Who is the richest chef in the world? While Gordon Ramsay and his stunning array of television shows may come to mind, the real answer may surprise you! The team at How Long to Cook Calculator has gathered a delicious dossier on the wealthiest chefs in the world, including famous chef signature dishes for each one in case you feel hungry and inspired:
The celebrity chef with the highest net worth is Alan Wong. While Alan Wong’s net worth is often disputed, he is undoubtedly one of the most successful chefs in the world. But who is Alan Wong, and why is Alan Wong so rich? Wong is a Japanese chef and one of the 12 co-founders of Hawaii regional cuisine. He pioneered island fusion cuisine, which became a beloved global phenomenon. He had humble origins as a dishwasher in Hawaii before he worked his way into the tutelage of André Soltner, who is regarded as one of America’s earliest superstar chefs. In 2009, Wong cooked a luau at the White House for then-President Obama. In 2013, he was induced into the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame.
The second-highest-paid chef based on net worth is Kimbal Musk, estimated to be worth $500 million. He owns the Kitchen Restaurant Group, which is a collection of “community” restaurants across Colorado, Chicago, and Indianapolis. He is also the co-founder and chairman of Big Green, a non-profit organization that has built hundreds of outdoor classrooms known as “Learning Gardens” in playgrounds and schoolyards across the United States. Additionally, he is the co-founder and chairman of Square Roots, an urban farming company based in Brooklyn, New York, which grows food in hydroponic shipping containers. As Elon Musk’s brother, he currently sits on the boards of Tesla and SpaceX.
Gordon Ramsay’s net worth is approximately $220 million. The fiery master chef has earned his fortune through both successful restaurants and television shows. How many restaurants does Gordon Ramsay have? According to FineDiningLovers.com, Ramsay runs 35 restaurants, down from a high of 57 throughout his career. Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants range from burger joints, fish and chip joints, pubs, and grills to steakhouses and fine dining experiences that require reservations months in advance. Gordon Ramsay has been awarded a total of 16 Michelin stars throughout his culinary journey, but he currently holds seven. What is Gordon Ramsay’s signature dish? That would be beef Wellington. To prepare it, Ramsay wraps medium-rare filet mignon with layers of a mushroom mixture, prosciutto, and puff pastry. How many television shows does Gordon Ramsay have? His list of credits includes nearly 40 TV shows that he has produced, hosted, or starred in!
Here are the top ten richest chefs in the world based on net worth:
Alan Wong (net worth $1.1 billion)
Kimbal Musk (net worth $500 million)
Jamie Oliver (net worth $300 million)
Gordon Ramsay (net worth $220 million)
Nobu Matsuhisa (net worth $200 million)
Wolfgang Puck (net worth $120 million)
Rachael Ray (net worth $100 million)
Emeril Lagasse (net worth $70 million)
Bobby Flay (net worth $60 million)
Ina Garten (net worth $60 million)
| Chef | Net Worth | Iconic or Favorite Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Wong | $1.1 billion | Minute poke |
| Kimbal Musk | $500 million | Roasted veggie bowl |
| Jamie Oliver | $300 million | Steak sarnie |
| Gordon Ramsay | $220 million | Beef Wellington |
| Nobu Matsuhisa | $200 million | Yellowtail with jalapeno and sashimi salad |
| Wolfgang Puck | $120 million | Smoked salmon pizza |
| Rachael Ray | $100 million | Mexican lasagna |
| Emeril Lagasse | $70 million | Banana cream pie |
| Bobby Flay | $60 million | Louisiana burger |
| Ina Garten | $60 million | Roast chicken |
| Guy Fieri | $50 million | Dragon’s breath chili |
| José Andres | $50 million | Philly cheesesteak |
| Julia Child | $50 million | Beef bourguignon |
| Ree Drummond | $50 million | Chicken pot pie |
| Thomas Keller | $50 million | Oysters and Pearls |
| Vikram Vij | $50 million | Lamb Popsicles |
| Levi Roots | $45 million | Ackee and saltfish |
| Marco Pierre White | $40 million | Chicken chasseur |
| Giada De Laurentiis | $30 million | Lemon spaghetti |
| Rick Bayless | $30 million | Aguachile |
| Curtis Stone | $25 million | Pork tenderloin |
| Mario Batali | $25 million | Bucatini all'Amatriciana |
| Alice Waters | $20 million | Baked goat cheese with garden lettuce |
| Charlie Ayers | $20 million | Tuna poke potato skins |
| Christopher Kimball | $20 million | Mujaddara |
| David Chang | $20 million | Pork buns |