Kristen Kish: Celebrity Chef

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Kristen Kish was born in South Korea and adopted into a family in Kentwood, MI.  S
    • he showed an affinity for cooking at a young age.  
    • Her mother suggested she go to culinary school and since attending Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago, Kish has never looked back.
    • Kristen Kish is the host of Top Chef and competed on Season 10 of the show where she won the coveted title, becoming the second female chef to win the prestigious competition. 
    • Kish is a sought-after speaker and host known for discussing cooking, creativity, entrepreneurship, and issues facing the AAPI community. 
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: Austin, TX
  • **Fee range: $35,001 - $50,000

Talent Services

Kristen Kish was born in South Korea and adopted into a family in Kentwood, MI. At a young age she showed an affinity for cooking and, prompted by her mother, attended Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago.

After culinary school, Kristen spent the next ten years in Boston honing her skills in several high-profile restaurants, ultimately becoming the Chef de Cuisine at a Relais & Chateaux property.

From 2012 – 2013, Kristen competed on Bravo’s Top Chef season 10 where she ultimately won the coveted title.  From there, she went on to co-host 36 Hours, a Travel Channel show that partnered with The New York Times to bring the hit newspaper column of the same name to television.

Kristen Kish

In October 2017, Kristen released her first cookbook, Kristen Kish Cooking: Recipes and Techniques and in 2018 she partnered with LINE Hotels to launch her first restaurant, Arlo Grey in Austin, TX.

The restaurant reflects Kristen’s playful yet refined cuisine, pulling inspiration from her classical training as well as nostalgic dishes that highlight her upbringing and love of travel.

In 2023, Kristen became the new host of Bravo’s Top Chef for its 21st season. A true full-circle moment, rejoining the Top Chef family on air a full 10 years later.

Kristen is the co-star of Fast Foodies (truTV/Food Network), a co-host of Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend (Netflix), and the host and producer of Restaurants at the End of the World (National Geographic/Disney+).

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

No reviews available for this post.

Was this profile helpful?

Talent FAQ's

Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.

Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.

The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.

Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.

Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.

  • Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
  • There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
  • Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
  • When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
  • Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
  • Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
  • Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.

Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!

You may be interested in...

  • (16)
  • (3)
Wema Hoover

Wema Hoover is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational development, and authentic leadership. With a career spanning decades, she has become a trusted voice for driving meaningful transformation in corporate culture. Known for her ability to inspire leaders and teams alike, Wema’s thought-provoking insights and actionable strategies resonate on […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (54)

Ari Gunzburg learned about death early in life. He experienced a traumatic moment when only 10 years old, when his teacher passed away while on a hiking trip. This would affect his life deeply and change his perspective forever. Following the death of this teacher, there was trouble afoot at school for all of the […]

  • Travels from: Baltimore, MD
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (28)
  • (4)
Elyse Archer -- She Sells Radio - Transforming Sales through Authenticity - The Sales Speaker

Elyse Archer is a renowned international speaker celebrated for her transformative insights into personal branding, sales, and leadership. With a dynamic presence and a unique ability to connect with diverse audiences. Her engaging style and compelling storytelling captivate listeners, leaving them inspired and equipped with practical strategies to elevate their careers and lives. From her […]

  • Travels from: Charlotte, NC
  • Sales Speakers
  • (41)

Tamron Hall, a two-time Emmy®-winning journalist, author, producer, trailblazing media personality, and empowering advocate, stands as a beacon of inspiration and change in the realm of transformative conversations. With a magnetic presence and a resonant voice, Hall captivates diverse audiences worldwide, embodying triumph over adversity, unwavering resilience, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others. Tamron […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Empowerment Speakers
  • (20)
Sharmin Ali logo

She’s founded multiple ventures, creating over 10,000 jobs and raising $200 million in capital. Her influence extends from boardrooms to NASDAQ spotlights, where she’s been honored globally for her impact with awards for her work, and recognized by major media outlets ranging from Fortune, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Newsweek, TIME, and CNBC, for her innovation. As the […]

  • Travels from: San Francisco, CA
  • Innovation Speakers
  • (54)
Claudia Romo Edelman - A LA LATINA

Claudia Romo Edelman is a trailblazing advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, known for her passionate leadership in advancing social causes on a global scale. As the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation, Claudia has dedicated her career to promoting unity, empowering underrepresented communities, and championing Hispanic voices around the world. With over […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Hispanic Speakers
  • (51)
Anjelah Nicole Johnson - Image 08 (January 29, 2026)

Anjelah Nicole Johnson is a renowned corporate comedian, actress, and speaker, celebrated for her impeccable timing, relatable humor, and ability to connect with diverse audiences. From humble beginnings in stand-up comedy to becoming a viral sensation with her famous “Nail Salon” sketch, Anjelah has consistently demonstrated her talent for blending humor with universal experiences. Her […]

  • Travels from: San Jose, CA
  • Comedian Performers
  • (58)
Minda Dentler Motivational Speaker

Minda Dentler is the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship Minda’s life is one of inspiration, courage, and determination; she will have you on your feet ready to face your personal Ironman and set even higher goals. As an infant in India, Minda Dentler contracted polio, resulting in the paralysis of […]

  • Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
  • Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2026.  Designed using Voxel

AI Assistant
Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.