Arnold Myint

Arnold Myint is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality, author, entrepreneur, and performer celebrated for blending Thai culinary traditions with Southern hospitality and bold creative expression. A Nashville native, Myint has built a multifaceted career that spans the culinary arts, television, publishing, and entertainment, earning national recognition for his innovative approach to food and his commitment to community, culture, and inclusion.

Raised in his family's iconic International Market, one of Nashville's first Asian restaurants and food markets, Myint developed a passion for hospitality at an early age. After an accomplished career as a competitive figure skater, he attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where he trained in classical culinary techniques before returning to Nashville to launch a successful career as a chef and restaurateur.

Today, Myint is the chef and owner of International Market, the beloved restaurant founded by his parents in 1975 and reimagined as a modern celebration of Thai cuisine. Under his leadership, the restaurant has earned widespread acclaim, including recognition as a 2024 James Beard Award Best Chef: Southeast semifinalist and Nashville's only restaurant to receive the prestigious Thai SELECT designation from the Royal Thai Government.

Myint gained national attention as a fan-favorite contestant on "Top Chef" and later as a finalist on "Food Network Star." His engaging personality and culinary expertise have led to appearances on "TODAY," Food Network, Cooking Channel, and numerous digital platforms, including Tastemade, Epicurious, BuzzFeed, and Eater. Through television, live events, and media partnerships, he has become a leading ambassador for approachable, modern Thai cooking.

In 2025, Myint published his debut cookbook, "Family Thai," a collection of recipes and stories that honors his family's heritage while making authentic Thai cuisine accessible to home cooks. It was named a Cookbook of the Year by The New York Times.

Beyond the kitchen, he is widely recognized for his drag persona, Suzy Wong, winner of the 2017 Miss Gay America title. Through food, performance, and philanthropy, Myint has become a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, cultural appreciation, and the power of self-expression.