Lexus is continuing to expand its presence in the culinary world with the addition of acclaimed chef Esther Choi to its Lexus Culinary Masters program. Announced in July 2026, Choi joins a roster of distinguished chefs and culinary personalities who collaborate with the luxury automotive brand to create memorable food and hospitality experiences.
Known for her bold approach to cooking and her ability to connect food with culture, Choi brings a distinctive perspective to the program. Her culinary journey began at a young age, followed by training at New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education and experience at restaurants including Ilili and La Esquina. She later expanded her career into entrepreneurship, television, and digital food media.
Choi is particularly recognized for incorporating her Korean heritage into her cooking. Her approach combines traditional and contemporary influences with seasonal ingredients, creating dishes that emphasize both creativity and cultural storytelling. She has also built a broad audience through television appearances and her work with CookUnity, the chef-driven meal delivery platform she launched in 2020.
As a Lexus Culinary Master, Choi will serve as a brand ambassador and participate in collaborations, marketing initiatives, and food and wine experiences. Her philosophy aligns closely with Lexus’s emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation, quality, and memorable experiences.
Choi joins an established group that includes chefs such as Shota Nakajima, Kwame Onwuachi, Tiffany Derry, Stephanie Izard, Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, and Carlo Mirarchi, alongside Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy. Tiffany Derry also joined the program earlier in 2026, bringing her own perspective shaped by Southern culinary traditions and a purpose-driven approach to hospitality.
With the addition of Choi, Lexus continues to use food as a powerful extension of its luxury identity. The program demonstrates how automotive brands can build deeper cultural connections by bringing together craftsmanship, hospitality, and culinary creativity.
Images courtesy of Lexus
