Esther Choi

Esther Choi (born November 20, 1985) is an American chef and television personality. She is best known for her appearances on Food Network shows and her contributions to the culinary scene in New York City.

Esther Choi
Choi in 2018
Born	Esther Choi (1985-11-20) November 20, 1985 (age 39) New Jersey, U.S.
Education	Rutgers University Institute of Culinary Education
Years active	2006–present
Children	1
Culinary career
Cooking style	Korean
Current restaurant(s) Mokbar New York City Ms. Yoo New York City
Television show(s) Heat Eaters (2023 - present) 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing (2024 - present)
Website	www.estherchoi.com

Early life

Choi was born in New Jersey and raised in Egg Harbor Township; she attended Egg Harbor Township High School, where she enjoyed classes in home economics.^[1][2] Her Korean grandmother would often cook Korean dishes,^[3] and taught Choi to make kimchi.^[4] Choi and her parents lived in South Korea for three years during her childhood. Back in the United States, Choi began working in restaurants at age 14.^[2]

Choi graduated from Rutgers University and the Institute of Culinary Education in New York.^[2]

Career

Choi has made a name for herself through television appearances on shows like Bobby's Triple Threat, Throwdown with Michael Symon, Chopped, Battle of the Brothers, and Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend. Choi served as the host of the Hot Ones spinoff Heat Eaters. In April 2024, she began co-hosting Food Network series 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing^[5]

Choi opened her first restaurant, mŏkbar, of which she is a chef and owner, in 2014.^[2] The restaurant serves dumplings made from her grandmother's recipe.^[3] She later opened a second location in Brooklyn.^[4] She is a chef and a partner at Ms. Yoo in Manhattan, which is named after her grandmother.^[4]

Personal life

In February 2024, she announced her pregnancy on Instagram.^[6]