Viral Chef Gesture
Salt Bae (Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe) became January 2017’s biggest meme when his theatrical salt-sprinkling technique went viral. The flamboyant gesture spawned countless imitations, launched restaurant empire, and eventually became symbol of overpriced dining excess.
The video (January 7, 2017): Instagram clip showing Gökçe slicing Ottoman steak, sprinkling salt down forearm in exaggerated flourish
Virality: 10M+ views in days; everyone imitating pose (salt falling down forearm, elbow bent)
Restaurant empire: Nusr-Et steakhouses (Dubai, Miami, New York, London); $1,000+ per person dining
Controversy: Exorbitant prices ($1,000 gold-covered steaks), mediocre reviews, tourist trap accusations
2021 World Cup: Salt Bae accessing Argentina’s celebration drew FIFA investigation
The meme represents internet’s power to create celebrities from niche professions while raising questions about substance vs. style in dining.