Esther Choi, a renowned celebrity chef and social media personality, was born on November 20, 1985 in New York City, NY. From a young age, she was passionate about cooking and food, inspired by her Korean-native grandmother who taught her traditional cooking techniques. At the age of 14, she took her first culinary steps by enrolling in courses at the prestigious Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.
Choi's culinary journey officially began when she entered the industry as a young and ambitious chef. She gained valuable experience by working at acclaimed restaurants such as ilili and La Esquina, where she honed her skills and developed her unique culinary style. Her dedication to her craft and innovative approach to cooking quickly caught the attention of the culinary world.
With a passion for Korean culture and cuisine, Choi decided to take a bold step and open her own restaurant. In 2014, she launched Mokbar in Brooklyn, a place where she could showcase the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to a new audience. Mokbar quickly became a popular destination for food enthusiasts looking to experience a blend of traditional and modern Korean dishes created with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Aside from her success as a chef and restaurant owner, Choi also made a name for herself as a social media personality. She utilized platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to share her culinary creations and insights with a wider audience. Her engaging content and vibrant personality resonated with fans, further solidifying her status as a culinary influencer.
Choi's talents extended beyond the kitchen, as she ventured into the world of television. She hosted the popular Eater video series "Kitchen Gadgets," where she introduced viewers to innovative cooking tools and techniques. Additionally, she made a guest appearance on the hit show "Selena + Chef," cooking alongside the renowned singer and actress Selena Gomez.
Despite her busy career in the culinary world, Choi finds balance by spending time with her family and loved ones. She continues to draw inspiration from her Korean heritage and culinary roots, infusing her dishes with authenticity and creativity. Known for her warm personality and dedication to her craft, Choi remains a respected figure in the culinary industry.
Esther Choi's impact on the culinary world goes beyond her delicious dishes and innovative creations. She has inspired a new generation of chefs and food enthusiasts to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Korean cuisine. Through her work at Mokbar and her media presence, she continues to promote cultural exchange and culinary education, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.