David Chang is a Korean-American author, restaurateur, and television personality who is well-known for his Momofuku restaurant group. Chang's literary work includes fiction and memoirs, and he has gained significant recognition in the culinary world. He first made a name for himself when he opened Momofuku, his debut restaurant in East Village Manhattan in 2004, which quickly became popular for its casual atmosphere and delicious pork buns and ramen noodles.
Momofuku's success led to the opening of more than a dozen additional restaurants across several cities, including Sydney, New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Chang has received numerous awards for his culinary contributions, including outstanding chef, best new restaurant, and five James Beard Awards. In addition to his restaurant business, Chang has expanded into the media industry with his Netflix series "Ugly Delicious," which explores the foods of different cultures.
Chang's debut memoir, "Eat a Peach," offers insights into the restaurant industry and food, as well as personal struggles with depression and fitting in. Growing up in Virginia as a child of North Korean immigrants, Chang often felt embarrassed by the Korean foods his family prepared, and his kitchen smelled very different from his friends'. He credits restaurants and cooking with saving his life, as he suffered from bipolar disorder and found solace in the culinary world.