UH senior executive chef named one of nation’s best collegiate chefs

Chef Chad McDonald wins regional cooking competition with his signature dish, wonton char siu noodle soup

HOUSTON – Chad McDonald started at UH in 2017 as the executive catering chef. By 2021 he was promoted to senior executive chef, overseeing all culinary operations for the UH System.

Now, he is one of the nation’s best collegiate chefs. He won first place at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) 2023 Culinary Challenge for the Southern region with his signature dish, wonton char siu noodle soup.

He advances to the national competition, competing against chefs from the University of Utah, Pennsylvania State University, the Ohio State University, the University of Massachusetts, and the University of California-San Diego in front of a live studio audience. Good Luck, Chef Chad McDonald!

Fun fact: his award-winning dish is yet to be featured at Cougar Woods or Moody Towers Dining Commons. For a look at how he made his winning dish, watch the video above. Or scroll to see the recipe.

If you like to keep up with Chad and the food served at the University of Houston, click here.

Wonton Char Siu Noodle Soup Recipe
Recipe and instructions for wonton char siu noodle soup - the signature dish that earned UH chef first place at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for the Southern region. (University of Houston)
Recipe and instructions for wonton char siu noodle soup - the signature dish that earned UH chef first place at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for the Southern region. (University of Houston)
Recipe and instructions for wonton char siu noodle soup - the signature dish that earned UH chef first place at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for the Southern region. (University of Houston)
Recipe and instructions for wonton char siu noodle soup - the signature dish that earned UH chef first place at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for the Southern region. (University of Houston)
Recipe and instruction for wonton char siu noodle soup that won UH chef first place at the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) for the Southern region. (University of Houston)

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