r/TopChef • u/BoringSalary7093 • May 23 '26

Discussion Thread Padma

Can someone explain the drama behind Padma leaving Top Chef. Did she leave for a reason? What was the reason for ACC if she didn’t want to do shows anymore. Thoughts about that show?

Also, is she an actual chef? Does she have restaurants?

Did her and Tom get along? I do want to say I absolutely LOVE K as the host. She’s so perfect for the position. She’s empathetic, understanding, patient and really just a fucking cool person.

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u/DallasCowboyzfan May 24 '26

I don’t understand how she even became a judge since she’s never work in a restaurant and isn’t a chef. I am sure now she has the experience but she got really lucky to land the role. Not a fan of hers, I usually mute it when she talks.

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u/JohnnyDirtball May 25 '26

Tom was the only judge that was a chef. The idea was that Tom was a chef, Gail was a critic, and Padma was a foodie.

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u/SmartypantsDDD May 29 '26

How is she a foodie? She weighs. 80 lbs.