Who is Keith Lee (food critic) ?

Keith Lee, born on October 4, 1996, is an American social media personality, food critic, and former mixed martial artist. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Lee transitioned from a professional fighting career to become a prominent figure in the culinary world through his engaging food reviews on TikTok.

Lee began his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2017, competing under the nickname “Killa.” He made his Bellator debut in 2018, securing a decision victory over Shawn Bunch at Bellator 239. After parting ways with Bellator in 2021, Lee shifted his focus toward social media, though he expressed intentions to continue his MMA career in a limited capacity.

In November 2020, Lee started posting on TikTok, initially sharing cooking videos and family content. By 2021, he began posting restaurant reviews, quickly gaining popularity for his honest and straightforward approach. His videos typically feature him describing his experience ordering food and rating each item on a scale from one to ten. As of April 2024, Lee had amassed 16.1 million followers, with his reviews garnering over 721.9 million likes.

Lee is known for promoting small, family-owned, and minority-owned restaurants, often visiting establishments anonymously to ensure unbiased reviews. His candid assessments have led to increased visibility and business for many eateries. In 2024, he was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the Food & Drink category, recognizing his significant impact on the food industry through social media.
In late 2024, Lee relocated to Texas after spending a decade in Las Vegas. He announced the move in a TikTok video, citing a desire for family time and a break from negative online criticism. His move coincided with Texas’s growing culinary recognition, including Michelin’s arrival.
Lee’s influence extends beyond food reviews; he credits TikTok for helping him cope with social anxiety and depression, noting remarkable improvements in his mental health since starting his online journey.
Through his engaging content and genuine passion for food, Keith Lee has become a trusted voice in the culinary community, using his platform to highlight diverse cuisines and support local businesses.