A recent uproar in the gastronomy world has erupted over the exorbitant pricing at Nusr-Et, the chain of opulent steakhouses owned by the renowned Turkish chef, Nusret Gokce, famously known as Salt Bae.
The controversy was sparked by a video shared by a social media user, showcasing Gokce's signature steak-preparation method, accompanied by a purported bill breakdown from one of his restaurants.
The breakdown detailed staggering prices, notably a Sprite listed at $10 (approx. Rs 800), surpassing its market value by more than tenfold. Additionally, a dish named 'Golden Tomahawk,' featuring a beef steak wrapped in gold foil, was priced at $1000 (approx. Rs 83,000).
This revelation triggered widespread outrage among internet users, with one individual condemning the prices as "overpriced garbage for the uninformed."
Criticism wasn't solely focused on the pricing; netizens scrutinised Gokce's culinary techniques displayed in the video.
One user, claiming to be a chef, pointed out a hygiene issue, stating, "As a chef what bothers me most is he immediately broke one of the biggest knife skill safety standards out there, bro forgot to wipe down the knife after refining the edge with the steel, people don't steel shavings in their food."
Moreover, there was disapproval of Gokce's presentation choices.
Another user remarked, "There's a reason his restaurants started failing en masse once the TikTok trenders got bored. Hot take but gold foil on food is usually a clear sign the chef is pretentious and not as talented. Does nothing for taste and just increases the price of food superficially."
This isn't the first instance of criticism regarding Nusr-Et's pricing.
Previously, a bill from Salt Bae's London restaurant, totaling approximately Rs 1,88,000, was shared online. The user who posted the bill compared dining at the London establishment to opting for a flight to the Turkish restaurant, citing prices like 9 pounds for a Coke and 630 pounds for a Tomahawk steak.
In response to the criticism, the 39-year-old chef reposted the receipt of the bill, fueling further debate among food enthusiasts and critics.
Nusret Gokce rose to fame in 2017 through a viral internet meme showcasing his unique steak-seasoning technique. The meme's popularity propelled him to stardom, enabling him to expand his empire and establish a global chain of restaurants that quickly became synonymous with luxury dining experiences.