Viral For Dramatic Salt-Sprinkling, This Chef Once 'Intimidated' Messi — A Short Rise & Fall Story
The Salt Bae Moment That Changed Everything
Salt Bae's rise started with a short video in 2017 which showed his signature move where he sprinkled salt with a dramatic wrist flick, letting it slide down his forearm onto a juicy steak. Wearing dark sunglasses and a tight white T-shirt, he became an internet sensation.
The video caught the attention of millions including celebrities like Bruno Mars who reposted it and Rihanna who even wore a Salt Bae t-shirt. Stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio visited his restaurants. He has also been pictured with soccer legend David Beckham and actor Jason Statham.
The Luxury Steak Empire
Salt Bae's success led to the rapid expansion of his restaurant brand, Nusr-Et. Starting from a single location in 2010, his empire grew to include spots in Dubai, London, New York, Beverly Hills and more.
His menu was anything but ordinary. At the Beverly Hills location, guests could enjoy char-grilled steaks like the mustard-marinated Amor, also known as Salt Bae's Private Reserve Cut, thick wagyu Woww steak and the famous Salt Bae tomahawk.
Nusr-Et also offered a lavish Golden Experience menu that featured steaks coated in edible gold. For example, a 24-carat gold-covered tomahawk steak was priced at $950, a golden Amor at $1,500 and a massive four-pound wagyu New York strip steak at $2,000. The menu even included unique dishes like meat sushi topped with Parmigiano cheese served on beds of sushi rice.
The restaurants became famous not only for the food but also for the spectacle with Salt Bae often performing his salt-sprinkling routine at the table.
Trouble In Paradise
Salt Bae's shine started to fade as serious complaints surfaced. A former waiter at his Manhattan steakhouse accused Salt Bae of taking a portion of the employees' tips. According to a report in Eater, the waiter had claimed that tips were pooled but that management kept about 3 per cent before sharing the rest with staff including managers and non-service employees.
The employee had also alleged that workers were shorted on pay for breaks and overtime. According to the lawsuit, anyone who complained about not receiving their full tips was systematically fired. Customers also started speaking out. Many said, 'The show looks good. But the food isn't worth it."
These accusations added to Salt Bae's growing list of controversies.
Public Missteps
Salt Bae's troubles extended beyond his restaurants. In 2022, he caused a stir by storming the pitch at the FIFA World Cup final without permission. He grabbed the trophy, kissed it and performed his signature salt-sprinkle gestures. Even Lionel Messi looked stunned by his unexpected actions. Many saw this as disrespectful.
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