You know that feeling when you’re watching someone eat bizarre street food halfway across the world, and you’re somehow both grossed out and fascinated? That’s the magic William Sonbuchner brings to millions of viewers through his YouTube empire. But who’s the man behind the camera, and how did a kid from Minnesota become one of the most trusted voices in global food exploration?
Early Life and Background
William Sonbuchner didn’t exactly scream “future YouTube star” during his early days in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Born on August 22, 1984, he was just another Midwest kid with big dreams and a serious passion for movies and media. Growing up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes might seem like an unlikely launching pad for a global food adventure, but it gave him something invaluable – that authentic, down-to-earth vibe that makes his content so relatable.
After graduating from Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, William took a different path than most. Instead of jumping straight into a traditional college route, he studied audio production at 20. This decision would prove crucial later, as those technical skills became the foundation for his video production expertise.
Journey to South Korea
Before William Sonbuchner became synonymous with street food adventures, he was grinding it out as a DJ in broadcasting. But here’s where his story takes that classic “leap of faith” turn that makes for great YouTube origin stories. At 24, with just $2,000 in his pocket, he packed up and moved to South Korea to teach English.
Talk about betting on yourself. Most people would call that crazy, but William saw it as his film school. While teaching English paid the bills, he was there to learn the craft of video production. He spent his free time creating music videos, working as a videographer and editor, and even did video work for second-tier K-pop stars. Not exactly glamorous, but every successful creator has those “paying dues” moments.
YouTube Channel Success
Here’s where things get interesting. William created the Best Ever Food Review Show YouTube channel way back in September 2010, but here’s the kicker – he didn’t start posting videos until December 2015. That’s five years of sitting on the idea, perfecting his craft, and waiting for the right moment.
When he finally launched, the concept was simple but brilliant: explore the world’s most incredible (and sometimes questionable) cuisines while telling the stories of the people who make them. Based in Vietnam but filming globally, the channel quickly found its groove by going places other food shows wouldn’t dare.
The numbers speak for themselves. As of early 2025, the channel has exploded to over 11.2 million subscribers with more than 650 videos. His content has racked up over 2.9 billion views, with some individual videos crossing the 20 million mark. Those aren’t just numbers – they represent millions of people who trust William’s recommendations and follow his culinary adventures.
Historic Iran Achievement
What sets William apart isn’t just his willingness to try exotic foods (though watching him tackle fermented shark is pretty entertaining). It’s his commitment to cultural storytelling that goes beyond just “weird food guy eats weird stuff.”
In 2019, his channel made history by becoming the first US-owned YouTube channel to receive filming access in Iran. Think about that for a second – at a time when US-Iran relations were particularly tense, William’s approach to cultural bridge-building through food opened doors that traditional media couldn’t crack.
This achievement wasn’t just a cool headline. It demonstrated something powerful about his approach: food isn’t just sustenance, it’s a universal language that connects people across political and cultural divides.
Awards and Recognition
The industry took notice of William’s unique approach. In 2020, he snagged the People’s Voice Award for Viral Video of the Year at the 24th Annual Webby Awards. The channel also earned recognition as a Webby Official Honoree for Food & Drink, cementing his status as more than just another YouTuber – he’s a legitimate media personality.
But William didn’t stop at YouTube success. He expanded his reach through a collaboration with Netflix on the series “Wildly Delightful,” proving his versatility as a filmmaker extends beyond the YouTube platform. This move showed he’s not just riding the YouTube wave – he’s building a sustainable media career.
Personal Life
So, who is William Sonbuchner when the cameras stop rolling? He’s managed to keep his personal life refreshingly private in an age of oversharing. He’s married, though his wife has chosen to stay out of the spotlight – a decision that probably keeps their relationship grounded while he travels the world for content.
Standing at about 5’10” with light brown hair and blue eyes, William has that everyman quality that makes his adventures feel accessible. He’s not some untouchable celebrity – he’s the guy you’d want to grab a beer with and hear stories about that time he ate century eggs in rural China.
His adventurous eating style has become his signature. While other food personalities might play it safe, William genuinely seems to approach every meal with curiosity rather than fear. That authenticity comes through in every video.
Impact on Food Media
What makes William Sonbuchner’s work particularly relevant is how he’s redefined food media for the digital age. Traditional food shows often focus on high-end restaurants or celebrity chefs. William’s approach is different – he’s more interested in the street vendor who’s been perfecting their craft for decades than the Instagram-famous restaurant charging $50 for a sandwich.
His storytelling goes beyond just describing flavors. He explores the cultural context, the family histories, and the economic realities behind the food. When he’s eating with a family in rural Vietnam or learning about traditional cooking methods in India, you’re not just watching someone eat – you’re getting a crash course in cultural anthropology.
This approach has earned him recognition as a leading voice in food and travel media. His influence extends beyond entertainment – he’s helping small food businesses around the world gain international exposure.
Future Plans
At 40, William Sonbuchner shows no signs of slowing down. His channel continues to grow, and his influence in the food media space keeps expanding. The Netflix collaboration suggests he’s thinking beyond YouTube, potentially building a media empire that could include television, streaming content, and who knows what else.
What’s particularly impressive is how he’s maintained his authenticity while scaling his operation. Many creators lose that personal touch as they grow, but William’s recent content still feels as genuine as his early videos. That’s not easy to pull off when you’re managing a multi-million-subscriber channel.
Final Thoughts
William Sonbuchner’s journey from small-town Minnesota to global food media icon isn’t just another success story – it’s a masterclass in building authentic connections through shared experiences. He took a simple concept (guy tries food around the world) and turned it into something deeper: a bridge between cultures, a platform for small businesses, and proof that curiosity and respect can open doors anywhere.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Best Ever Food Review Show or just discovering his work, William’s story offers something for everyone. For aspiring creators, it’s proof that authenticity beats flashiness. For food lovers, it’s a passport to flavors you never knew existed. And for anyone feeling stuck in their routine, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best adventures start with a crazy idea and a one-way ticket.
