Chef Edward Lee has become a familiar name in gastronomy for his unique culinary style that blends Korean and Southern flavors. Now, with his appearance on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars, the celebrated chef is now introduced to a whole new audience.
Whether it's through his popular restaurants, award-winning books, or TV appearances, Chef Edward’s career reflects his passion for food and his ability to bring cultures together. Here’s everything you need to know about this award-winning chef!
Who Is Chef Edward Lee? 10 Things to Know About the Korean-American Celebrity Chef
1. His parents didn’t initially approve of him starting a career as a chef.
Born to Korean immigrant parents, Chef Edward was raised in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, he was surrounded by a variety of cuisines, but in his traditionally patriarchal Korean home, cooking skills were passed down to his older sister. Determined to pursue his passion, he fought his way into the kitchen, even though his parents were initially hesitant about his career choice.
At 22, Chef Edward embarked on a journey that took him from France to cities across the U.S., where he learned different regional cuisines before settling in Louisville, Kentucky after a transformative trip to the Kentucky Derby in 2001.
2. His cuisine reflects a fusion of his Korean roots and Southern culinary traditions.
Chef Edward’s approach to cooking celebrates the intersection of his cultural backgrounds. He combines the flavors of Korean cuisine—like gochujang and kimchi—with traditional Southern ingredients such as sorghum, ham, and bourbon. On The Mind of a Chef, he explained that he believes flavors from regions at similar latitudes, despite being from different parts of the world, often complement each other beautifully. This philosophy has guided his unique style, creating dishes that resonate with diners across cultural lines.
3. He owns several restaurants.
Chef Edward has been at the helm of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, Kentucky, since 2003, where he showcases his signature blend of Southern and Korean flavors. He also owns two locations of Succotash Prime, one in Washington, D.C., and another at National Harbor, Maryland, which focuses on Southern cuisine with modern twists. In addition, he launched Nami Korean Steakhouse in Louisville, where he celebrates the bold and vibrant flavors of his Korean heritage.
4. He’s a TV show regular.
Chef Edward gained national recognition after competing on Season 9 of Top Chef. He has since appeared on several other shows, including The Mind of a Chef, which he hosted, and Gordon Ramsay’s Culinary Genius. He even won the championship on Iron Chef USA 8 in 2013. His latest project, Culinary Class Wars on Netflix, features him as a “White Spoon,” where he competes alongside other elite celebrity chefs.
5. He has cooked for U.S. and South Korea’s presidents.
During South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the United States in 2023, Chef Edward was chosen as the guest chef for the state banquet at the White House, which was also attended by the likes of Angelina Jolie and Lea Salonga. This prestigious opportunity allowed him to showcase his culinary talents to both American and Korean leaders, reinforcing his role as a cultural bridge through food.
6. He has several awards and nominations under his belt.
Chef Edward’s accolades include the 2019 James Beard Foundation Award for Writing for his book Buttermilk Graffiti: A Chef’s Journey to Discover America’s New Melting Pot Cuisine. He has been a six-time finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast, and his restaurants have been celebrated by Food & Wine Magazine and the Michelin Guide, with Succotash earning a Bib Gourmand distinction in 2019.
7. He has authored three books.
With his degree in literature from New York University, Chef Edward’s passion for storytelling shines through in his books. Smoke & Pickles chronicles his journey from Brooklyn to Louisville, while Buttermilk Graffiti, a James Beard Award winner, explores America’s diverse food culture. His latest, Bourbon Land, celebrates Kentucky bourbon with recipes and insights.
8. He founded an organization to help the next generation of restaurant professionals.
In 2018, Chef Edward launched The LEE Initiative, which aims to bring more diversity, equity, and sustainability to the restaurant industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization provided over $5 million in direct aid to restaurant workers and farmers. For his work, Chef Edward received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in 2021, underscoring his commitment to making a positive impact on the culinary community.
9. He’s married with one daughter.
In 2010, Chef Edward wedded Dianne Durcholz, a Kentucky native. The couple has one daughter, Arden, who was born in 2013.
10. You can follow him on Instagram.
Stay up to date on Chef Edward Lee’s culinary adventures and restaurant updates by following his official Instagram page.
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