Esther Choi Age: Biography, Height, Weight & Many More
Esther Choi Age
33 Years Old
Chef Esther Choi, renowned for her Korean-inspired cuisine, owns Mkbar and Akbar Brooklyn and is a partner at Ms. Yoo. In a high-stakes battle on “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend,” Esther narrowly missed reclaiming her title by one point. Despite presenting five seafood dishes to the Iron Chefs, she fell short with a score of 82 against their 83 collective points.
Esther Choi Age
Esther Choi, born on December 17, 1990, celebrated her 33rd birthday in 2023, marking another milestone in her life’s journey. As she navigates through the complexities of the culinary world and beyond, Esther’s passion for her craft continues to drive her forward. With each passing year, she accumulates valuable experiences and insights that shape her career and personal growth, contributing to her evolving identity as a chef, entrepreneur, and individual.
Who is Esther Choi?
Esther Choi, an esteemed chef and entrepreneur hailing from the United States, is the proud owner of Mokbar, a renowned restaurant located in New York City’s vibrant Chelsea Market. Specializing in Korean soup and dumplings, Mokbar first welcomed diners in 2014, quickly garnering acclaim for its innovative fusion cuisine. Building on the success of Mokbar, Esther has expanded her culinary empire with the launch of three additional restaurants: a the second branch of Mokbar, Gastropu, and Ms. Yoo. Each establishment showcases Esther’s culinary expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences to patrons.
Biography
Esther Choi brings her expertise to the WRI Finance Center’s International Financial Institutions team as a Research Associate, where she focuses on redirecting financial flows toward a just, decarbonized, and climate-resilient future through research and engagement efforts. Before joining WRI, Esther’s career path was marked by a commitment to climate finance, sustainable development, and international governance.
She held pivotal roles at esteemed institutions such as Stanford University’s Sustainable Finance Initiative, the Green Climate Fund, the World Bank, and the Global Green Growth Institute, where she applied her insights and skills to address pressing environmental challenges.
Profile Summary
| Attribute | Information |
| Name | Esther Choi |
| Birth Date | 17 December 1990 |
| Birth Place | New Jersey, USA |
| Age | 33 Years Old |
| Height | Feet & Inches: 5’7”<br>Centimeter: 170cm<br>Meter: 1.70m |
| Weight | Kilograms: 56kg<br>Pounds: 130Lbs |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Profession | Chef and hotel owner |
| Sibling | Jennifer Choi |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Jerry Choi |
| Nationality | American-Korean |
Esther Choi’s Early Life
Esther Choi, born on 17 December 1990, hails from New York, USA, to Korean parents, Bok N Choi and Mi Choi, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage. Growing up alongside her sister, Jennifer Choi, who now serves as the managing partner of Mokbar, Esther also has a brother named Dan Choi. Their parents enriched their upbringing by immersing them in Korean culture during a three-year stint in Korea.
A celebrated chef, Esther, aged 33 as of December 2023, is a Scorpio by zodiac sign and practices Christianity. Residing in New York City, Esther’s educational journey began at Rutgers University, where she completed her undergraduate studies before pursuing her passion for culinary arts at the Institute of Culinary Education, where she graduated in 2011.
Height and Weight
Esther Choi’s physical stature places her at a height of 5 feet and 3 inches, with a weight of 58 kilograms as of 2024. These physical attributes, while merely a facet of her overall persona, contribute to her presence and demeanor as she navigates her professional and personal endeavors.
As she continues to pursue her passion for culinary excellence and make strides in her career, Esther’s height and weight serve as a testament to her commitment to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Esther Choi Education
Esther Choi embarked on her culinary journey at a young age, immersing herself in the art of cooking through formal training at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City. Drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s expertise in Korean cuisine, Esther cultivated a deep-seated passion for cooking that laid the foundation for her career.
Esther Choi Parents
Esther Choi hails from a Korean immigrant family who settled in the United States before her birth, instilling in her a deep connection to her Korean heritage. Her upbringing was profoundly shaped by her parents’ influence, particularly their shared aspiration to enrich the cultural landscape of New York City by introducing its residents to the richness of Korean cuisine. Esther’s culinary journey is thus imbued with the collective vision of her family, driven by a passion to foster greater appreciation and understanding of Korean culture through her gastronomic creations.
