Salt Bae: His Rise to Fame, Restaurants, World Cup Drama, Net Worth, and Personal Life

Who Is Salt Bae?

Nusret Gökçe, more popularly known as Salt Bae, is a Turkish chef, butcher, and restaurateur who became an international sensation due to his striking way of seasoning meat. Born in 1983 in Erzurum, Turkey, Gökçe grew up in a humble household as the son of a miner and left school at an early age to pursue work as a butcher’s apprentice in Istanbul. This early experience in meat cutting laid the foundation for his future career.

From a young age, Nusret harbored big dreams, but his journey to stardom was anything but easy. Working tirelessly in various steakhouses, he saved enough money to travel and expand his knowledge of butchery, working in places like Argentina to hone his craft. These experiences significantly shaped his skills and ambition to launch his steakhouse, which would later become a global phenomenon​.

The Rise to Fame: The Birth of Salt Bae

Salt Bae’s rise to fame began in 2017 when a video of him dramatically sprinkling salt on a steak went viral. In the video, Nusret used a unique hand gesture to drop the salt, cascading it onto the meat like an artist applying finishing touches to a masterpiece. The video quickly became a meme and skyrocketed his fame across social media platforms. Fans and celebrities alike were captivated by his charisma and the flair he brought to the simple act of seasoning.

The video on his Instagram account drew millions of views, and “Salt Bae” became a household name. His newfound fame attracted A-list celebrities to his restaurants, including Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, and P. Diddy, further fueling his popularity. However, Salt Bae’s fame is not just about memes—he had already established himself as a successful restaurateur with a growing steakhouse empire​.

Salt Bae’s Restaurants: Nusr-Et

Salt Bae’s global success is intricately tied to his restaurant chain, Nusr-Et Steakhouse. The first Nusr-Et opened in Istanbul in 2010 with only eight tables and ten employees. A Turkish businessman impressed by Nusret’s work helped the restaurant quickly gain popularity and expand to other international locations. It has more than 22 locations worldwide, including New York, Dubai, Miami, and London​.

Nusr-Et’s menu is famous for its abundant, often gold-plated dishes, such as the gold-wrapped tomahawk steak, which can cost over $1,000. The high prices and the luxurious ambiance attract a wealthy clientele, including celebrities, influencers, and international dignitaries. Despite criticism for the hefty price tags, It remains a symbol of culinary indulgence and Instagram-worthy dining​.

Expanding his restaurant empire is one of Salt Bae’s primary sources of wealth. In cities like London and Dubai, his restaurants have recorded millions in revenue, primarily driven by their status as trendy and extravagant dining spots. Nusr-Et’s London location, for example, generated nearly £8 million within the first few months of opening​.

The World Cup Drama

In 2022, Salt Bae faced a wave of controversy following his appearance at the FIFA World Cup final in Qatar. After Argentina’s victory over France, Nusret was seen on the pitch celebrating with the players. He even held and kissed the World Cup trophy, a gesture typically reserved for the players and heads of state. His attempt to take selfies with the players, including Lionel Messi, drew widespread criticism as many found his behavior intrusive and inappropriate.​​

The incident became a topic of international debate, and FIFA launched an investigation into how Salt Bae gained access to the pitch. It is believed that his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino allowed him access. Still, the organization quickly distanced itself from the controversy, stating that Nusret should not have been allowed on the field​.

Salt Bae’s Net Worth

Salt Bae’s impressive net worth is estimated at around $70 to $80 million, driven primarily by his global restaurant empire and social media fame. His Nusr-Et chain of steakhouses is a major contributor to his wealth, with locations in high-end cities generating significant revenue. His social media presence, which has millions of followers, has also opened doors for brand deals and other business opportunities.​

Beyond his restaurants, Salt Bae has ventured into other businesses, such as Saltbae Burger, further diversifying his sources of income. His ability to combine culinary expertise with social media savvy has made him one of the most recognizable chefs in the world. Despite controversies and negative reviews about overpriced meals, Nusret continues expanding his brand and wealth.​

Salt Bae’s Personal Life and Philanthropy

While Salt Bae’s professional life is well documented, his personal life remains relatively private. Nusret is not known for sharing much about his relationships or family on social media, and there is little publicly available information about his wife. His social media platforms are primarily dedicated to his culinary creations and restaurants.​

However, Salt Bae is known to be involved in various philanthropic efforts. He has been known to give back to his hometown in Turkey, building schools, libraries, and mosques for the community. Despite his international fame and success, Nusret often expresses gratitude for his roots and continues to support charitable causes.​

Conclusion

Salt Bae’s journey from a butcher’s apprentice in Turkey to a globally recognized culinary icon is remarkable. His ability to blend showmanship with high-end dining has earned him a loyal following and an impressive fortune. Despite occasional controversies like World Cup antics, Salt Bae has solidified his place in popular culture and the global restaurant industry.

With a growing empire of steakhouses, an expanding social media presence, and a net worth that continues to climb, Salt Bae’s influence is far from fading. Whether you know him for his viral salt-sprinkling videos or his luxurious restaurants, Nusret Gökçe has left an indelible mark on the food and entertainment world.