The winners of the 2025 James Beard Awards have been announced and one Philadelphia chef has been named the city’s only honoree, writes Jason Sheehan for Philadelphia Magazine.

Phila Lorn of Mawn was announced as the winner of this year’s Emerging Chef award.

According to the Foundation, the award recognizes a “chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.”

When the James Beard Foundation first announced this year’s semifinalists, 14 Philadelphia chefs and restaurants were listed among 10 different categories.

When the finalists were announced months later, that number was dwindled down to just four.

Lorn was the only one from the region who went home with a win.

During his acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to assumptions.

“The assumption that Mawn was just another restaurant, it was too small. It wasn’t focused enough. The assumption that the food wasn’t going to be good enough or authentic enough. I wasn’t popular enough,” he said.

This award more than validates his emergence.

Lorn operates Mawn alongside his wife Rachel.

The South Philadelphia noodle house opened its doors in 2023 and quickly became a local favorite for its robust South Asian cuisine dishes.

Read more about Phila Lorn and Mawn’s James Beard Award win in Philadelphia Magazine.

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