Two Cultures. One Kitchen.
Tana is a forthcoming Taiwanese New American restaurant in the Germantown neighborhood of Louisville, KY by acclaimed Chef Ming Pu, alongside his wife and Tana’s co-owner, Courtney Pu. The menu will showcase an array of dishes inspired by Ming’s culinary journey, with many new renditions of traditional regional Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. Dishes like warming Mapo Tofu Cavatelli will bring together Ming’s classical training as well as his heritage. Tana’s beverage program will include classic libations enhanced with East Asian flavors. Ming is an alum of the James Beard Foundation Chef Bootcamp. The restaurant is slated to open in spring 2026.
Chef Ming Pu: Executive Chef & Founder
Born in Taiwan, Chef Ming Pu’s love for cooking began in his mother’s kitchen, shaped by the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients of Taiwan’s markets and harbors. After a brief time in Vancouver, his family settled in the Louisville/Kentuckiana area, where Ming pursued his passion for food and enrolled in Sullivan University’s culinary program in 2009.
He went on to train and work in some of Louisville’s most respected kitchens, including The English Grill at the Brown Hotel, Asiatique, Jack Fry’s, and The Village Anchor. In 2016, Ming opened The 502 Bar and Bistro, earning local and national attention and cooking at the James Beard House four times. He later became Executive Chef, and then Culinary Director, at Brooklyn and the Butcher, overseeing multiple concepts.
In 2026, Chef Ming will open his flagship restaurant, TANA—short for Taiwanese New American and inspired by a plant native to Taiwan’s mountains. Blending Taiwanese and Cantonese influences with modern American techniques, TANA represents the culmination of Ming’s personal and professional journey.
A James Beard Boot Camp alum and FSR Rising Star Chef, Ming has been featured at major food and wine festivals across the country. His work reflects a commitment to bold flavor, thoughtful innovation, and shaping a more vibrant, inclusive culinary scene in Louisville and beyond.
Courtney Pu: General Manager & Founder
Courtney Pu is the co-founder and general manager of TANA, bringing a deep passion for hospitality and years of industry experience to every aspect of the restaurant. A seasoned professional in the Louisville dining scene and beyond, Courtney has built her career around creating memorable guest experiences, leading strong teams, and setting the tone for warm, thoughtful service.
In 2020, Courtney and her husband, Chef Ming Pu, began shaping the vision for TANA together—dreaming up a space that would reflect their shared love for food, culture, and community. While Ming leads the kitchen, Courtney is the heart of the dining room, overseeing operations, guest experience, and the day-to-day rhythm that brings TANA to life.
With a background rooted in hospitality and a natural ability to connect with people, Courtney is known for her leadership, attention to detail, and genuine care for both guests and staff. Her commitment to excellence, paired with her belief that great food deserves equally great service, is central to the TANA experience.
Together, Courtney and Ming have created more than a restaurant—they’ve built a place where culture, creativity, and connection come together at the table.
Courtney Pu: General Manager & Founder
Courtney Pu is the co-founder and general manager of TANA, bringing a deep passion for hospitality and years of industry experience to every aspect of the restaurant. A seasoned professional in the Louisville dining scene and beyond, Courtney has built her career around creating memorable guest experiences, leading strong teams, and setting the tone for warm, thoughtful service.
In 2020, Courtney and her husband, Chef Ming Pu, began shaping the vision for TANA together—dreaming up a space that would reflect their shared love for food, culture, and community. While Ming leads the kitchen, Courtney is the heart of the dining room, overseeing operations, guest experience, and the day-to-day rhythm that brings TANA to life.
With a background rooted in hospitality and a natural ability to connect with people, Courtney is known for her leadership, attention to detail, and genuine care for both guests and staff. Her commitment to excellence, paired with her belief that great food deserves equally great service, is central to the TANA experience.
Together, Courtney and Ming have created more than a restaurant—they’ve built a place where culture, creativity, and connection come together at the table.
