Shirley Cheng

Chef Shirley Cheng is a dedicated culinary instructor at The Culinary Institute of America with 30 years of teaching experience. As a Chengdu-native, she brings authentic Chinese culinary expertise to her classroom, specializing in Asian cuisines through a 14-day intensive course covering six countries. Her legendary '30-second chicken breakdown' demonstration has earned her social media recognition with over 110,000 views on Instagram.

Cheng's teaching philosophy emphasizes holistic kitchen management alongside technical skills, instructing students in time management, teamwork, and professional kitchen operations. She believes 'anyone can read recipes, but they need to learn the kitchen as a whole.' Her signature teaching elements include GGS (Ginger, Garlic, Scallion) techniques and authentic dumpling preparation that students consistently remember from her classes.

Cheng leads the Food, Wine, & (Agri)Culture Trip to China, providing students with immersive cultural experiences. Despite initial challenges with English-language instruction that required voice therapy early in her career, she has developed a dynamic teaching style that balances her Chinese culinary foundation with American culinary education standards. She remains actively engaged in the classroom, stating 'being in the classroom is where she shines and plans to stay' rather than retiring after three decades of teaching.

• CIA Faculty Member of the Year award recipient
• Specializes in fast, precise food preparation techniques
• Known for 'the Chinese way' cooking approach that blends tradition with practicality

Cheng maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares food photography and culinary techniques. She encourages female students to 'stand out with your culinary skills' when seeking respect in professional kitchens, and continues to refine her own skills through international travel and exploration of diverse Asian restaurants.