Masters of Scale Remarkable People: David Chang is 'Steve Jobs with a knife"
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Nov 8, 2025 
David Chang, the mastermind behind Momofuku and author of Eat a Peach, opens up about the bittersweet realities of culinary success. He explores the challenges of scaling restaurants and contrasts the ephemeral nature of food with the quest for lasting impact. With a candid view on ambition and burnout, Chang shifts focus from Michelin stars to family priorities. He also discusses the vital role of immigrant labor in the industry and urges innovators to enhance food systems while upholding quality. A reflection on legacy and life beyond accolades wraps up this engaging conversation.
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Food As Craft And Story
- Food is both technical craft and expressive art that tells a story beyond taste.
- Its impermanence makes it a strange business but also a unique cultural medium.
Fig Controversy In San Francisco
- Chang caused controversy by criticizing Bay Area cuisine for over-focusing on things like figs.
- He still admires local pioneers like Alice Waters but wanted broader culinary expression.
Scalability Paradox In Food
- Many parts of the food business are inherently unscalable, unlike digital products.
- Social media paradoxically scales experiential dining by broadcasting scarcity into cultural currency.
