When he’s not grilling a steak or plating up modern Australian favourites, you might catch Odé Bistro owner and head chef Simon Ming starring on one of Asia’s biggest and most-watched cooking shows.
Simon recently appeared as a contestant on Flame Game: Battle of 100 Chefs, an ambitious culinary competition that brings together some of the most talented chefs from across Asia – and beyond – to battle it out in front of a panel of acclaimed judges.
But landing a spot on one of the region’s biggest cooking shows is just another feather in the cap for Simon, who’s been stacking up awards and recognition like plates after a busy dinner service.
Earlier this year, Odé Bistro was awarded One Hat by the Australian Good Food Guide for the second year running, while Simon was also recognised as a finalist in Gourmet Traveller‘s Best New Talent Awards in 2024. Beloved for his inventive, refined and precise approach, Simon has become known as something of a “flavour engineer” – which is fitting, given where his career began.
Before moving to Australia, Simon worked as a petroleum engineer in China. He later studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Adelaide before refining his craft in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, including Orana under the late Jock Zonfrillo and regional dining destination Brae.
Those experiences helped shape the philosophy that now defines Odé Bistro, where French technique, Australian produce and Asian influences come together. This same combination of precision, curiosity and boundary-pushing experimentation that has earned Simon industry recognition, made him a natural fit for the international stage, and even became something of a talking point during his appearance on the show.
Flame Game: Battle of 100 Chefs is a large-scale Chinese cooking competition that brings together 100 professional chefs to compete in a series of increasingly demanding culinary challenges. The series pits celebrated “star chefs” against talented but lesser-known cooks, all vying for the coveted title of “God of Cookery”. Throughout the season, contestants face multiple elimination rounds designed to test their technical skill, creativity, speed and ability to master specific ingredients under pressure.
During his round, Simon presented Twin Flames, a modern Australian dish inspired by smoke, heat and spice that brings together premium Australian produce with bold Sichuan flavours.
To see how his dish stacks up against the competition, you can watch the episode here. But regardless of the final result, it’s a remarkable achievement to see an Adelaide chef showcasing his cooking to such a huge international audience.
It speaks not only to Simon’s extraordinary journey, but also to South Australia’s growing reputation as a producer of world-class culinary talent.
And for Odé Bistro regulars, take this as your sign to keep a close eye on the menu. Simon has hinted that dishes from his Battle of 100 Chefs stint may gradually make their way onto the menu in the future, so keep your eyes peeled!
Simon Ming on Flame Game: Battle of 100 Chefs
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