Arnold Myint is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, TV personality, author and performer whose vibrant career bridges food, culture, and self-expression.

Modern café interior, International Market, with orange seating, black chairs, wooden beams, hanging lights, shelves stocked with various products, and a menu board.

A 2024 James Beard Best Chef Southeast semifinalist, Arnold is the chef/owner of International Market in Nashville, Tennessee — a tribute to his family’s culinary legacy first established in 1975.

Today, International Market stands as Nashville’s only restaurant recognized with the Thai Select honor by the Royal Thai Consul, a testament to its authentic excellence.

Deeply committed to sharing Thai cuisine and heritage, Arnold collaborates with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Trade USA, bringing Thai flavors to a global audience.

Arnold Myint eating grilled fish at an outdoor table with various dishes, including a plate with cubes of seasoned tofu and green peas, a jar of sauce, and a bowl of puffed snacks.
A unique hot dog bun filled with scoops of ice cream, drizzled with a sauce, topped with corn kernels, popcorn, and peanuts on a plate with a striped napkin.

TV PERSONALITY & STORYTELLER

His culinary journey has included competing on major television series like Top Chef and Food Network Star, serving as an instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education and contributing to media like Tastemade, Buzzfeed, Epicurious, Eater, and Saveur.

His personal and professional story was spotlighted in Family Thais, a documentary chronicling his path to cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

Colorful Thai dish with rice and various toppings including lime wedges, red chili slices, cilantro, onions, dried shrimp, long beans, shredded mango, and meat on a decorative plate.
Steamed dumplings garnished with fresh cilantro and sliced vegetables, served on a plate with carrot strips and a decorative design.

AS SEEN ON:

Bravo logo with speech bubble design
The food network logo
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PUBLISHED AUTHOR & CHEF

Arnold’s upcoming cookbook, Family Thai, will debut with Abrams Publishing in October 2025, offering a heartfelt look at the traditions, flavors, and memories that shaped his culinary identity.

Bowl of braised duck with a boiled egg, tofu, and greens in a savory sauce. Served on a red striped tablecloth with a small bowl of rice and a side of pickled vegetables.
An assortment of snacks on a table, including potato chips, a bowl of dip with round potatoes and bread cubes, and a dish of spicy sauce. Various utensils and hands reaching for the food are also visible.
Cover of "Family Thai" cookbook by Arnold Myint and Kat Thompson, featuring colorful Thai dishes on a table.
Suzy Wong wearing a glittering gold dress and crown, smiling, with text "Miss Gay America 2017."
Suzy Wong in a gold swimsuit and glamorous accessories sitting on a blue inflatable shark in a pool.
A diverse group of people, including Suzy Wong in a blue dress, posing together in a colorful room. They are seated on bean bags in front of a vibrant, abstract mural.

DRAG QUEEN & ADVOCATE

Beyond the kitchen, Arnold’s artistry shines through his drag persona, Suzy Wong — a celebrated performer and Miss Gay America 2017 titleholder.

Through Suzy, Arnold champions creativity, individuality, and joy, embodying his philosophy that food, culture, and expression are all meant to be shared boldly and beautifully.

Suzy Wong in dramatic makeup and vibrant headpiece with floral details, wearing long red tassels and a sparkling outfit, posing against a dark background.
Suzy Wong wearing a colorful outfit with bunny ears and holding ski poles on a snowy landscape.

Digital Press Kit

Arnold Myint wearing glasses and a white apron, smiling in front of a blurred, illuminated background.

Arnold Myint is a chef, restaurateur, published author, media personality, and creative force known for blending culinary excellence with bold self-expression. A Nashville native with global reach, Arnold has appeared on Top Chef, Food Network Star, and The Today Show, and is celebrated for bringing flavor, flair, and originality to every project he touches — from fine dining to community events to curated brand partnerships. @arnoldmyintbna on Instagram

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

  • Top Chef (Bravo) – Fan Favorite Contestant

  • Food Network Star – Finalist

  • The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Cooking Channel

  • Featured in Bon Appétit, People, Out Magazine, The Tennessean

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

Arnold has collaborated with leading brands on campaigns, pop-ups, and creative direction, including:

  • San Pellegrino

  • Airbnb

  • Moxy Hotels

  • Mama Thai

  • Soho House
    …and more.

Follow Along on Instagram

I fondly remember when I was contacted a few years by The James Beard Foundation about an event they wanted to put together. It was “Cheers Queers”, a celebration and homage to the King (or should I say Queen) James’ queer identity
Ten Years Ago?!!! @foodnetwork This show…I wanted so badly…but it all happens for a reason. There is one thing for sure…I meant what I said at the audition and continue to do as I promised on the show. It’s still a dream
The life of a cook. Living the dream. That was fun. 🎬 #familythai #cheflife #eatdrinkinspire #foodtv #hintofmyint #nashville #playwithyourfood #bts #carousel #photodump