Esther Choi

Also Known As: Esther Choi • Born:12/17/1990

Esther Choi is a well-known chef, restaurant owner, and TV personality. She was born on December 17, 1990, in New Jersey. Growing up, her grandmother taught her how to cook traditional Korean dishes like kimchi, and she spent three years in South Korea, which deepened her love for Korean food. Esther’s interest in cooking started early. At 14, she began working in restaurants, gaining extensive experience. After high school, where she enjoyed home economics classes, she studied cooking at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. She first got noticed on popular Food Network shows such as Bobby’s Triple Threat, Throwdown with Michael Symon, Chopped, Battle of the Brothers, and Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. People loved her energy and cooking skills. In April 2024, she started co-hosting the Food Network show Last Chef Standing. Besides TV, Esther is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2014, she opened her first restaurant, mŏkbar, in New York City, which features Korean-inspired dishes like her grandmother’s dumplings. mŏkbar was so successful that she opened another location in Brooklyn. She also co-owns Ms. Yoo in Manhattan, a restaurant named after her grandmother.

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