy boldly introduced herself. The next thing she knew, she was hired to work in his kitchen, a job that lasted for more than two years. She has also worked at Maze, Petrus, Claridge’s, The Boxwood Café, The French Laundry and The Fat Duck.

In 2015, Judy launched her first restaurant, Jinjuu, in London’s Soho neighborhood. Quickly earning a reputation as the city’s premier modern Korean restaurant, Jinjuu expanded to three locations, including Mayfair and Hong Kong. After stepping away from the brand in 2019, Judy introduced Seoul Bird, a fast-casual concept celebrating Korean comfort food. Seoul Bird now has four locations — one in London, one in Las Vegas, and two in New York at Barclays Center and Citi Field.