You've probably seen Andrew Zimmern on your TV screen for years, usually with a smile on his face while he tucks into a plate of fermented walrus or some twitching insect larva. He’s the guy who made us realize that "bizarre" is just a matter of perspective. But behind that globetrotting, iron-stomached persona is a man who’s been pretty open about his messy, beautiful, and sometimes painful personal life.
Naturally, fans are curious about the people he goes home to when the cameras stop rolling. Specifically, folks want to know: who is Andrew Zimmern's son?
His name is Noah Zimmern.
Honestly, Noah is one of the biggest reasons Andrew does what he does. If you follow the chef on Instagram, you’ve seen the rare, heartfelt glimpses of a kid who has grown up remarkably fast. One minute he was a toddler "throwing bad apples into a field," and the next, he's a towering young man who is actually taller than his dad.
The Reality of Growing Up Zimmern
Noah was born in 2005, which makes him a young adult now in 2026. He is the only child of Andrew Zimmern and his ex-wife, Rishia Haas. The couple was married for about 16 years before they split in 2018, but they’ve stayed famously dedicated to co-parenting.
It wasn't always easy.
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Andrew has been incredibly candid about the fact that his career—the constant travel, the weeks away from home, the sheer "popularity" of his brand—took a toll on his family. He’s gone on record calling Rishia and Noah "victims" of his fame at times. It’s a heavy thing for a kid to deal with, having a dad who is a global icon while you're just trying to figure out high school.
But despite the divorce and the chaotic schedule, the bond between the two seems rock-solid. Andrew often posts about their "trail rides" in places like Zion National Park or just hanging out in Minnesota. Noah isn't some Hollywood kid trying to be in the spotlight; he’s mostly stayed out of the public eye, appearing only when his dad can't help but brag about him.
Does he eat "Bizarre Foods" too?
This is the question everyone asks. If your dad is the world’s most famous adventurous eater, do you get to eat chicken nuggets, or are you forced to eat grilled tarantulas for lunch?
Basically, Noah has a palate that would make most adults jealous.
Andrew once shared that Noah grew up in a house where international flavors were the norm, not the exception. He loves:
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- Japanese food of all types.
- Authentic Vietnamese pho.
- Traditional Chinese cuisine.
- Spicy Mexican dishes.
He’s not necessarily out there hunting for the world's stinkiest fruit, but he definitely isn't a "picky eater." Andrew’s philosophy of "try everything twice" clearly rubbed off. It’s kinda cool to think about a kid growing up viewing the world through its flavors rather than just what’s on a kid’s menu.
A Legacy of Resilience
To understand Noah, you sort of have to understand the family history he carries. Andrew Zimmern’s own childhood was a whirlwind of privilege and deep trauma. He watched his mother suffer a horrific medical accident that left her with brain damage, and he spent years battling severe addiction and homelessness before getting sober in the early 90s.
Noah represents a different chapter.
He grew up in Edina, Minnesota, a world away from the gritty New York streets where his father struggled. Andrew has often said that being a father is the "hardest job in the world," mostly because there’s no manual for it. But he’s also made it clear that Noah is his greatest achievement—far more important than any Emmy or James Beard Award.
Where is Noah Zimmern now?
As of 2026, Noah has transitioned into his own life as a young adult. While he hasn't pursued a career in front of the camera like his father, the influence of a creative, culinary-focused upbringing is hard to shake.
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He’s been spotted at various charity events and occasionally at his dad’s restaurant openings, but he seems to value his privacy. He’s part of that generation that understands the internet is permanent, so he keeps his social footprint relatively small.
What’s most striking is the physical transformation. Fans who remember the little red-headed kid from the early seasons of Bizarre Foods are usually shocked to see the recent photos. He’s grown into a "big boy," as the commenters love to point out, and has a quiet confidence that suggests he’s handled the "famous dad" thing with a lot of grace.
Lessons from the Zimmern Household
If you're looking for the "secret sauce" to how Andrew raised a seemingly well-adjusted kid despite the fame, it boils down to a few things:
- Honesty: Andrew doesn't hide his past. Noah grew up knowing his dad's story of recovery, which likely fostered a lot of empathy and awareness.
- Presence (When it counts): Even with a travel schedule that would kill most people, Andrew made the "Family Dinner" a priority—so much so that he turned it into a TV show concept.
- Cultural Curiosity: Teaching a kid to love the people behind the food is a life skill that goes way beyond the kitchen.
Noah Zimmern might not be a household name yet, and honestly, he might never want to be. But he remains the anchor in Andrew Zimmern's life, the person who reminds the world-famous chef that at the end of the day, a home-cooked meal with your son is the only thing that really matters.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see more of the family dynamic, check out Andrew's series Family Dinner. It’s less about the "weird" stuff and much more about the emotional connection food creates within families—a theme that clearly stems from his relationship with Noah. You can also follow Andrew's official Instagram, where he occasionally shares updates on their outdoor adventures, though he is careful to respect Noah's privacy as an adult.