Back in 2017, Nusret Gökçe became famous with one smooth flick of the wrist. A video showing him sprinkling salt onto a steak turned him into “Salt Bae.” It wasn’t just the meat that sizzled. His confident pose, stylish sunglasses, and theatrical flair captured the internet. Within days, his clip had millions of views. People around the world began mimicking the pose, making memes, and visiting his restaurants.
Fast Facts
- Who: Nusret Gökçe, better known as Salt Bae
- Viral Moment: 2017 steak-salting video that made him an internet icon
- Where Now: Based in Turkey and the Middle East, expanding in Cappadocia and Ibiza
- Current Status: Still active in business, but lower media presence
- Net Worth: Estimated around $80 million as of 2025
From Meme to Millionaire Restaurateur
After the viral video, Gökçe turned fame into fortune. His Nusr-Et steakhouse chain grew fast. He opened new locations across the globe, from Miami to Dubai. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and David Beckham stopped by.
He even started serving gold-covered steaks that cost over $1,000. With around 53 million Instagram followers, Salt Bae became a global brand. But things started to shift.
“Every day I wake up with the same fire in my heart as I had when I first stepped into a butcher shop as a young boy.”
“I left school in the sixth grade to help support my family… I worked long hours… but I embraced the job and developed a real passion for it.”
— Salt Bae, Digital Journal
When the Spotlight Burned Too Bright
In one infamous case, a customer in the UK shared a viral receipt showing a £37,000 bill at Nusr-Et London. It included gold-covered steaks, expensive wines, and a service charge, sparking global backlash over ‘meme pricing.’
As fast as the fame came, the backlash followed. Some diners complained about sky-high bills. In 2018, he faced protests after serving Venezuela’s president during a hunger crisis. In 2019, he settled a lawsuit over stolen tips. COVID-19 brought shutdowns.
In 2022, he faced global backlash for grabbing the World Cup trophy without permission. By 2025, his U.S. restaurants were closing. Critics called him out for ego, poor management, and being a fading meme.
Where Is Salt Bae Now?
Today, Gökçe is still active but more focused on expanding in the Middle East and Europe. He was recently spotted in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Malta.
In August 2025, he’s opening a restaurant in Cappadocia and working on a luxury complex in Ibiza. His lifestyle remains lavish, private jets, celebrity ties, and a $36 million palace in Istanbul. Yet he’s more behind the scenes now, focusing on his empire instead of flashy stunts.
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Does He Look Any Different?
Not much has changed. At 42, Gökçe still wears his signature white tee, black pants, ponytail, and shades.
Recent Instagram videos show him salting steaks, posing with guests, and announcing projects. He still plays the part, but the energy now feels more controlled and polished.
Please say MASALLAH #saltbae #saltlife #nusret pic.twitter.com/ueHsKmP0vt
— Saltbae #Yorum (@nusr_ett) July 6, 2025
Is He Still Making Money?
Yes, but not as much as before. His London restaurant earned £2.2 million in profits for 2023, with turnover dropping from £13.6 million the previous year to £9.3 million.
The U.S. closures hurt, but his restaurants in Turkey, the UAE, and other regions are still operating. He’s active on social media and uses it to promote his brand and businesses. New ventures, like the Ibiza complex, aim to revive his empire.
“Being a chef in the digital age is both exciting and empowering.”
“Social media has become a great part of our lives, and I’ve embraced it as a powerful tool to connect with my community and share the Nusr-Et experience with a global audience.”
— Salt Bae, Digital Journal
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Did He Ever Regret Going Viral?
“It was my mistake. Before, I didn’t know the rules; now I know the rules. If I knew the rules, I would never have touched the World Cup.”
“Next World Cup, I’ll never touch the World Cup. I will go, of course, to the stadium to see the match, but I’ll never touch it again.”
— Salt Bae, Arabian Business
He hasn’t regretted his fame. His story, from a 13-year-old butcher to a millionaire, still inspires. Fame came fast, and he stumbled, but he keeps pushing forward.
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What About His Family?
This part is a mystery. Salt Bae keeps his personal life quiet. He’s not publicly married, and no one knows for sure if he has children. Some old reports claim he has nine children, but there is no verified confirmation as of 2025. A Mother’s Day post hinted at family, but details are scarce. For such a public figure, his private life remains hidden.
Is He Planning a Comeback?
Yes, in his own way. He isn’t switching careers, but he’s focused on rebuilding. He’s launching new restaurants in tourist spots. He’s also trying to keep his brand alive through Instagram and global openings.
There was negative buzz in June 2025 when he was reportedly ejected from a Champions League after-party in Munich. The video clip went viral for the wrong reasons and revived criticism over his habit of forcing himself into celebrity moments. Still, he keeps going. His focus now is more business than buzz.
“Success is my biggest motivation.”
“I was aged 25, with no English language knowledge, when I decided to travel to two countries famed for their meat — Argentina and the US — with just USD 500 in my pocket.”
— Salt Bae, Taste and Flavors
What Is Salt Bae’s Life Like Now?
Salt Bae Timeline: Rise, Fame, and Fallout
- 2017: Viral “Ottoman Steak” video goes global
- 2018: Venezuela Maduro dinner sparks backlash
- 2019: Settles $230K tip-skimming lawsuit
- 2020: COVID-19 shutdown, Boston fined
- 2022: World Cup trophy incident
- 2023: London revenues drop
- 2025: Opens Cappadocia location, announces Ibiza expansion
His net worth in 2025 is about $80 million. He still flies private and owns luxury real estate. But behind the flash, he’s making strategic moves. He’s cutting costs, focusing on Middle Eastern markets, and working hard to stay relevant. He is no longer a global meme, but he’s still a powerful name in food.
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FAQs
Yes. Despite some fake news articles online, Salt Bae is very much alive and well in 2025. He’s posting updates, launching businesses, and making appearances at major events.
Between 2019 and 2023, Gökçe faced multiple legal challenges. He settled a tip-skimming lawsuit in 2019 for $230,000 and faced discrimination claims between 2021–2023. In 2020, his Boston location was fined for violating COVID-19 protocols.
Several things. Lawsuits over tips and workplace issues. Bad PR from expensive meals and viral fails. The World Cup trophy stunt turned public opinion. Then came closures and financial dips. His fame became a warning story. Fame gave him power, but overdoing it made people turn away.