JAE LEE

Chef Jae Lee is a visionary in Korean and Asian American hospitality, known for crafting vibrant, culturally rich dining experiences. His strengths lie in developing leadership mindsets, streamlining operations, implementing long-term solutions, and building efficient systems and processes. A natural storyteller through food and design, Jae brings creativity, authenticity, and high energy to everything he does—qualities that resonate across all media platforms.

He is the founder and chef of Nowon in both East Village and Bushwick, and serves on the Culinary Council of the Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to educating youth and families about health and wellness through culinary programming.

Outside the kitchen, Jae enjoys walking with his wife, weightlifting, running, boxing, and training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is a devoted Roman Catholic and credits his faith with helping him overcome alcoholism and substance use. He has been living sober since January 2021.

Jae currently resides in Long Island City, NYC, with his wife Rebecca and their newborn daughter, Mila