Eddie Huang

Eddie Huang is one of today’s most iconic Asian-Americans, celebrated by many for his contributions in the culinary world and entrepreneurship. Born on March 1, 1982, in Washington D.C. to Taiwanese immigrant parents, he grew up in an underprivileged neighborhood in Orlando, Florida.

Huang’s family owned a restaurant, where he worked from a young age, and this sparked his interest in cooking. After completing high school, he moved to New York City to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned a degree in English and Film. Later, Eddie attended law school at Cardozo School of Law, but he soon felt unhappy and unfulfilled with his career path.

In 2009, Huang began his culinary career as a chef with his fusion food truck, BaoHaus. This truck was parked in front of Union Square on 14th Street, offering Taiwanese-inspired steamed buns, known as “bao,” a style of savory street food that became popular in Asian culture. Eddie’s mission was to bring an authentic, flavorful, and affordable experience to the food scene.

Huang’s innovative idea of infusing traditional Taiwanese flavor with modern and trendy styles quickly caught up with the youthful and diverse New York City foodies, and became a colossal hit. Soon, Eddie transformed his food truck into a restaurant of the same name, and expanded to three locations in New York and another one in Los Angeles.

Besides focusing on his culinary expertise, Huang also delved into writing, creating, producing, and performing in several projects, including authoring several books, starring in the popular Vice TV series “Fresh off the Boat,” and hosting podcasts.

Huang’s debut memoir, “Fresh Off the Boat,” chronicles his upbringing, identity struggles as a Taiwanese-Chinese American, and his journey as a chef and entrepreneur. The book was critically acclaimed and turned into a hit ABC TV sitcom of the same name, which became a trailblazing milestone in Asian representation and entertainment industry.

In addition to his culinary success and media empire, Eddie Huang also has a passion for raising awareness on social justice issues, particularly those affecting the Asian and Black communities in America. In the wake of COVID-19, Asian-Americans has witnessed an alarming increase in hate crimes and xenophobia, which Huang has publicly spoken up against and advocated for.

Eddie Huang also openly voices his views on politics, race, and cultural appropriation, using his platform to promote diversity and inclusion. He once apologized for a controversial tweet that mocked African-American vernacular, which shows Huang’s willingness to learn and adapt to his mistakes.

In conclusion, Eddie Huang’s life and accomplishments are an epitome of the American Dream, reflecting the values of hard work, resilience, and daring to be different. From owning a restaurant to creating an empire, Huang proved to be a visionary entrepreneur and a culinary genius. His story is an inspiration to people worldwide to recognize their roots, pursue their passions, and make a difference in the world, just as Eddie Huang has done.