May Chow is a chef named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2017, best known for the Hong Kong restaurant Little Bao and its reinvented bao buns.
A playful modern take on Chinese street food, best known for reinvented gua bao buns. This profile looks at May’s background, career and signature approach.
TL;DR
- Canadian-born of Hong Kong heritage
- Known for the Hong Kong restaurant Little Bao and its reinvented bao buns
- She worked at Bo Innovation and at Yardbird in Hong Kong early in her career.
- She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017 and used the platform to promote women in kitchens.
- A playful modern take on Chinese street food, best known for reinvented gua bao buns.
May Chow key facts
| Name | May Chow |
| Nationality / born | Canadian-born of Hong Kong heritage |
| Known for | the Hong Kong restaurant Little Bao and its reinvented bao buns |
| Location | Hong Kong |
| Style | A playful modern take on Chinese street food, best known for reinvented gua bao buns. |
Background and career
She studied hotel management at Boston University before entering professional kitchens. She worked at Bo Innovation and at Yardbird in Hong Kong early in her career.
Recognition and legacy
She launched her signature mini-bao buns at a Hong Kong market in 2012 and opened Little Bao in 2013. She was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017 and used the platform to promote women in kitchens.

Signature style
A playful modern take on Chinese street food, best known for reinvented gua bao buns. It is an approach that has made May a distinctive figure in the food world.
May in context
May Chow is one of the chefs featured on Pickup Table 4, alongside Shane Osborn and Andre Chiang.
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May Chow FAQ
Who is May Chow?
A chef named Asia’s Best Female Chef 2017.
Where is May based?
Hong Kong.
What is May known for?
The Hong Kong restaurant Little Bao and its reinvented bao buns.
What is a notable fact about May?
She studied hotel management at Boston University before entering professional kitchens.
What is May’s style?
A playful modern take on Chinese street food, best known for reinvented gua bao buns.
