Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gökçe, better known as Salt Bae, has once again caused a stir online after sharing an eye-watering restaurant bill that has left social media users utterly speechless.
Salt Bae first gained worldwide fame for his signature flamboyant salt-sprinkling technique, turning a simple culinary gesture into an internet sensation. Since then, the chef-turned-restaurateur has expanded his empire across the globe, operating 22 luxury steakhouses in major cities, including New York, London, and Riyadh. His establishments have become synonymous with extravagant dining experiences, particularly known for their over-the-top presentation, such as their infamous gold-leaf-wrapped tomahawk steaks.
His high-end restaurants, however, have frequently faced criticism over their astronomical prices, with many diners expressing disbelief at the cost of meals. But even by those standards, a recent bill from one of his Abu Dhabi restaurants has taken things to an entirely new level.
A party of 14 at Nusr-Et Steakhouse reportedly racked up a total bill of 615,065 United Arab Emirates Dirhams, which, when converted, equates to an astonishing £141,190 ($167,500 USD or $250,500 AUD). Breaking it down further, this means that each person at the table paid an estimated £10,000 ($11,928 USD or $17,892 AUD) for their meal—a sum that many find incomprehensible for a single dining experience.
Salt Bae himself took to social media to proudly showcase the receipt, captioning it with the phrase, “Quality never expensive.” However, his attempt to justify the pricing did not sit well with many online users, who flooded the comments section with outrage and criticism.
One disgruntled commenter expressed their disbelief, stating, “If a person works for a lifetime, they might never earn this kind of money. A meal like this isn’t going to make anyone immortal.” Another frustrated user pointed out, “Your restaurant and drinks are nowhere near worth this amount. Your meat quality isn’t even on par with half the other steakhouses out there. Humble yourself, buddy.”
Others took a more humorous approach, with one person sarcastically commenting, “And here I am, complaining about my $200 Wagyu steak.” Another chimed in, “This is beyond tone-deaf, especially considering the current cost-of-living crisis affecting millions.”
Many users also questioned the ethics of spending such an enormous amount on a single meal when that money could instead be used to support charitable causes. One particularly frustrated commenter asked, “Wouldn’t you rather feed thousands of starving children than satisfy the ego of a few ultra-rich individuals?” Another summed up their thoughts by stating, “This is the very definition of throwing money away.”
Upon closer examination of the bill, the jaw-dropping total becomes easier to understand. A significant portion of the cost came from alcohol, with five bottles of Pétrus wine alone amounting to 325,000 AED (£74,570 / $132,330 AUD / $88,495 USD). Additionally, two bottles of 2009 Louis XIII Pétrus wine contributed 200,000 AED (£45,901 / $81,400 AUD / $54,400 USD) to the total sum.
Salt Bae’s restaurant chain has long been a hotspot for celebrities, athletes, and wealthy socialites who are willing to pay a premium for both the food and the spectacle. However, recent trends suggest that many of his patrons are more interested in snapping a photo with the internet-famous chef than in actually indulging in the food.
While extravagant restaurant bills are nothing new in the world of luxury dining, this particular case has reignited debates over the ethical implications of extreme wealth and the growing disconnect between the ultra-rich and everyday people struggling to make ends meet. Whether Salt Bae embraces the backlash or dismisses it as just another viral moment remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—his restaurants will continue to spark controversy for their jaw-dropping prices.