Fact Check: Is Padma Lakshmi pregnant? Top Chef host embroiled in speculations over recent appearance

Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi recently found herself in the spotlight. The Bravo show aired its latest episode on Thursday, May 18, and while the segment itself was eventful, one thing that caught the viewers’ eyes was the host’s appearance.

She wore a blue bodycon dress and looked beautiful in it; however, some users took to Twitter to wonder if something was going on with her or whether it was just the dress. Fans wondered whether she was pregnant. However, she took to Instagram to put the rumors to rest by stating that she is not pregnant but has a “burrito belly” instead.

Fans speculate whether Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi is pregnant

The Top Chef season 20 host, Padma Lakshmi, is a television presenter and writer who has been on the show since season 6. In the show’s latest episode, which aired on Thursday, May 18, 2023, viewers saw her wearing a blue bodycon dress in which she looked stunning.

Fans took to social media to wonder whether the host is pregnant or whether she was put in an “unflattering dress.” However, while there were several fans with the same questions, others took to either their own threads or others to examine the situation and added that maybe the ombre effect of the dress makes her seem pregnant.

Some stated that while they don’t think that the dress is unflattering, the Top Chef season 20 dress had a shadow, which was likely caused by the way she was holding her hands over her midsection.

However, the host herself put the rumors to rest by taking to Instagram to post pictures of herself from her vacation in Tulum, Mexico. The picture showed Padma Lakshmi in a bikini and showing off a stomach that was a little bigger than it usually is.

What happened in Thursday’s episode of Top Chef season 20

In episode 11 of Top Chef season 20, the top six contestants participated in a quickfire challenge that featured Andrew Wong. During the challenge, they had 30 minutes to create a dish with a steamed element, but the catch was that all six contestants had to use water from one big pot.

This was followed by the elimination challenge, in which they had to make three Wellington dishes: one containing seafood, one containing meat, and one dessert. They had to cook for 25 diners and the judges as they compete in pairs. The pairs were Amar and Sara, Buddha and Gabri, and Tom and Ali. Instead of one person leaving the competition, two chefs were eliminated.

During service, the first dishes out contained fish, followed by meat, and eventually dessert. Sara and Amar presented tuna and seafood Wellington, Gabri and Buddha made salmon Wellington with shrimp pate, followed by Tom and Ali’s salmon Wellington with leek duxelles.

The meat dishes were harissa-rubbed lamb Wellington, dry-aged beef Wellington with truffle demi-glace, and beef Wellington with onion puree, respectively. Followed by apple pie tres leches Wellington, peach melba Wellington with almond frangipane, and apple Wellington with chestnut duxelles.

Eventually, Sara and Amar had to pack up their knives and leave the Top Chef kitchen.

About the author

Sukriti is a Reality TV writer for the pop culture division of Sportskeeda. A graduation in Political Science initially sparked her interest in journalism; however, over time, she found herself drawn to combining her passion for writing with her fascination for pop culture. With a diverse background spanning 4 years, she likes to maintain dignity and accuracy in her work, ensuring that sensitive matters are reported with integrity and using credible sources.

Sukriti appreciates how reality television offers unique insights into the lives of celebrities and influential personalities, showcasing both their triumphs and vulnerabilities. She is a big fan of Ariana Madix from Vanderpump Rules, for her ability to navigate challenging situations gracefully.

She has had the privilege of interviewing prominent cast members from popular shows like Squid Game: The Challenge such as Charles ‘Chaz’ Roquemore, Jinwoo Oak, Radhika, Mutty B. Mark Gilloffo, along with the cast members from Love at First Lie - Monica Bulnes and Josh Riquelme.

Outside of work, Sukriti finds joy in traveling to offbeat destinations, particularly in the hills, and spending quality time with her cats. She also remains engaged with current affairs, seeking to educate herself on social and political developments worldwide.

Know More