From her rebellious college days to earning the title of Asia's Best Female Chef in 2017, and now spearheading the May Chow Collective, May Chow has forged a unique path in the culinary world. Born in Canada and shaped by a cross-cultural upbringing, she blends Western comfort food with Chinese heritage to create a culinary empire that resonates globally. Her story transcends food; it's a testament to resilience, reinvention, and balancing ambition with well-being. From the crushing lows of the pandemic and personal triumphs, May has emerged as a trailblazer for women, the LGBTQ+ community, and cuisine, all while staying deeply rooted in authenticity and purpose.

From Curiosity to Kitchen

May's love for food ignited early, shaped by an innate pull toward food. Growing up between Canada, the U.S., and Hong Kong, she absorbed a rich blend of cultures that would later define her cuisine. "I actually studied hotel management back in university, but deep down always felt a draw to the kitchen," she shares. "It's interesting how things feel logical looking back with 2020 vision because when I really think about it, I've always been pulled towards the kitchen since I was as young as three," she adds, reflecting on the clarity hindsight brings to her lifelong passion.

Her career took off when she returned to Hong Kong. Taking a bold step, she applied as a chef at Bo Innovation under mentor Alvin Leung, where her journey as a chef truly began. "Alvin Leung showed me what success at the highest level looked like," she reflects. "He gave me opportunities beyond Hong Kong early on, especially in Australia and opened my eyes to what was possible." Another mentor, Matt Abergel, shaped her understanding of leadership. "Matt Abergel taught me what true leadership looks like up close and in practice, having seen first hand how he leads with compassion, integrity, and independent thinking," she says. Her mother, Juliana Foo, provided foundational strength. "My mom gave me my earliest lesson in self-worth and resilience," May notes. "She instilled in me a strong sense of pride and confidence, which helped me to stand firm even when others doubted me."

These lessons fueled her entrepreneurial drive. "I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit," she says. "It was natural to me to say yes to every opportunity, whether it was consulting, stepping into a head chef role at a private kitchen, or testing my ideas at a farmers' market - which eventually evolved into the concept of Little Bao." This fearless opportunism set the stage for her breakthrough.

Reinventing Tradition: The Birth of Little Bao

In 2013, at 28, Chow opened Little Bao, a restaurant that redefined Hong Kong's dining scene. "Little Bao started with a simple idea turning the bao into an American burger, while giving it a bold Chinese identity of its own," she explains. "It was personal to me because I had grown up cross-culturally, moving between different influences and literal countries." The concept—a playful fusion of American comfort food and Chinese heritage—struck a chord. "Little Bao felt natural to me - a fun, familiar extension of who I was while also reflective of my own culinary heritage," she adds. The restaurant became an instant sensation. By 2016, May expanded with Second Draft, a gastropub, and in 2017, she was named Asia's Best Female Chef. The award boosted her momentum. "It's always an induction of confidence, and it's nice to be appreciated and recognized for what we're doing," she says. "It's also a little bit of fuel to continue to move forward."

Little Bao's enduring appeal lies in its authenticity, with May aiming for lasting impact over fleeting hype. "I didn't just want to be cool, I wanted to create something meaningful that people of all ages and backgrounds could connect with," she explains. The restaurant became a celebration of Hong Kong's East-meets-West identity, honoring everything from family recipes to local culture. "Over the years, I've become more interested in how people want to eat and be seen today. Not only that, but I've become more driven than ever to create modern Chinese food that feels exciting, relevant, and culturally connected."

Rising from the Ashes: Lessons from the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic brought May's empire to its knees. "Looking back, I grew too fast. When COVID hit, it all came crashing down," she recalls. "We got help during those tougher times, but we had to downsize. It was humbling. For the first time I could remember in a long time, I had to really pause and reassess what I wanted and who I was." The closure of Happy Paradise hit hard. "The hardest part was losing people from my team, whether we had to let people go or they left due to uncertainty," she shares. "We were a small company, and reality hit incredibly hard."

The emotional toll was profound. "I had to sit with the discomfort of losing what I built, of impacting others, of figuring out what was next," she says. "For the first time I could remember in a long time, I had to really pause and reassess what I wanted and who I was." In this darkness, May found clarity, as pandemic-era challenges gave way to reinvention. "I realized I didn't have to chase scale," she says. "I could focus and build on what truly mattered: staying creative, intentional, and adaptable."

From this reset emerged the May Chow Collective, a retail brand focused on modern Chinese pantry staples. "Our first collection in the form of our signature turnip cakes hit the shelves, and now we're expanding into sauces and other essentials," she says. "Honestly, it feels like the first 10 years were just the warm-up. Now, everything feels far more intentional, more official, and more me."

