Grace Seo Chang, known to many as the wife of renowned chef David Chang, is much more than just a partner to a celebrity chef. She has carved her own unique path, showcasing her love for food, fashion, and animal rescue. While Grace’s personal life has often been out of the spotlight, her passion for cooking — especially Korean dishes — and her love for family stand out. This article delves into her background, her culinary experiences, and the warmth she brings to her home and kitchen.
Contents
Early Life and Background
Grace Seo Chang grew up immersed in Korean culture and food, much of which she attributes to her mother. Although she once worked in the fashion industry, her love for Korean cooking and home recipes is what continues to shine through in her life today. This blend of culture, food, and family values shapes Grace’s approach to cooking, as she often turns to her roots for inspiration.
Growing up, one of her favorite dishes was mille-feuille nabe, a comforting hot pot dish her mother would prepare, particularly in winter. Grace has since mastered the recipe and often recreates it at home, emphasizing its simplicity, even for beginners. This dish, along with others from her childhood, carries strong cultural significance and connects her to her heritage.
Cooking at Home with Family
For Grace Seo Chang, home cooking is a labor of love. Whether it’s making traditional Korean meals or simply experimenting in the kitchen, Grace approaches cooking with heart. She recalls how her mother would cook Korean dishes to keep their heritage alive, even as they lived in a predominantly Western community. Her mother’s determination to introduce Grace and her brother to Korean food left a lasting impression. Now, as a mother herself, Grace often cooks these same dishes for her family.
One of Grace’s most beloved recipes is the mille-feuille nabe — a dish that consists of napa cabbage, shiso leaves, thinly sliced beef or pork, and various mushrooms. She admits the recipe may seem complex but assures that it’s simple and ideal for a family gathering. Grace also shares how she substitutes ingredients, especially while pregnant, such as replacing mung bean sprouts with yam noodles to avoid “cooling” foods, which are traditionally thought to be harmful during pregnancy.
Spouse:David Chang
David Chang is a renowned American chef, restaurateur, and television personality, best known for founding the acclaimed Momofuku restaurant group. Born on August 5, 1977, in Arlington, Virginia, Chang’s innovative approach to cooking blends traditional Asian flavors with modern techniques, revolutionizing the culinary world. In 2009, his New York-based restaurant, Momofuku Ko, was awarded two Michelin stars, which it retained until its closure in 2023. Over the years, Chang has expanded his empire globally, and his influence has extended beyond restaurants into books, podcasts, and television. He is known for his shows like “Ugly Delicious,” which explore food culture and its deeper societal impacts. Chang’s marriage to Grace Seo Chang in 2017 brought even more attention to his personal life. Together, they share a love for food, family, and cultural heritage. Despite his fame and success, David Chang remains grounded in his passion for culinary exploration and innovation, making him a key figure in both the food industry and pop culture.
Cooking with David Chang
Though David Chang is a professional chef, cooking at home for the Chang family is a different experience. According to Grace Seo Chang, cooking with David is often chaotic yet fun. Grace humorously refers to him as a “tornado” in the kitchen, racing against the clock to prepare meals, while she prefers a more methodical approach. Despite their different styles, both David and Grace share a deep appreciation for home-cooked meals and enjoy preparing food for their family and guests.
Grace recounts the first time she cooked for David: a simple chili dish that didn’t turn out as she had hoped. However, this experience didn’t discourage her. Instead, it strengthened her resolve to continue cooking, with David providing helpful tips along the way. She values the home-cooked meals that remind her of her childhood, often replicating dishes she grew up with in her own kitchen.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
While Grace Seo Chang is not in the public eye as much as her husband, she has certainly made a name for herself within her family and close circles. Her involvement in cooking, fashion, and animal rescue, such as caring for their pet dog Seve, showcases her diverse interests. While her personal net worth isn’t public knowledge, her family shares a comfortable lifestyle, largely due to David Chang’s success as a chef, entrepreneur, and television personality.
Together, the couple’s lifestyle reflects a blend of high-end dining experiences and the warmth of home cooking. With David Chang’s net worth estimated in the millions, the couple enjoys the finer things while also embracing the simplicity and joy of family life. Their shared passion for food and their appreciation for cultural heritage create a rich and fulfilling home environment.
Conclusion
Grace Seo Chang may be known to many as David Chang’s wife, but her influence in their home and her personal passion for Korean cooking make her stand out in her own right. From her early memories of her mother’s cooking to preparing meals for her own family, Grace has created a legacy of love and culture through food. Her ability to balance her life as a mother, wife, and animal advocate showcases her depth as a person. Whether she’s in the kitchen recreating her favorite childhood dish or caring for her family, Grace Seo Chang continues to inspire with her warmth, dedication, and passion for home cooking.
