Nusrat Gokce (Salt Bae): The Rise, Fall, and Controversies of the World’s Most Famous Chef

Early Life and Humble Beginnings

From Poverty to Culinary Stardom

Born in 1983 in Erzurum, Turkey, Nusrat Gokce’s journey to global fame is a testament to perseverance and ambition. Raised in a modest family, his father was a miner, and from a young age, Nusrat worked in local butcher shops to support his family. His early exposure to meat and butchery laid the foundation for his future career as a steakhouse chef.

In 2007, armed with a bank loan, Nusrat traveled to Argentina to learn the art of preparing perfect steaks—a pivotal move that would shape his culinary style. After returning to Turkey, he opened his first restaurant in Istanbul with just eight tables, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey.

The Birth of Salt Bae

Nusrat Gokce’s signature salt-sprinkling gesture and flamboyant presentation made him an instant social media sensation. His unique style of sprinkling salt on meat from an elegant height became his trademark, earning him the nickname “Salt Bae.” This viral fame attracted celebrities, influencers, and international attention, turning Nusrat into a global culinary icon.

October 21, 2025 | 5:58 pm