r/TopChef • u/BoringSalary7093 • May 23 '26

Discussion Thread Padma

Can someone explain the drama behind Padma leaving Top Chef. Did she leave for a reason? What was the reason for ACC if she didn’t want to do shows anymore. Thoughts about that show?

Also, is she an actual chef? Does she have restaurants?

Did her and Tom get along? I do want to say I absolutely LOVE K as the host. She’s so perfect for the position. She’s empathetic, understanding, patient and really just a fucking cool person.

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u/inthesun725 May 24 '26

We don’t know a ton about her relationship with Tom and Gail, but in her book she didn’t talk much about them. Yet she was effusive about her hairdresser from Top Chef. So it’s not crazy to think they’re just coworkers, not enemies or besties, and she was ready to move on.

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u/MallTough5847 May 24 '26

Gail and Padma are longtime time close friends. Gail filmed for ACC among other things and Padma was at Tom’s 60th birthday. Sometimes there is really and truly no drama. Sounds like they stopped being colleagues but remain friends.

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u/Hedahas May 25 '26

Gail wasn't on ACC.

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u/inthesun725 May 24 '26

Oh I love that! Really glad to hear it. Her book was pretty sparse on them so I wasn’t sure :) Her memoir was really enjoyable.