Esther Choi Net Worth and How She Built Her Culinary Empire

Chef Esther Choi has made a name for herself in the culinary world with her authentic Korean flavors, innovative restaurant concepts, and dynamic media presence. She has built a successful career blending traditional and modern Korean cuisine.

In addition to her restaurants, she has gained popularity through television appearances on cooking shows and brand collaborations. With such a diverse career, many fans and food enthusiasts are curious about Esther Choi’s net worth and how she has turned her passion for food into a thriving business. Let’s explore her earnings, ventures, and financial success.

Who is Esther Choi?

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Esther Choi is a renowned Korean-American chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for bringing authentic Korean flavors to the modern dining scene. Born and raised in the United States, Choi developed a deep passion for Korean cuisine at a young age, influenced by her grandmother’s traditional cooking. Her cultural heritage and love for food led her to pursue a culinary career, eventually training at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City.

After completing her education, Choi gained experience working in high-end restaurants, including the renowned La Esquina and Ilili, where she honed her skills in diverse cuisines. She later launched her own restaurant, Mokbar, in 2014, a Korean-inspired ramen shop that quickly gained critical acclaim. She expanded her empire with Ms. Yoo, a stylish gastropub that fuses Korean flavors with American comfort food.

Beyond her restaurants, Choi has become a popular food personality, making appearances on Iron Chef, Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, and Selena + Chef, further solidifying her influence in the culinary world.

Estimated Net Worth

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As of 2024, Esther Choi’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, though some sources suggest her wealth could be growing rapidly due to her expanding business ventures and television presence. Her financial success is largely attributed to her thriving restaurant businesses, television appearances, brand partnerships, and other entrepreneurial endeavors.

1. Earnings from Restaurants & Hospitality Ventures

A major portion of Esther Choi’s wealth comes from her restaurants, which have become popular culinary destinations.

Mŏkbar: Korean-Inspired Ramen Bars

• Launched in 2014 at Chelsea Market in New York, Mŏkbar was Choi’s first major entrepreneurial success.
• The restaurant quickly gained recognition for its authentic yet modern approach to Korean ramen and comfort food.
• Mŏkbar has since expanded to multiple locations, including Midtown Manhattan, New Jersey, and an upcoming location in Las Vegas.
• The restaurant’s continued success ensures a steady stream of revenue from dine-in services, takeout, catering, and brand partnerships.

Ms. Yoo: A Korean Gastropub

• Opened in 2017, Ms. Yoo is a Korean-American fusion gastropub in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.
• It offers high-end cocktails, innovative small plates, and a unique atmosphere, attracting both food lovers and nightlife crowds.
• The establishment further boosts her revenue by appealing to tourists, locals, and private event bookings.

Estimated Restaurant Revenue:

• Successful mid-sized restaurants like Mŏkbar and Ms. Yoo can generate between $2 million to $5 million annually in revenue per location.
• With multiple locations, Choi’s restaurant empire could be bringing in well over $10 million annually before expenses.

2. Television & Media Career

Esther Choi’s growing presence on television and streaming platforms has significantly contributed to her overall wealth.

TV Appearances & Competition Shows

• She has appeared on several high-profile cooking shows, including:

  • Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend (Netflix)
  • Beat Bobby Flay (Food Network)
  • Chopped (Food Network)
  • Selena + Chef (HBO Max)
  • Battle of the Brothers (Food Network)

• These appearances not only bring direct earnings but also increase her brand visibility, leading to more restaurant visits, social media growth, and collaboration opportunities.

• TV chefs typically earn between $10,000 to $50,000 per episode, depending on their role.

Social Media & Digital Content

• Esther Choi has built a strong presence on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, where she shares cooking tutorials, restaurant updates, and collaborations with brands.
• With hundreds of thousands of followers across platforms, her social media influence helps drive traffic to her businesses and attract paid brand deals.

3. Brand Endorsements & Sponsorships

Choi has leveraged her growing influence to partner with top food brands and lifestyle companies.

Notable Brand Partnerships

• Samsung & Kitchen Appliance Brands – Promoting smart kitchen technology.
• Food & Beverage Brands – Collaborations with Korean food companies and global brands that align with her culinary expertise.
• Cookware & Recipe Platforms – Endorsing high-quality cookware, kitchen tools, and ingredients.

Estimated Earnings from Brand Deals

• Influencers and celebrity chefs with Choi’s level of recognition can earn between $50,000 and $250,000 per year from sponsorships.
• Sponsored Instagram posts or brand collaborations alone can generate thousands of dollars per partnership.

4. Merchandising & Online Sales

Choi has expanded her business into retail and merchandise sales, further increasing her income.

Food & Beverage Products

• She has launched her own line of Korean-inspired food products, including:
  • Kimchi, sauces, and specialty seasonings used in Korean cooking.
  • These products are sold online and in select stores, allowing her to reach a wider audience beyond her restaurants.

Cookbooks & Online Cooking Classes (Potential Future Earnings)

• Many celebrity chefs expand into cookbooks and online cooking courses, which can bring in millions of dollars over time.
• While Choi has not yet released a cookbook, given her success, this could be a highly profitable next step in her career.