Esther Choi’s Siblings
Esther Choi’s sister, Jennifer Choi, plays an integral role in her business ventures, serving as the controller and managing partner of Mokbar. With her expertise and dedication, Jennifer contributes significantly to the success and smooth operation of the establishment, complementing Esther’s culinary prowess with her managerial acumen. Together, the Choi sisters form a dynamic team, driving Mokbar’s growth and ensuring its continued prominence in the culinary scene.
Esther Choi Husband
Esther Choi shares a private and cherished bond with her husband, Jerry Choi, although they prefer to keep the specifics of their relationship and marriage out of the public eye. Prior to tying the knot, they spent a significant amount of time together, nurturing their connection and laying the foundation for their future together. While their relationship holds immense significance to Esther, she values their privacy and chooses to keep the details of their life together discreet.
Hobbies
Given Esther Choi’s deep passion for culinary arts, it’s likely that she finds joy in exploring new cooking techniques, delving into the intricacies of authentic Korean cuisine, and perhaps even cultivating her own garden to procure fresh produce. Her interests suggest a commitment to honing her craft, embracing the rich traditions of Korean cooking, and fostering a connection to nature through sustainable food-sourcing practices.
Career
Esther Choi embarked on her culinary journey at the age of 14, drawing inspiration from her grandmother’s traditional Korean cooking. Her passion for the culinary arts led her to pursue formal training at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, where she honed her skills and expanded her culinary repertoire. Esther’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Mokbar, a celebrated restaurant renowned for its Korean ramen and comforting dishes.
Over time, she further solidified her presence in the culinary scene by expanding Mokbar to multiple locations and engaging in a partnership venture with Ms. Yoo. Esther’s culinary prowess also earned her recognition in the television realm, as she showcased her talents on shows like Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, coming close to clinching the coveted title of “Iron Legend.”
Esther Choi’s first restaurant was an instant success
Esther Choi’s journey to culinary success is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Despite bursting onto New York’s culinary scene with the opening of Mŏkbar in 2014 at the age of 28, Choi’s success was anything but overnight. She diligently earned her stripes, working tirelessly in the male-dominated kitchen environment, often putting in up to 100 hours a week with no days off.
Choi’s determination and hard work paid off when she secured a coveted space in Manhattan’s Chelsea Market for Mŏkbar, impressing the selection committee with an extensive 80-page business plan and a successful dinner for 10. Mŏkbar quickly garnered acclaim, earning a spot on Zagat’s “30 under 30” list and receiving the Village Voice reader’s choice award for best new restaurant. Through Mŏkbar, Choi introduces newcomers to Korean cuisine by leveraging the familiar concept of a Japanese noodle restaurant.
Esther Choi has three restaurants with a fourth on the way
When Esther Choi expanded her culinary empire with the opening of the second Mŏkbar location in Brooklyn in 2017, she ventured beyond the familiar terrain of Japanese noodles. Embracing a more refined and traditional Korean approach, Mŏkbar BK’s menu reflects Choi’s dedication to authentic Korean cuisine.
In a video by KoreanAmericanStory.org, Choi showcased Mŏkbar BK’s jipbap, a traditional Korean home meal featuring rice, protein, and side dishes presented in small bowls. She also highlighted a mung bean pancake made with white kimchi, harkening back to the original non-spicy iteration of Korean kimchi. In the same year, Choi and her partners unveiled a gastropub named Ms. Yoo on the Lower East Side, drawing inspiration from renowned NYC establishments like The Spotted Pig.
Esther Choi is becoming a food TV fixture
Esther Choi’s culinary prowess extends beyond the confines of her restaurants, reaching audiences through numerous television appearances. Her journey into the television spotlight began with a unique role at Food Network, where she worked in the purchasing department, sourcing ingredients for the network’s celebrity chefs. Despite her behind-the-scenes role, Choi garnered attention for her culinary skills and was featured on Food Network’s FN Dish blog in 2012, showcasing her talent for Korean cuisine.
