The True Story Behind Seinfeld’s Infamous “Soup Nazi” Character
Discover the real-life inspiration for Seinfeld’s notorious “Soup Nazi” and the dramatic encounter that left Jerry Seinfeld himself banned from a legendary New York soup shop.
Food and conflict go hand in hand on Seinfeld, from disastrous restaurant advice to bakery brawls and pizza mishaps. But no culinary clash stands out quite like the one in the seventh season’s “The Soup Nazi” episode. In this fan-favorite, a strict soup shop owner named Yev Kassem becomes infamous for his rigid rules and no-nonsense attitude, earning a nickname that would stick in pop culture for decades. Despite his reputation, customers line up for his legendary soups, willing to brave his temper for a taste.
What many viewers may not realize is that this character was inspired by a real person. The man behind the legend is Ali “Al” Yeganeh, who opened Soup Kitchen International on West 55th Street in Manhattan back in 1984. According to writer Spike Feresten, the real-life soup master was less than thrilled when he learned about his TV counterpart. The situation escalated when Feresten brought Jerry Seinfeld to the shop a year after the episode aired. Yeganeh, recognizing Seinfeld, reportedly told him,
“Get the fuck out of here,”
and kicked him out of the line. Seinfeld, never one to back down, shot back,
“What’s the problem? I made you famous.”
Yeganeh wasn’t impressed, replying,
“You didn’t make me famous. The Today Show made me famous.”
The exchange ended with Yeganeh delivering a real-life, expletive-filled version of his TV catchphrase, and Seinfeld was permanently banned from the shop.
From Sitcom Legend to Real-Life Drama
The real Soup Kitchen International still stands at its original location, though it ’s seen a few name changes over the years. After Yeganeh’s business was temporarily closed for tax issues in 2017, it reopened as The Original Soup Kitchen. While Yeganeh no longer serves customers himself, he continues to oversee operations, and the recipes remain his own. The shop’s strict code of conduct and unforgettable flavors are still very much alive, echoing the spirit that inspired one of Seinfeld’s most memorable episodes.
Feresten, who penned “The Soup Nazi,” takes a certain pride in the real-life fallout, noting that while he wrote the episode, it was Seinfeld who bore the brunt of Yeganeh’s anger. The story of the soup shop showdown has become almost as legendary as the episode itself, cementing both the character and his real-life counterpart in TV history.
Seinfeld’s Personal Favorites and Lasting Impact
Despite the episode’s iconic status, it wasn’t Jerry Seinfeld’s top pick from the series. He’s cited other episodes as his favorites, including “The Pothole,” which he enjoyed filming, especially the scene where Newman is set on fire and yells,
“Oh, the humanity,”
referencing the Hindenburg disaster. Another standout for Seinfeld was “The Rye,” which involved a complicated outdoor shoot on a New York set in Los Angeles. He recalled feeling like an outsider among the bigger productions, saying,
“We felt like we were a weird little orphan show. So that was a big deal for us.”
Even though “The Soup Nazi” wasn’t Seinfeld’s personal favorite, its impact on pop culture is undeniable. The real-life drama behind the episode only adds to its mystique, making the story of Ali Yeganeh and his famous soup shop a fascinating chapter in television lore.