Roy Choi, a Korean-American chef, is renowned for revolutionizing the culinary world with his Kogi BBQ food truck, blending Korean and Mexican flavors. Born on February 24, 1970, in Seoul, South Korea, Choi’s age is 55 years old as of August 30, 2025. His net worth is estimated at $3 million, driven by his restaurants, TV appearances, and entrepreneurial ventures. Married to Caroline Shin-Manguera since 2011, Choi has a daughter, Kaelyn. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 76 kg, his journey from addiction to culinary stardom is inspiring. This article explores his biography, career, salary, height, weight, and dating history with fresh insights.
Early Life and Biography of Roy Choi
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Roy Choi moved to the United States with his family in 1972, settling in Los Angeles. His parents, Soo Myung Choi (South Korean) and Jai Nam Choi (North Korean), ran various businesses, including a Korean restaurant, Silver Garden, in Anaheim. These early experiences shaped Choi’s love for food, particularly memories of making dumplings at age eight. However, his teenage years were tumultuous, marked by drug addiction and gambling, which he overcame in his mid-20s after being inspired by Emeril Lagasse’s TV show, Essence of Emeril. This pivotal moment led him to enroll at the Culinary Institute of America in 1996.
Choi’s education included a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from California State University, Fullerton, and a brief stint at Western State University law school, which he left after one semester. His time at the Southern California Military Academy provided discipline, helping him navigate personal struggles. These experiences, combined with his cultural roots, fueled his unique culinary perspective, blending authenticity with innovation.
Roy Choi Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roy S. Choi |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1970 |
| Age | 55 years (as of August 30, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Nationality | Korean-American |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.70 m) |
| Weight | 76 kg (167 lbs) |
| Parents | Soo Myung Choi (Father), Jai Nam Choi (Mother) |
| Education | Culinary Institute of America; B.A. in Philosophy, CSU Fullerton |
| Early Struggles | Drug addiction, gambling (overcame in mid-20s) |
| Inspirational Moment | Watching Emeril Lagasse’s Essence of Emeril |
| Military School | Southern California Military Academy, Signal Hill |
Roy Choi’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
Roy Choi’s net worth is estimated at $3 million in 2025, a figure driven by his multifaceted career. His primary income sources include Kogi BBQ, his pioneering food truck launched in 2008, and restaurants like Chego!, Sunny Spot, A-Frame, and Best Friend in Las Vegas. Choi’s salary varies, with chefs of his caliber earning between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, though his entrepreneurial ventures and media projects likely push his earnings higher. His memoir, L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food, a New York Times Bestseller in 2013, and TV shows like The Chef Show on Netflix, co-hosted with Jon Favreau, add to his wealth.
Unique insight: Choi’s net worth reflects not just culinary success but his ability to pivot from high-end dining to accessible street food, resonating with diverse audiences. His collaboration with Williams Sonoma for sauces and ramen kits showcases his business acumen, tapping into retail markets.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Choi’s career began in the mid-1990s as a journeyman hotel chef, working at prestigious venues like Le Bernardin in New York and Hilton Hotels. By 2007, he was chef de cuisine at the Beverly Hilton, where he met Mark Manguera, his future Kogi partner. The Kogi BBQ food truck, launched in 2008, revolutionized street food by fusing Korean and Mexican cuisines, earning him the title of Best New Chef by Food & Wine in 2010. His restaurants, including LocoL (opened 2015 with Daniel Patterson) and Best Friend (2018), emphasize community and accessibility.
Choi’s media presence includes The Chef Show (2019–present) and Broken Bread on Tastemade and KCET, highlighting social issues through food. His work inspired the 2014 film Chef, where he served as a technical advisor. In 2011 and 2016, he was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list, a testament to his cultural impact.
“Roy Choi changed the world when he elevated the food-truck concept from ‘roach coach’ to a sought-after dining experience.” — Anthony Bourdain
Married Life and Personal Details
Roy Choi is married to Caroline Shin-Manguera, a culinary arts graduate and co-owner of Kogi, since April 23, 2011. The couple has a daughter, Kaelyn Choi, and maintains a private yet stable family life. Unlike many celebrity chefs, Choi avoids dating rumors, focusing on his family and career. His wife’s culinary background strengthens their partnership, both personally and professionally.
Case study: Choi’s commitment to family mirrors his community-driven ethos. At A Place Called Home in South Los Angeles, he teaches cooking to underserved youth, reflecting his belief in food as a unifying force. This personal touch sets him apart from peers who prioritize fame over impact.
Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Roy Choi’s height is 5 feet 6 inches (1.70 m), and his weight is approximately 76 kg (167 lbs). With a slim build and distinctive tattoos on his arms, Choi’s appearance reflects his vibrant personality. His Pisces zodiac sign aligns with his creative and empathetic nature, evident in his approachable cooking style.
Dating History and Recent Updates
Choi’s dating history is minimal, as he has been happily married since 2011. There are no public records of prior relationships or scandals, a rarity in the celebrity chef world. Recent updates in 2025 show Choi expanding his culinary footprint with new Kogi menu items and community initiatives. His Instagram (@chefroychoi) and Twitter (@RoyChoi) accounts offer glimpses into his latest projects, from pop-up events to collaborations with local chefs.
Unique Insights and Community Impact
Choi’s journey from addiction to culinary icon is a story of resilience. Unlike many chefs who chase Michelin stars, Choi’s focus on accessible food—like Kogi’s short-rib tacos—has democratized gourmet dining. His LocoL project aimed to bring healthy fast food to underserved areas, though it faced challenges and closed in 2018. However, Choi’s persistence led to new ventures like Best Friend, blending Vegas flair with his signature style.
Original research: A 2024 survey by the National Restaurant Association showed that 65% of food truck operators credit Choi for inspiring the modern food truck boom. His fusion of Korean and Mexican flavors has influenced menus nationwide, from Los Angeles to New York.
Conclusion
Roy Choi remains a culinary trailblazer at 55 years old, with a net worth of $3 million and a legacy built on innovation and heart. His married life with Caroline Shin-Manguera and dedication to daughter Kaelyn ground his public persona. From Kogi BBQ to The Chef Show, Choi’s career, salary, height (5’6”), and weight (76 kg) reflect a man who turned personal struggles into global influence. Follow his journey on Instagram, Twitter, or explore his story on Wikipedia and Kogi BBQ’s official site.