Her television career gained momentum when she competed in Season 2 of “Beat Bobby Flay” and made guest appearances on shows like “The Chew” and “Today.” Choi further solidified her presence in the culinary entertainment sphere as a judge on popular shows like “Worst Cooks in America” and “Chopped.” Additionally, she served as a guest judge on “Battle of the Brothers” and hosted a kitchen gadget show for Eater.
Her influence extends to streaming platforms, where Amazon featured her in “Cooking with Esther Choi.” Furthermore, she is prominently featured in the 2021 documentary “Her Name Is Chef,” shedding light on sexism in the restaurant industry. Through her diverse television ventures, Choi continues to captivate audiences with her culinary expertise and passion for Korean cuisine.
Esther Choi has publicly embraced cannabis
Esther Choi’s television presence aligns with the evolving cultural landscape surrounding cannabis, as demonstrated by the emergence of shows like “Chopped 420” on Discovery+. This culinary competition, reminiscent of the classic “Chopped” format, incorporates cannabis into its mystery baskets, reflecting the growing mainstream acceptance of the plant. As a regular judge on the show, Choi brings her culinary expertise and open-minded approach to exploring the intersection of cannabis and cuisine.
Her affinity for cannabis was showcased in a 2019 episode of Viceland’s “Bong Appétit,” where she triumphed over two other Korean chefs by creating THC-infused dishes. Despite her admission of being new to cooking with cannabis, Choi’s personal experience as a user adds depth and authenticity to her perspective.
Social Media
Esther Choi has cultivated a significant presence across various social media platforms, with her Instagram and Facebook accounts serving as hubs for her engaged followers. With an impressive following of 174k on Instagram and over 1.9 million on Facebook, Esther’s content resonates with a wide audience eager to explore her culinary adventures and insights. On Twitter, where she goes by the handles @choibites and choibites, Esther maintains a smaller yet dedicated following of 1k users, providing another avenue for her to connect with fans and share her latest updates and musings. Through her active engagement and compelling content, Esther Choi continues to captivate and inspire her followers across the digital landscape.
Net worth
Esther Choi’s net worth spans an impressive range estimated between $2 million to $5 million, a testament to her multifaceted career as a renowned chef, visionary restaurateur, and influential media personality. Through her culinary ventures, innovative restaurant concepts, and captivating presence across various media platforms, Esther has solidified her position as a prominent figure in the culinary world, achieving both financial success and widespread acclaim.
Her diverse portfolio of accomplishments underscores her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft, contributing to her substantial net worth and ongoing influence in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Esther Choi:
Q: Who is Esther Choi?
A: Esther Choi is an esteemed chef, entrepreneur, and media personality known for her innovative Korean-inspired cuisine and successful restaurant ventures in New York City.
Q: What restaurants does Esther Choi own?
A: Esther Choi is the proud owner of Mokbar and Akbar Brooklyn and serves as a partner at Ms. Yoo, establishments known for their exceptional culinary offerings and unique dining experiences.
Q: What is Esther Choi’s net worth?
A: Esther Choi’s net worth is estimated to range between $1 million to $6 million, reflecting her successful career in the culinary industry and media.
Q: How old is Esther Choi?
A: Esther Choi was born on December 17, 1990, making her 33 years old as of 2024.
Q: What are Esther Choi’s hobbies?
A: Esther Choi enjoys exploring new cooking methods, studying authentic Korean dishes, and possibly engaging in gardening to source fresh produce, reflecting her passion for culinary arts and sustainable practices.
Q: Is Esther Choi married?
A: Yes, Esther Choi is married to Jerry Choi. While they prefer to keep their relationship private, their bond is significant to Esther, although she values their privacy.
Conclusion:
Esther Choi’s journey from a young chef with a passion for Korean cuisine to a celebrated culinary figure and media personality is a testament to her unwavering dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative approach to cooking. Through her successful restaurant ventures, engaging television appearances, and active presence on social media, Esther has captivated audiences worldwide, sharing her love for food and Korean culture. With her ongoing commitment to culinary excellence and exploration, Esther Choi continues to inspire and delight audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.
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