David Chang’s Net Worth: World’s Richest Celebrity Chefs’ Lives And Careers

David Chang’s net worth is outstanding, so much so that he is always on the list of the world’s richest chefs. It would make anyone who loves cooking consider a career in the industry; however, besides being a chef, he is also a businessman. He is also a restaurateur with restaurants in Sydney, New York City, Washington, and Toronto. Chang is also a podcaster, author, and television personality with two Netflix originals under his belt, so it’s not surprising that he has amassed a hefty amount of money for his years of hard work.

But just like most people, David Chang didn’t just become a wealthy person overnight. Sure, if you know that he comes from a wealthy family, you would say, “Well, that’s why!” but it doesn’t mean that he did not struggle or work hard to get to where he is now. We also included some of his contemporaries and famous chefs so you could find out more about their net worth and lives.

David Chang

Let’s get one fact out of the way before talking about the chef’s life. So, David Chang’s net worth is $20 million, and it can continue growing despite the pandemic that caused some of his restaurants to close as he has other business ventures. With his status, it’s almost impossible not to see his name in the list of the most popular celebrity chefs. But let’s take a look at his humble beginnings and other ventures to find out why he became the David Chang we know today.

Early Life

David Chang was born Chang Seok-ho in Arlington, Virginia, on August 5, 1977. His parents were Koreans who immigrated to the USA from Korea and owned a golf supply warehouse and two restaurants. 

Chang grew up playing golf and became a competitive golfer for junior competitions. He took up religious studies at Trinity College after graduating from Georgetown Prep. Like most fresh graduates, he worked several jobs after his graduation, teaching English in a foreign country, reception for restaurants, and more.

Early Life
David Chang. Source: https://media

In 2004, David Chang realized his passion for cooking and felt burned out working in a fine dining restaurant. During this not-so-bright time in his career, he decided to borrow some money from his father to open his first restaurant Momofuku Noodle Bar in East Village, New York. Since then, he has opened several restaurants in Manhattan, Sydney, Los Angeles, and Toronto like Momofuku Ssäm Bar, Kojin, Milk Bar, Má Pêche, Momofuku Seiōbo, and Momofuku Ko.

Career

Besides working as a chef, David Chang has created a name for himself as a chef among a sea of famous chefs. So, amidst all the media frenzy about Gordon Ramsay vs. Bobby Flay and other events in the celebrity chef world, you should also take notice of all the celebrity chefs and the hard work they poured into building their careers.

In 2010, David Chang appeared alongside fellow chefs Eric Ripert, Tom Colicchio, and Wylie Dufresne in the fifth episode of HBO’s Treme. Chang had more exposure when the second season came. As a celebrity chef judge, he has also been on several reality shows like Top Chef: All-Stars and MasterChef Australia. Then he also featured in an Anthony Bourdain-produced show called The Mind of a Chef.

Of course, being a celebrity chef isn’t the only venture that made David Chang’s net worth grow like crazy as he is also an author and has released a food magazine called Lucky Peach, which he launched in 2011. Other chefs like Anthony Bourdain, Ruth Reichl, Wylie Dufresne, and Harold McGee were among the most notable contributors in some of the magazine’s issues. 

Chang is also known for being a podcaster, and on the Ringer podcast network, he hosts The Dave Chang Show. It became so popular to the point of it having a spin-off show called The Recipe Club, which he co-hosts with guest host Chris Ying. 

So, we already know that David Chang’s net worth is $20 million, and if that amount sounds ridiculously astounding to you, then you should know how much other chefs are worth. It’s always interesting to know how much they make for doing what they love. If you’re curious about the other chefs who made it in the list and their net worth, here they are: 

Alan Wong

As the richest chef in the world, Alan Wong has $1.1 billion. Yes, it’s possible to make that much money by being a chef, especially if you have trademarked yourself as one of the founding leaders of island fusion cuisine. Unfortunately, all of his restaurants have closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so many of his fans were dismayed, but let’s hope that he will make a comeback soon.

Marco Pierre White

Marco Pierre White
Marco Pierre White. Source: marcopierrewhite

Marco Pierre White’s net worth is $40 million, which isn’t surprising since many dubbed him the first celebrity chef. So, many consider him an icon that has elevated the status of chefs in the world. During the peak of his career, he was the youngest chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, which is a feat that takes dedication and passion.

Tom Colicchio

Tom Colicchio’s net worth is $20 million, which he earned after founding several iconic restaurants like Gramercy Tavern, Craft, Riverpark, Temple Court, Craftsteak, Heritage Stage, and Small Batch. He has also received five James Beard Foundation Awards for his accomplishments and contribution to the industry.

Roy Choi

Roy Choi, cooking in The Chef Show with Jon Favreau and David Chang.
Roy Choi, cooking with Jon Favreau and David Chang. Source: tico.mobi

Now, while most celebrity chefs have their net worth confirmed by several sources, Roy Choi’s net worth remains a mystery as some sources say it’s between $1 million to $3 million, and some claim it could be $850 million. Of course, the Korean-American chef is known for creating the Korean-Mexican taco gourmet. He has also started the food truck movement while presenting a Netflix series, The Chef Show, so we would like to believe that he has more than $3 million.

WATCH VIDEO: David Chang Sweats Like Crazy While Eating Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Chefs Make The World A Better Place

If all these talks about David Chang’s net worth, the world’s richest chefs, and food are making you hungry and craving to live a life with a whopping net worth while doing what you love, we don’t blame you. After all, chefs make the world a better place, one meal at a time.

Do you want to read related articles? Check out Jobandedu and our Entertainment section.

Leonard

Leonard hails from the Philippines and works as a freelancer, author, poet, and visual artist. He discovered his passion for writing and painting at an early age, leading him to pursue a degree in Mass Communications. He worked at a few places after college before landing what he thought was a "life-changing" writing career. He was also the lead singer and songwriter for a band. His career as an English teacher, poet, and visual artist took him to Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2018. You can see more of his work on Instagram at @anumalei.