On Wednesday (today), Turkish butcher, chef and restaurateur Nusret Gökçe, commonly known as Salt Bae, was spotted in Malta.

On Facebook, Christopher Cassar, Production Coordinator at Valletta Cultural Agency, shared an image of himself with the restaurateur along with his other colleagues at the agency.

“Our Valletta Cultural Agency Team with Salt Bae at Barbara Bastions while preparing for the Valletta Pageant of the Seas 2024,” Mr Cassar shared.

Salt Bae rose to fame in 2017 when he was spotted salting and cutting a piece of meat in a very particular way.

After opening his first Nusr-Et steakhouse in Istanbul in 2010, the restaurateur expanded his business in Ankara, Doha, Dubai, London, Mykonos in addition to many other outlets in America. 

A few hours ago, he also announced the opening of a restaurant in Rome.

Despite the popularity online, Salt Bae has faced his fair share of controversies.

Following the opening of his UK outlet, many criticised his restaurant for hefty bills including nearly €6,000 solely for service charges. As a reaction to the criticism, the chef created a more affordable set lunch menu for around €45 per person.

More expensive meals include a golden striploin and a golden burger.

On the other hand, Salt Bae faced more serious allegations, which include wage theft, discrimination and labour violations.

 Social media image: Nusret Gökçe / Instagram