David Chang Net Worth 2026 Restaurant Earnings
David Chang has built an estimated net worth of $20 million as of 2026 through his revolutionary Momofuku restaurant group and diverse media ventures. Born on August 5, 1977, in Arlington County, Virginia, the 48 year old American chef, restaurateur, author, and television personality transformed modern Asian cuisine in America.
He founded the acclaimed Momofuku restaurant group in 2004 starting with Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City’s East Village.
His restaurant Momofuku Ko earned two Michelin stars in 2009 maintaining them until its closure in 2023. His wealth stems during restaurant operations across nine current locations, his retail brand Momofuku Goods generating over $67 million in revenue during 2024, television hosting including Netflix’s Ugly Delicious and Dinner Time Live with David Chang, bestselling cookbooks including Momofuku and Eat a Peach, and his media company Majordomo.
He co founded Lucky Peach food magazine in 2011 which ran for 25 quarterly volumes until 2017. He won $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 2020 donating it to Southern Smoke Foundation.
Quick Facts About David Chang
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | David Chang (Korean: 장석호) |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Arlington County, Virginia, USA |
| Age | 48 years old (as of 2026) |
| davNet Worth (2026) | $20 million |
| Occupation | Chef, Restaurateur, Author, TV Host |
| Famous For | Momofuku restaurant group founder |
| Education | Trinity College, French Culinary Institute |
| Spouse | Grace Seo Chang (married 2017) |
| Children | Two (Hugo born 2019, second child) |
| Awards | Six James Beard Awards, Two Michelin Stars |
Who is David Chang?
David Chang is an American celebrity chef and restaurateur who revolutionized Asian cuisine in America through innovation. Born to Korean immigrant parents Woo Chung Hi “Sherri” and Chang Jin Pil, he grew up in Vienna, Virginia. His mother was born in Kaesong, North Korea, and his father in Pyongyang before emigrating during the 1960s.
He has two older brothers and one sister who grew up alongside him in the suburbs. As a child, Chang was a competitive golfer participating in numerous junior tournaments across the region. He attended Georgetown Preparatory School where he excelled academically and athletically pursuing his early passions.
He later enrolled at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, majoring in religious studies instead of culinary arts. After graduating, he taught English in Japan, bussed tables in New York, and worked finance positions exploring careers.
David Chang Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers | Content Focus |
| @davidchang | 2 million+ | Food, restaurants, personal life | |
| @davidchang | 1.5 million+ | Industry commentary, updates | |
| David Chang | 800,000+ | Restaurant news, media projects | |
| YouTube | David Chang | 500,000+ | Cooking videos, interviews |
read also :
Culinary Training and Early Restaurant Career
David Chang started attending the French Culinary Institute in New York City in 2000 pursuing professional training. While training, he worked part time at Mercer Kitchen in Manhattan gaining hands on experience. He got a job answering phones at Tom Colicchio’s renowned Craft restaurant before becoming a cook there.
Chang stayed at Craft for two years learning techniques before moving to Japan to work at a soba shop. He then worked at a restaurant in Tokyo’s Park Hyatt Hotel expanding his culinary knowledge internationally.
Upon returning to the United States, he worked at Café Boulud where his idol Alex Lee had worked. However, Chang quickly grew dissatisfied with the entire fine dining scene feeling creatively stifled and frustrated. In 2004, he opened his first restaurant Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village with nearly $200,000 during his father.
read also :
Building the Momofuku Restaurant Empire
David Chang opened Momofuku Noodle Bar in 2004 naming it after Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen. The name “momofuku” also translates to “lucky peach” in Japanese reflecting his culinary philosophy and inspiration. In August 2006, he opened his second restaurant Momofuku Ssäm Bar just blocks away during tremendous success.
The Infatuation rated it 8.4 out of 10 calling the menu inventive, exciting, and different. In March 2008, he opened Momofuku Ko, a 12 seat restaurant taking reservations ten days in advance online only. Momofuku Ko earned two Michelin stars in 2009 maintaining them annually until closing in November 2023.
Later in 2008, he expanded Momofuku Ssäm Bar with pastry chef Christina Tosi creating Momofuku Milk Bar. The dessert shop served soft serve ice cream, cookies, pies, cakes, and treats inspiring childhood nostalgia. In May 2010, he opened Má Pêche in midtown Manhattan expanding his restaurant footprint significantly.
read also :
International Expansion and Business Growth
In November 2010, David Chang announced his first international restaurant opening in Sydney, Australia, expanding globally. Momofuku Seiōbo opened in October 2011 at the redeveloped Star City Casino in Pyrmont, New South Wales. The restaurant earned three hats during the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide in its first year.
It was also named Best New Restaurant establishing Chang’s international reputation and culinary excellence. In March 2011, he announced bringing Momofuku to Toronto opening in late 2012 in a three story glass cube. Momofuku Toronto included three restaurants: Noodle Bar, Daishō, and Shōtō, plus a bar called Nikai.