Redefining Kitchen Culture: A New Leadership Paradigm

Chow's leadership style defies kitchen stereotypes. "Our kitchens are professional and respectful, and there's zero tolerance for abuse of any kind," she explains. Reflecting on her evolution, she admits, "I don't think I was a great leader when I started. I just didn't have the experience." Over time, she grew into the role, cultivating a style rooted in positivity and empowerment. Now, her approach is clear: "I see leadership as bringing out the best in others, and that starts with having strong communication skills," she says. "I have high expectations and a long-term vision but vision takes time and is rarely linear."

Her approach has fostered a loyal team and a culture of growth. "I'm grateful for the team that's stayed hopeful and believed in what we're building," she says. "Not everyone stays, and that's okay. What matters is that we create a culture where people grow whether they stay with us or take what they've learned onto paths of their own." This ethos extends to her advocacy for inclusivity.

As an openly LGBTQ+ chef married to her wife, Jodie Chan, May embraces transparency. "My wife and I both decided to live a very open lifestyle to share," she says. "I think being brave about sharing your story, and having a platform to do that, is something really important." Her openness is an inspiration to others: "A lot of the LGBT community come up to me and say, 'I love your relationship with your wife,'" she shares.

Cooking for a Cause: Food as a Force for Change

May uses her platform thoughtfully. "I don't claim to be an activist, but I do my best to live openly and intentionally," she says. "Not everyone is born into the right circumstances, but I truly believe food has a unique way of creating space for love and dialogue." Her impact is practical: "I also believe that it's less so about grand statements, even if those are important, but more so about consistent, small actions that build towards something bigger over time," she explains.

Her 2017 award elevated her voice. "When I won the best female chef of Asia, it felt kind of silly to talk about my food all day," she recalls. "That's when I went to the Women's Foundation. I said, 'Do you have any initiatives that you want to share or talk about? I would love to include it in my story.'" This shift broadened her influence beyond the kitchen.

Crafting Balance: The Recipe for Work-Life Harmony

For May, wealth goes beyond financial gain—it's about fulfillment and intentional living. "I don't think it's necessarily completely balanced, but more the understanding from a partner," she explains, highlighting how mutual support with her wife, Jodie, shapes her life. "My partner knows my dreams and goals, so she said, 'I never want to take that from you.'" This understanding anchors her routine. "I have one date night on Tuesday. No matter what happens, we honor the date night," she says. "And date night is not lazy—it has to be like, we go out together and do something special, or go to a restaurant and have deep conversation to catch up with each other."

Her fitness journey during the pandemic marked a personal shift. "I exercise a lot—I went through a transformation," she recalls. She attributes her consistency to her circle. "I find the importance of building a community that are healthy mindful," she says. "If you drop off, you get pulled back in, because someone's like, 'Oh, come with us [to the gym.]'" This mindfulness reflects deliberate effort. "During COVID, I introduced myself to new friends so that I could go hiking more," she explains.

This intentionality ties into her entrepreneurial identity. "It's so funny— I was famous for being a chef, but my dream was to be an entrepreneur," she says. "What I do a lot is, I communicate. I'm almost like an artist or curator." Yet, she resists simplistic labels. "I feel like mentally, I'm definitely balanced," she reflects, embracing a dynamic equilibrium driven by passion and purpose.

From Local Roots to Global Dreams

May Chow's ambitions blend global reach with personal resonance. "I've always wanted to share culture and share stories," she says, envisioning her influence extending beyond Hong Kong. Her upcoming projects include a cookbook celebrating Hong Kong's culinary identity, a restaurant in London, and the expansion of the May Chow Collective. "You can share a lot of stories—like my family relationship, or what we believe in—through a tiny jar of hot sauce," she notes, highlighting how even small products can carry deep narratives.

Her legacy hinges on nurturing talent. "I love finding talent and seeing talent before they're seen," she says, reveling in the potential she spots early. "I'm so proud that the people that I've worked with, they've now become award-winning brand agencies to star directors." She aspires to amplify this impact. "I hope that that continues as I grow," she adds.

The Ingredients of Success: Building a Lasting Legacy

May's journey embodies grit and grace. Her advice to others is direct and heartfelt: "Keep going. Build structure, mentorship, and a strong sense of purpose around you," she says, emphasizing resilience through support systems. "Surround yourself with those who inspire you," she urges, underscoring the power of uplifting influences. Above all, she champions unwavering self-belief: "As cheesy as it sounds, you need to believe in yourself and stay positive," she shares. "People want to support those who are hardworking, hopeful, and passionate."

Her journey reflects intentionality, weaving together family, passion, health, and purpose. For May, true wealth and wellness stem from living authentically, nurturing others, and never losing sight of the fire that drives her forward.