I believe Chef Nini should have made it to the Top 2 of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing

Having watched 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing from the beginning, I can state with confidence that one of the most interesting chefs to watch this season was Chef Nini Nguyen. Her elimination before the final two, in my opinion, was not only startling but also unjust. She consistently produced inventive, technically sound, and emotionally impactful cuisine. She, in my opinion, contributed something of the heart that many others did not.

I think Nini's ability to take chances while maintaining her Vietnamese roots was what made her unique. Her food had a backstory. She cooked with purpose, whether it was a delicate rice cake or a powerful fish sauce caramel. I thought she was always changing, growing from the criticism, and returning stronger every time. Nini demonstrated progress, which is what this competition should be about, in contrast to some of the other finalists who plateaued or played it safe.

I still don’t understand how someone with her track record didn’t make it to the final two. According to me, she had both the technical chops and the creative spark to go all the way. If anything, her exit reminded me that even in a skill-based competition, the best chef doesn’t always make it to the end.

Chef Nini got eliminated from 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing Season 2 finale

On 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, Chef Nini Nguyen demonstrated a unique combination of talent, heart, and storytelling, and I firmly think she merited a spot in the finale. Nini made it apparent from the first challenge that she was cooking to connect rather than to survive. Unlike many of the other contenders, her cuisine had a personal story. That depth, in my opinion, is important, particularly in a tournament that consists of 24 difficult tasks.

Nini's originality and consistency were what most impressed me. She was courageous and dependable. She never played things safe, whether it was her deft use of fermented ingredients or her ability to transform traditional Vietnamese meals into something deserving of competition.

She was riskier than some of the chefs who finally outlasted her on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, in my opinion. And those chances frequently paid off. Her skills rarely faltered under duress, her flavors were nuanced, and her presentations were clean.

I think Nini was unique not just for her cuisine but also for her development. She truly changed with every round, which is something the judges frequently commend but never award. Nini contributed emotion, cultural perspective, and perseverance, while others relied on their prior experiences or restaurant backgrounds.

She, in my opinion, embodied the spirit and perseverance that this performance was all about. It was really heartbreaking to watch her leave before the final because, for me, she was one of the season's most formidable and unforgettable cooks.

Get all updates from 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing on Food Network's official Instagram account.

Comment

Edited by Debanjana