Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, has become an internationally recognized personality in the world of culinary arts. He first gained fame in 2017 with a viral video of him performing a unique and theatrical way of sprinkling salt on a steak. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, transforming Nusret into a global sensation. Since then, his brand and restaurants have expanded rapidly, and his influence has gone beyond the kitchen. Salt Bae has become a pop culture figure from his restaurant empire to his controversial appearance at the World Cup. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about Salt Bae: his restaurant, his World Cup involvement, his net worth, his family life, and more.
Who is Salt Bae?
Nusret Gökçe, widely known as Salt Bae, is a Turkish chef and restaurateur who achieved worldwide fame due to his viral “salt sprinkling” video. Born on August 9, 1983, in Erzurum, Turkey, Nusret grew up in a modest family and began working at a young age to support his family. Before pursuing a career in culinary arts, Nusret worked in various jobs. However, his passion for cooking led him to pursue a career in the kitchen. He trained under many renowned chefs and honed his skills over the years.
Nusret’s rise to global fame can be attributed to his viral video in January 2017. In the video, he demonstrated an exaggerated and stylish way of sprinkling salt onto a steak, which became an internet sensation almost overnight. His signature “salt sprinkle” move—where he lets the salt fall from his fingers in a dramatic, nearly mystical fashion—quickly caught the attention of social media users worldwide. The viral success of this video earned Nusret the nickname “Salt Bae” and turned him into a meme and a symbol of culinary cool.
Salt Bae’s Restaurant Empire
One of the most notable aspects of Salt Bae’s success is his restaurant empire, which includes several high-end steakhouses worldwide. His first restaurant, Nusr-Et Steakhouse, opened in 2010 in Istanbul, Turkey. The restaurant quickly gained popularity due to its combination of high-quality meat, theatrical service, and Nusret’s larger-than-life personality. The name “Nusr-Et” comes from Nusret’s name, and “Et” means “meat” in Turkish, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on steaks and other meat dishes.
The success of his first restaurant led to a rapid expansion, with locations now in major cities worldwide. Some of the most prominent cities where you can find a Nusr-Et Steakhouse include Dubai, Miami, New York City, Boston, Las Vegas, and London. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, often attracting celebrities, athletes, and social media influencers who come for both the food and the spectacle.
Salt Bae’s restaurants are known for their luxurious atmosphere, top-tier service, and the dramatic salt sprinkle performed by Nusret himself or his staff. Dishes such as the Tomahawk steak, the Gold Steak (coated in 24-karat gold), and the Nusret Burger are signature offerings at his restaurants. Despite some mixed reviews regarding the prices, Salt Bae’s restaurants have a loyal following due to the novelty and excitement of dining at one of his establishments.
Salt Bae and the World Cup: Controversial Appearance
In 2022, Salt Bae again made headlines with his involvement in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After Argentina won the World Cup, Nusret Gökçe was seen on the field celebrating and taking selfies with the players, including Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time. While many fans were excited to see Salt Bae mingling with the winning team, his appearance sparked controversy.
The most significant controversy arose when Salt Bae was seen holding the World Cup trophy traditionally reserved for the winning team and their captain. His actions led to widespread criticism, with many questioning how he accessed the trophy and why he was allowed to touch it. This incident became a hot topic on social media, with some people accusing him of exploiting the moment for personal gain and fame. Despite the backlash, Nusret continued posting images of himself with the trophy, further fueling the debate.
While some may have seen Salt Bae’s appearance at the World Cup as inappropriate, it also highlighted Salt Bae’s ability to insert himself into high-profile moments and maintain his global visibility. Whether controversial or not, his association with the World Cup solidified his status as a celebrity chef with significant influence in the entertainment and sports worlds.
Salt Bae’s Net Worth
As of 2024, Salt Bae’s net worth is estimated at around $70 million. His wealth comes from his restaurant empire, social media presence, and other business ventures. The Nusr-Et Steakhouse chain has been Nusret’s primary source of income, with each location generating millions of dollars in revenue annually.
In addition to his restaurants, Nusret has also monetized his massive social media following, which includes millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. He often shares behind-the-scenes footage from his restaurants, his signature salt sprinkle clips, and posts featuring celebrities and athletes dining at his venues. This has allowed him to maintain a high profile and attract lucrative endorsement deals and collaborations.
Salt Bae’s lavish lifestyle, which includes a collection of luxury cars, designer clothes, and international travel, has further contributed to his public persona. Despite criticism for his extravagant pricing and the controversial World Cup incident, his ability to build a successful brand and maintain his celebrity status has made him very wealthy.
Salt Bae’s Family and Personal Life
Although Nusret Gökçe is known for his larger-than-life public persona, he keeps much of his personal life private. There is limited information about his wife or any children he may have. Salt Bae is known for maintaining a relatively low profile regarding his family, preferring to focus on his business and culinary endeavors rather than sharing personal details with the public. However, some reports suggest that he is married, but the identity of his wife has remained primarily out of the spotlight.
Salt Bae’s success has also significantly impacted his family. He has spoken in interviews about how he was driven to succeed in providing a better life for his family and how they have supported him in his journey. His family members are often involved in the operations of his restaurants, helping Nusret manage his expanding empire.
Salt Bae’s Height and Physical Features
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Salt Bae is average height, but his presence is ordinary. His striking features, including his well-groomed beard, stylish attire, and confident posture, have contributed to his iconic look. When performing his trademark salt sprinkle, Nusret often draws attention to his cooking skills and the dramatic flair he adds to the process.
His physical appearance, charisma, and theatricality have helped him maintain his fame as a social media personality and celebrity chef. His unique blend of culinary expertise and showmanship has made him a recognizable figure in the restaurant industry and the entertainment world.
Conclusion
Salt Bae, or Nusret Gökçe, has undoubtedly made a mark on the culinary world and pop culture. From his viral salt sprinkle video to his high-end restaurants and controversial World Cup appearance, Nusret has become a global brand in his own right. Despite criticism for some of his actions, including the World Cup incident, his ability to stay relevant and continue expanding his empire has made him a successful entrepreneur. With a net worth estimated in the millions and a restaurant empire that spans the globe, Salt Bae’s journey is a testament to how social media and entertainment can transform a chef into an international sensation.
Through his restaurants, personal brand, and larger-than-life personality, Salt Bae has become a symbol of modern culinary success. His future will likely be filled with more expansion, both in terms of his restaurant empire and continued presence in the media. Whether you love or hate him, there’s no denying that Salt Bae is a cultural phenomenon that has redefined what it means to be a celebrity chef in the 21st century.
Read More: Julie Tsirkin.