All About Kevin Lee

He's a Korean American, Oklahoma-based chef and Food Network competitor.

Kevin Lee Bio

Born and based in Oklahoma, Korean American chef Kevin Lee is known for mixing traditional Korean flavors with American steakhouse classics, all with a modern twist. Named a James Beard Award semifinalist, Kevin has shown off his cooking credentials on Guy’s Grocery Games, Beat Bobby Flay, Wildcard Kitchen, Alex vs. America, Bobby’s Triple Threat, 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, Last Bite Hotel and three seasons of Tournament of Champions.

He fell in love with cooking all thanks to a required culinary course for the hospitality management program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Famed Vegas chef Joon Choi became a mentor and helped him immerse himself in Japanese cooking. By age 21, Kevin was the executive chef at Mandalay Bay's Mizuya.

Sin City ultimately wasn't for him, so he decided to move back to Oklahoma and work with French cuisine. After 10 years in a Parisian mindset, Kevin opened a Korean fried chicken restaurant, Birdies, outside Oklahoma City in early 2024, which transitioned into a modern Korean American steakhouse shortly after he competed on Season 5 of Tournament of Champions. Birdies earned him a Best Chef: Southwest semifinalist nom from the James Beard Foundation. MAHT, Kevin's modern American steakhouse, opened in fall 2025.

The Latest From Kevin

Claudette Zepeda Wins the First-Ever 'Guy’s Grocery Games' Global Games 11 Photos

By: Karla Walsh

The Mexican-American chef is heading home with the Winner’s Cup, $50,000 and a title that she’s proud to share with her ancestors, …

'Alex vs. America': All the States She's Battled So Far 37 Photos

By: Lauren Oster

Chef Alex Guarnaschelli’s ultracompetitive road atlas has entries from all over the country, and she’s adding stars to her culinar …

Meet the Chefs Competing in the First-Ever 'Guy’s Grocery Games' Global Games Tournament 13 Photos

By: Karla Walsh

Which Food Network star will take home the trophy and $50,000 in the inaugural Global Games?

All About Kevin Lee Apr 16, 2026

By: Maude Campbell

Meet the chef who’s bringing his own brand of thunder to Oklahoma City and Food Network’s kitchens.

These Are All the Chefs Competing in 'Tournament of Champions VII' 30 Photos

By: Kelly Dawson and Rebecca Norris

Guy Fieri's Tournament of Champions VII premieres in March. Learn more about the competing chefs and their impressive credentials.

These Culinary Celebs Are Going All In on ‘Wildcard Kitchen’ Season 3 11 Photos

By: Lauren Oster

Third time’s the charm for some gamblers in this poker game full of all-star chefs. Who knows when to hold ’em and when to fold ’e …

'Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas' — Who's Competing 17 Photos

By: David L. Haynes

Ready to get your holiday celebration on? Learn more about the chefs competing in Tournament of Champions: All-Star Christmas Seas …

'Alex vs. America': Meet the Season 5 Competitors 17 Photos

By: Rebecca Norris

This season features a unique twist.

'24 in 24: Last Chef Standing' Season 2: Every Hour of the Competition 26 Photos

By: Maria Conti

Relive your favorite moments and jot down ingredient inspiration for your next culinary creation with this hour-by-hour recap. War …

Meet the Competing Chefs From '24 in 24: Last Chef Standing' Season 2 26 Photos

By: Maria Conti

From internationally acclaimed chefs to up-and-coming culinary stars, the competition is fiercer than ever in the 24 in 24 kitchen …

'24 in 24: Last Chef Standing' Returns to Food Network For a Second Season Mar 17, 2025

The new season premieres Sunday, April 27. We have all the details.

Get to Know the Chefs and Qualifiers Competing in 'Tournament of Champions' Season VI 33 Photos

By: Rebecca Norris

This season, 32 of the world's greatest chefs will go head to head in the single-elimination, bracket-style competition.

Meet the Chefs Competing on Last Bite Hotel 0 Photos

These eight chefs are checking in to Tituss Burgess' hotel where demanding chef guests will challenge them throughout their stay.