Where 6 of Asia’s top chefs eat when they’re in Seoul – and the food souvenirs they take home
- In March, the South Korean capital played host to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant awards ceremony, and the region’s top culinary talent swarmed the city
- We talked to a few of the chefs who flew into Seoul about their top dining picks, from coffee spots to fine-dining and barbecue restaurants to cocktail bars
Dozens of top chefs from around Asia descended upon Seoul, South Korea, in the days leading up to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony on March 26, armed with lists of their own – where to find the best Korean barbecue (whether Hanwoo beef or black pork), soy marinated crab, craft cocktails and fine-dining and casual comfort food picks.
We asked a few to share their favourite discoveries and what they took home after the festivities.
1. Johanne Siy, Lolla (Singapore)
Johanne Siy, named Asia’s best female chef 2023 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, helms Lolla restaurant in Singapore. The Filipino-Chinese chef shared her thoughts on the art of fermentation with fellow chef before awards night, and spent much time exploring fermented foods in Seoul.
Yun (805 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul) run by chef Kim Do-yun, was one of Siy’s favourite discoveries. Kim is known for his work with fermentation, drying and ageing, as well as his signature wheat noodles dressed in fragrant perilla oil.
She also spoke highly of Onjium. “It was fantastic. More like a cultural centre than just a restaurant,” she says.
Coffee was also a priority, and Siy recommended Fritz Coffee Company (multiple branches, including 83 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul) and Four Stones Coffee Roasters (5 Teheran-ro 103-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul).
What she brought back in her suitcase: “Premium sesame oil, perilla oil, dried anchovies, ceramics and brassware!”