After 17 years, 19 seasons and countless Emmy nominations, “Top Chef” host Padma Lakshmi is leaving the culinary show she helped launched into foodie super fame after joining the cast in season 2.
“After much soul searching, I have made the difficult decision to leave ‘Top Chef,'” the 52-year-old star announced Friday. Lakshmi said her decision followed the completion of the Bravo series’ 20th season, with her serving as host and executive producer.
“I am extremely proud to have been part of building such a successful show and the impact it has had in the worlds of television and food,” she added, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew who have become “like family.”
“I feel it’s time to move on and [I] need to make space for ‘Taste the Nation,’ my books and other creative pursuits,” Lakshmi continued.
“Taste the Nation” is a culinary roadshow Lakshmi launched on Hulu in 2020, which explores the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups across the United States.
Lakshmi has also authored a range of books including “The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs” and 2021’s bestselling children’s book “Tomatoes for Neela.”
In her 2016 memoir, “Love, Loss and What We Ate,” the Chennai, India native reveals personal details about her immigrant childhood, her previous marriage to author Salman Rushdie and a period of sexual exploration that followed when she worked as a model in Europe.
Lakshmi’s final season of “Top Chef” is currently airing on Bravo. The season finale airs on Thursday, June 8.
