Takapuna Grammar alumnus Albert Cho is a familiar name in Auckland’s food and culture scene. He’s the creative force behind Eat Lit Food, author of I Love My Stupid Life, and owner of Ponsonby’s acclaimed restaurant, Tobi.

But behind the social media fame and reviews is a story of struggle, growth, and enduring friendship - one Albert is keen to share with current students. Offering advice he wishes he’d heard at their age.

Albert’s path has been far from straight. At 22, he was earning $10,000 per social media post. Soon after, he was battling drug addiction. He’s faced an eating disorder, relationship turmoil, and personal challenges that have shaped who he is today.

One constant has been fellow TGS alumna and best friend Ella Yelich-O’Connor - aka 2013 Grammy Award winning singer Lorde. The two have remained close since school.

“Ella and I still reminisce about how tough school years are - how hard it is to find yourself at that age,” Albert said. 

“Some of those challenges were harder than opening a restaurant or writing a book.”

A pivotal moment came during a school assembly, when a guest speaker introduced the idea of the “X-Factor.” 

It wasn’t about talent or popularity - it was about remembering names, asking questions, and being genuinely kind and present.

Albert took that message to heart.

“If you’re awful to be around or work with, people won’t want to be around you,” he said. “Being kind, building relationships, and staying true to yourself will take you far.”

He encourages students to be gentle with themselves and others, especially during the turbulent teenage years. He’s seen how cruel group chats and social circles can be, where one misstep can lead to exclusion.

“Be nice. You never know what someone’s going through outside school.”

Albert also warns against the trap of comparison, calling it a confidence killer.

“If you can stop comparing yourself to others now, it’ll serve you for life. People buy houses, fall in love, and figure things out at different times. It doesn’t have to go to plan - it just has to feel right for you.”

To teens feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to have it all figured out, Albert offers reassurance.

“There’s so much pressure - uni, OE, what’s next? But you don’t need all the answers right now.”

If he could speak to his younger self, he’d say: “Save your energy. You’re so desperate to grow up - just enjoy being a kid.” Teenagers, he says, hold something special - something adults forget and kids haven’t yet found.

Albert’s memoir, I Love My Stupid Life, was published in 2022 after Penguin Random House approached him. Coming out of addiction, he wanted to reclaim his story.

“I was either high or misrepresented in past interviews. The book was my way of setting the record straight.”

Now proudly shelved in the TGS library, the book is an unfiltered account of his life - covering everything from sexual abuse and addiction to his friendship with Lorde and his favorite recipes.

In 2023, Albert partnered with David Lee of Namu Group to open Tobi, a restaurant named after another close friend - Tobi Innes. For Albert, Tobi is more than a business - it’s a space to share food, inspire, and make memories.

This year, Albert bought a home with his long-term partner and welcomed two fur-babies into his life. He continues to grow Eat Lit Food and is a regular presence at Tobi as quality control, in the kitchen and front of house.

As Albert puts it, his “stupid life” is actually pretty great.