However, Daishō and Shōtō closed in late 2017 and the space was refurbished for a new concept. A new restaurant Kojin opened in the space in 2018 showcasing Chang’s adaptability to market changes. In June 2015, he launched Fuku, a fast food chain specializing in fried chicken sandwiches expanding accessibility.
read also :
- Danny Go Net Worth & Career
- Pat Smear Net Worth 2026 Rock Music Earnings
- Meat Loaf Net Worth 2022 Rock Legend Fortune
Television Career and Media Success
David Chang appeared in HBO’s Treme in 2010 alongside chefs Tom Colicchio, Eric Ripert, and Wylie Dufresne. He served as a guest judge on Top Chef All Stars and MasterChef Australia gaining television exposure. In 2012, he launched PBS series The Mind of a Chef executive produced by Anthony Bourdain exploring culinary creativity.
In 2018, he created, produced, and starred in Netflix’s Ugly Delicious blending cooking with cultural exploration. The series was renewed for a second season in 2020 due to overwhelming popularity and critical acclaim. He also appeared in Netflix’s The Chef Show produced by friends Roy Choi and Jon Favreau.
In 2019, he produced Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on Netflix featuring celebrities including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon. On November 29, 2020, he became the first celebrity winning $1 million on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He donated the entire prize to Southern Smoke Foundation supporting restaurant workers in need nationwide.
read also :
- Taylor Hawkins Net Worth 2025 Music Legacy
- Summit1g Net Worth 2026 Streaming Earnings
- Harlan Crow Net Worth 2026 Wealth Overview
Momofuku Goods and Retail Success
David Chang expanded beyond restaurants launching Momofuku Goods focusing on retail products and consumer packaged goods. The brand raised approximately $29 million in funding during 2023 supporting rapid expansion and product development. Momofuku Goods generated over $67 million in revenue during 2024 proving massive commercial success beyond restaurants.
His chili crisp product became controversial in 2024 when he attempted trademarking the term “chili crunch.” Critics called him a “trademark bully” prompting public backlash and widespread criticism across social media platforms. Chang issued a public apology clarifying his intentions and addressing concerns about protecting small businesses.
Despite controversy, Momofuku Goods remains a significant contributor to his overall net worth and business portfolio. The retail expansion demonstrates Chang’s business acumen extending his brand beyond traditional restaurant operations into consumer homes.
read also :
- Shaun King Net Worth 2026 Wealth Overview
- Jerrod Carmichael Net Worth 2026 Comedy Fortune
- Jordan Rodgers Net Worth 2026 Career Earnings
Personal Life and Mental Health Advocacy
David Chang married Grace Seo Chang in 2017 beginning their life together as a married couple. The couple welcomed their first son Hugo in March 2019 expanding their family and bringing joy. They have since welcomed a second child continuing to build their family together in recent years.
Chang has been remarkably open about his struggles with bipolar disorder and mental health challenges throughout his career. He uses his platform advocating for mental health awareness in the high pressure culinary industry environment. He has discussed how mental health issues affected his work relationships and personal life significantly over time.
His willingness to speak openly inspired many chefs to seek support for their own mental health struggles. He partnered with No Kid Hungry in 2019 working to end child hunger across the United States. During the COVID pandemic, he hosted virtual charity dinners raising funds for struggling restaurant workers nationwide.
David Chang Income Sources
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Contribution |
| Momofuku Restaurants | $3 million to $5 million |
| Momofuku Goods Retail | $5 million to $8 million |
| Television Hosting and Production | $2 million to $4 million |
| Book Sales and Royalties | $500,000 to $1 million |
| Speaking Engagements | $300,000 to $500,000 |
| Media Company Majordomo | $1 million to $2 million |
Net Worth Comparison with Celebrity Chefs
| Chef | Net Worth | Famous For | Notable Achievement |
| David Chang | $20 million | Momofuku founder | Two Michelin stars |
| Gordon Ramsay | $220 million | Hell’s Kitchen | Multiple Michelin stars |
| Wolfgang Puck | $120 million | Spago restaurants | Celebrity chef pioneer |
| Bobby Flay | $60 million | Iron Chef | Food Network star |
FAQs About David Chang
Conclusion
David Chang’s $20 million net worth reflects his revolutionary impact on modern Asian cuisine and restaurant culture. His Momofuku empire and media success continue inspiring chefs worldwide. He remains a influential force shaping culinary innovation.
![Ben Baller Net Worth: Celebrity Jeweler's $100 Million Empire ([year])](https://celebworthhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Ben-Baller-Net-Worth-Career-768x432.webp)
![Rebecca Grossman Net Worth: Convicted Socialite's $20 Million Fortune ([year])](https://celebworthhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rebecca-Grossman-Net-Worth-Career-768x432.webp)