Esther Choi

Chef and Owner, Mŏkbar (New York, NY)

Esther Choi is a chef driven by her Korean roots. She is the chef and owner of Mŏkbar, with locations in Chelsea Market, Midtown, New Jersey, and Las Vegas, as well as chef and partner of Ms. Yoo, on New York's Lower East Side neighborhood. With a personal passion for introducing New Yorkers to the flavors of Korean culture, Chef Esther’s cooking combines traditional and modern influences with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Esther began her professional education at the early age of fourteen, and her formal training as a chef began at New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), followed by various positions at the renowned Ilili and La Esquina, and the Food Network. In 2020 Esther launched the CookUnity meal delivery service platform in New York City and now has other outposts in Los Angeles, Austin, Chicago & Seattle.

Currently, Esther is the host of Heat Eaters by First We Feast, which is the follow up show to the hit YouTube series Hot Ones. Host of Cooking with Choi by Food Network on Youtube as well as the co-host of the Food Network's newest culinary competition show 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. (Instagram: @choibites)