Born in Seoul, South Korea, Peter Serpico was adopted when he was two years old, and was raised in Laurel, Maryland. Serpico graduated from the Baltimore International College Culinary School and his first cook job was at the Belmont Conference Center, where he worked under chef Rob Dunn. In 2006, Peter began as sous chef at the original Momofuku Noodle Bar in the East Village. For the next six years, Serpico worked with David Chang to open Momofuku Ssäm Bar and Momofuku Ko. As director of culinary operations, Serpico earned three stars from the New York Times, a James Beard Award, and two Michelin Stars, among other accolades. Serpico’s highly praised eponymous restaurant on South Street in Philadelphia opened in 2013. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Serpico was reimagined as Pete’s Place. In 2022, Serpico and restaurant-partner Stephen Starr launched a revamp of Pod, a long-standing Philadelphia pan-Asian restaurant, as KPod, with a menu inspired by Serpico’s native South Korea. Serpico lives with his family in Philadelphia.
Peter was my first boss when I moved to NYC. To this day he remains a true friend, a wise mentor, a kind soul and one of the most talented chefs I've ever met.--Aaron Silverman, Chef at Rose's Luxury Peter Serpico - or just Serp for those lucky enough to call him friend - is my brother in all things curious, culinary and sincere. Much like me, he learned how food - ordinary ingredients can yield something extraordinary and bring people together...An exploration of his Korean origins, this book already has a permanent place in my kitchen, whispering to me to go beyond my boundaries, assuring me that something unexpected and delicious is just around the corner. You'd better believe I've already booked marked Instant 'Romyam' for One for easy access.--Christina Tosi, chef and founder of Milk Bar I've followed Peter's career since he was first starting out in New York, and I'm lucky enough to say that we've become great friends over the past several years. It has been amazing for me to see the passion he has for Korean cuisine, especially dishes that one can cook at home for their family. That is the true essence of Korean cooking.--Danny Lee, Chef/Co-Owner Anju, Mandu, CHIKO