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Sam Yoo
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Portrait of Sam Yoo
i. Biography
The line work behind Sam Yoo runs from the dining room edge back to kitchen labor: he trained at Middlebury College, then returned to kitchens at his father’s restaurants in Queens, New York, before moving on to chef at Momofuku and chef at Major Food Group. Today, Sam Yoo is chef-owner of Golden Diner (since 2019), chef-owner of NY Kimchi (since 2025), and chef-owner of Golden HOF (since 2025).
Career - chef-owner, Golden Diner, Manhattan’s Chinatown, New York City (2019–present) - chef-owner, NY Kimchi, 16 W. 48th Street near Rockefeller Center, New York City (2025–present) - chef-owner, Golden HOF, 16 W. 48th Street near Rockefeller Center, New York City (2025–present) - worked at father's restaurants, father's restaurants, Queens, New York - chef, Momofuku - chef, Major Food Group Education: Middlebury College
Signature
The menu language is direct and hybrid by design. Sam Yoo’s signature dishes include green tea coffee cake, Chinatown egg & cheese sando, and Golden Diner Pancakes.
In Their Words “I like to say that this is an Asian-American Diner.”
FAQ What is Sam Yoo's current role? Sam Yoo is Chef-owner. Where did Sam Yoo train or study? Sam Yoo trained at Middlebury College.
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