Salt Bae, Turkish Chef, who has reached worldwide fame with a meme posted on Instagram in 2017. His given name is Nusret Gokce and his restaurants are named after his first name as “Nusr-et Steakhouse”. Today, he is the most popular Turkish celebrity on Instagram with his 11 million followers. If he is just a butcher and chef, what makes him so unique to stand out and reach this fame? What are the milestones that had shaped a butcher’s life into worldwide known celebrity?
Apparently, there are limitless questions we can raise about him and his achievements. However, let’s briefly look into landmarks in his life and try to find some answers.
When did Salt Bae Open His First Restaurant?
Even though the Western World has recently met Salt Bae’s entertaining salt sprinkling videos, Turkish people have known him for years as he opened his first restaurant in the largest Turkish city, Istanbul, in 2010. 4 years later after opening his first restaurant, he has made his first move for international expansion and opened a branch in Dubai.
When he opened his first restaurant, Salt Bae has become quickly popular among Turks as he was a new phase. He has quickly reached fame not only because his outstanding skills, but also his close friendship with Acun Ilicali, owner of TV8 Channel in Turkey. Mr. Ilicali is most successful TV person in the Turkish media history and liked by everyone regardless of their view. For sure, strong friendship between Nusret Gokce and Acun Alicali has eased for public to accept him as a celebrity.
How did Salt Bae Become Popular?
Today, we cannot turn a blind eye to the importance of the social media popularity. In the beginning, social media popularity was crucial for bloggers, designers, architects, etc. However, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat occupies an important portion of our daily lives. So, corporations have also started to pay intensive care on their social media strategies. From this perspective, we must applaud Nusret Gokce for forming himself into “Salt Bae” character.
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I call it “Salt Bae character” because I see it as a social media project. When you look at his Instagram profile, you see numerous videos where he shows off his butcher skills. Additionally, you’ll see Nusret’s photos with his celebrity friends and his own Scarface-like styled photos. In general, he creates this super-arrogant image with don’t care attitude. However, I know that he has a way different mindset. As far as I remember, he’s always shown appreciation for the attention and love he receives. I think coming from poverty and struggle is the key role in his character development. Although long-time fame in certain character can easily change a person, I think Nusret is highly equipped to handle it.
Consequently, Nusret Gokce had reached domestic fame with his personality before becoming Salt Bae. However, his meme with his extraordinary butcher skills and unique salt sparkling move brought him worldwide fame he has today. Soon after the video, Rihanna and Ben Affleck was spotted wearing t-shirts with Salt Bae signature move printed on.
What are the impacts of Bad Reviews about Nusr-Et Steakhouse New York on Salt Bae?
I also believe cruel criticization about his restaurants another significant point encourages society to be interacted with him. He has recently opened two locations in United States. The first one is in Brickell Miami and the second one is in New York City. Salt Bae has received great reviews in Miami. However, he has been highly criticized after the opening of New York City branch. I think the main problem is mostly relevant to perspective. Most of the critics who doesn’t really enjoy Salt Bae Experience complain about his show and the crowd.
The most important point they miss is that the show has brought him to this point and it will carry on the Salt Bae brand. Maybe, he might be more innovative and creative in the future, but as they say; “Show must go on”.
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What is Salt Bae’s Real Name? How old is Salt Bae? Where is Salt Bae from?
As we mentioned earlier in our article, Salt Bae’s real name is Nusret Gokce. He was born in 1983 in Erzurum, Turkey.
What is Salt Bae’s Restaurant Name?
Salt Bae’s restaurants are called Nusr-Et Steakhouse. Although the most recent one in New York City is a burger house, restaurant offers the full menu to its visitors.
How Many Restaurants Salt Bae Owns?
There are eight Nusr-Et branches in Turkey.
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE ANKARA KAVAKLIDERE
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE BODRUM YALIKAVAK PALMARINA
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE D-HOTEL MARIS
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE ISTANBUL ETILER
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE ISTANBUL BEBEK
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE ISTANBUL NISANTASI
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE ISTANBUL KANYON
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE ISTANBUL ISTINYE PARK
There are five international branches as listed below:
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES DUBAI
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ABU DHABI
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE DOHA
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE UNITED STATES MIAMI
- NUSR-ET STEAKHOUSE UNITED STATES NEW YORK
Check out Nusr-et Steakhouse’s official website for the address and menu by clicking here.
In total, you can enjoy Salt Bae Experience in thirteen different locations across the world. According to Nusret Gokce’s official Instagram account, very soon we will hear more branches being opened around the world. No matter what critics say, I honestly enjoy the food offered in Nusr-et Steakhouse locations as well as the show itself. I would suggest you to go and check out the unique atmosphere yourself.