Cover BBQ Galbi (Shortrib)
BBQ Galbi (Shortrib)
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The modern Asian Michelin-starred establishment was recognised for its progressive menu showcasing inspired combinations of seasonal ingredients
Korean-born chef Sun Kim and his team have more reasons to celebrate this month, as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants announced that Meta is this year’s recipient of the American Express One to Watch Award. The accolade, which was revealed in the lead up to the announcement of the prestigious 50 Best list, is selected by award organisers and regional experts and is given to a rising star in the region that isn’t part of the ranking.
This well-deserved recognition has been a long time coming for the Asian restaurant that celebrates authentic Asian flavours and high-end European culinary techniques. Since its launch in 2016, the Tetsuya Wakuda-trained chef-owner has also come into his own by incorporating his South Korean heritage into creative dishes cooked using premium seasonal ingredients.
Related: DeAille Tam of Shanghai’s Obscura Has Been Named Asia's Best Female Chef 2021
Above Cabbage Chawanmushi
Above Cabbage Chawanmushi
Cabbage Chawanmushi
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“While Meta honours chef Kim’s Korean heritage and the traditional dishes of his childhood, the menu boldly integrates elements of Japanese and French cuisines,” enthused William Drew, the content director of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
He added: “Chef Kim’s progressive cooking techniques and creative execution, combined with a serene dining experience, make Meta a worthy winner of the American Express One To Watch Award 2021.”
In response to receiving the accolade, Kim said that he is “very humbled and honoured to receive this award from Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support and hard work of the Meta team.”
Above Chef Sun Kim
Chef Sun Kim
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Meta joins the prestigious roster of past winners, including Masque in Mumbai (2020), JL Studio in Taichung (2019), Toyo Eatery in Manila (2018), TocToc in Seoul (2017) and Florilège in Tokyo (2016).
Kim and his team’s achievements will be honoured at the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021 online ceremony, which will be held on 25 March (4.30pm). It will be streamed via Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Facebook page and the 50 Best Restaurants TV YouTube channel.
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
