Hand Taste

“Hand Taste is a revelation to us mortals. If Esther’s recipes were my last meals on Earth, I would die a happy man. Written by a chef, but with comforting dishes cooked at home by a generous noona (big sister figure), this book is full of Esther’s wisdom and all the small things that make food shine. Your cooking will be more intuitive, more refined, and more delicious thanks to this marvel of a book.”–Eric Kim
“Deeply flavorful [and] craveable…. Choi’s deftly written book unlocks the delicious world of Korean cuisine.”–Library Journal
“Choi’s heartwarming voice and the narration of her personal background and professional achievements will pique readers’ curiosity and encourage them to try their hand at Korean cooking, whether or not they’ve touched a ttoekbokki (rice cake) or piece of pickled cabbage before.”–Booklist
“Esther Choi pays tribute to the grandmother who shaped her identity as a chef in Hand Taste, which draws on family recipes while reflecting Choi’s Korean American perspective and professional training.”–Publisher’s Weekly
“Hand Taste works with the fundamentals of Korean cuisine, and it breaks down the principles and key dishes in Korean food beautifully…. It’s a must-have for anyone both new to Korean food and those who want to be reminded of its glory.”–Daily Meal (“The 15 Best New Cookbooks of 2026 (So Far)”)
“Chef and television personality Esther Choi is teaching us how to cook like a Korean grandmother, with foundational Korean and Korean American recipes, including Avocado Bibimbap and Kimchi Mac & Beef.”–Bon Appetit (“The Best New Cookbooks of Fall”)
“Esther Choi tops my list of influential chefs who are currently reshaping the American food landscape. Her approach to Korean cuisine makes her cooking approachable to everyone picking up this book. Get ready for spicy, sweet, sour, and outright delicious dishes–Esther’s flavors are addictive.”–Bobby Flay
“Esther is one of my favorite chefs in America because her food is deeply personal and filled with flavor and soul. Dig into Hand Taste to hear her story and learn how she creates magic in the kitchen.”–Michael Symon
“I’ve been a fan of Esther’s cooking long before we became friends, always in awe not just of how delicious her food is, but of the clear point of view and deep heart behind everything she creates. Through her dishes and storytelling, you don’t just eat well, you get to experience the care, identity, and purpose she cooks with.”–Kristen Kish

Esther Choi is a chef, entrepreneur, and TV personality. She is the owner of Mokbar, with locations ranging from New York City to Las Vegas, and Ms. Yoo, a Korean-style gastropub in Manhattan.

Choi is the co-host of Food Network’s 24 on 24 and the host of “Heat Eaters” by First We Feast, a spinoff from the hit series “Hot Ones.” Choi has been a finalist on Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.

She lives in New York, New York with her husband and son.

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