This ever-smiling, soft-spoken ... speaks with us about the representation of women chefs in commercial kitchens and also shares a recipe. Excerpts: What do you think might change in the foodscape ...

I don't challenge these kind of assumptions with any words. I just prove them wrong with my work.” — Chef Nikki Zheng.

That visibility, however, hardly extends to female sushi chefs. “I have found a few women mentors and quickly ... and of course, I love smiling.” “I just prove them wrong with my work.” ...