David Chang, an American restaurateur, has successfully transitioned from the culinary world to television. While some may recognize him from his TV appearances, others know him as the founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. Here are 10 intriguing facts about David Chang that you might not know:
1. Hailing from Arlington, VA
Born in Arlington, VA, Chang’s hometown is a county rather than a city. Despite being the smallest self-governing county in the United States, Arlington boasts a sizable population, making it the sixth largest county in Virginia.
2. Korean Roots
Chang’s parents both immigrated from Korea in the 1960s. His father came from North Korea, while his mother hailed from South Korea. Their journey to the United States began after the division of Korea following World War II.
3. A Golfing Past
Chang’s father, who started in the United States with just $50, eventually founded several restaurants and a golf supplies store. As a child, Chang was a junior golf champion but left the sport by the age of 13.
4. A Spiritual Side
Chang majored in religious studies in school, showcasing his interest in spirituality. However, his religious pursuits differed from his family’s involvement in their Korean Presbyterian church. Chang found inspiration in Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, which elevated simple, repetitive tasks into something honorable.
5. Ramen Enthusiast
Chang’s love for ramen led him to seek an apprenticeship in a Japanese ramen shop. Ramen, a Japanese dish featuring Chinese-style wheat noodles, meat broth, and various toppings, inspired Chang’s culinary journey. Interestingly, the inventor of instant ramen was named Momofuku Ando.
6. A Stint at Café Boulud
After returning to the United States, Chang worked at the New York City-based restaurant Café Boulud. Despite the grueling hours and high expectations, Chang found the experience rewarding. However, personal issues, including his mother’s cancer diagnosis and family business disputes, led him to leave Café Boulud to focus on simpler dishes.
7. The Struggle with Simplicity
Chang’s father provided the seed money for his restaurant venture, but support from industry acquaintances was scarce due to the high failure rates of new restaurants. Eventually, Chang partnered with Joaquin Baca, who was frustrated with the lack of opportunities in New York City. Surprisingly, Chang’s initial idea of simpler dishes didn’t sell well. The restaurant’s success began when they started experimenting with unique dishes and better ingredients.
8. Fiery Temper
While it’s not uncommon for chefs to yell in restaurant kitchens, Chang’s temper is more intense than most. He admits to becoming a “complete maniac” when angry, taking a full day to calm down after an outburst.
9. Admiration for Ferran Adrià
Chang is a huge fan of Spanish chef Ferran Adrià, known for his innovative culinary creations like culinary foam. Chang believes Adrià is one of only two chefs from the present era who will still be studied in two centuries due to his willingness to rethink the nature of food.
10. Netflix Star
As a TV personality, Chang has multiple shows available on Netflix. His programs focus on authenticity, a popular trend in recent years. However, some critics, like a Slate review, argue that modern food shows, including Chang’s, place too much emphasis on food consumption rather than creation.
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