Cover Chef and F&B consultant Olivia Lee (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
Chef and F&B consultant Olivia Lee (Photo: Darren Gabriel Leow)
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The affable F&B consultant and founder of SoGoodK shares her favourite restaurants in South Korea’s famed capital city
When it comes to Korean food, there’s no one better to consult than Olivia Lee. As a young chef, she became the first South Korean female chef to work in the hallowed kitchens of Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, and counts a stint at Le Meurice by famed chef Yannick Alléno in her extensive resumé. Also the youngest adjunct professor to be appointed at Baekseok Culture University aged 26 in 2008, Lee has also founded SoGoodK, the premier grocer for premium Korean ingredients. She also happens to be married to executive chef Sebastien Lepinoy of three-Michelin-starred Les Amis, forming a formidable power couple in the F&B industry.
There are very few we’d trust to offer their authoritative opinions on the best restaurants in Seoul, but with decades of experience under her belt, we know Lee has us covered. Read on to find out which restaurants you should visit on your next trip to Seoul, as recommended by Lee.
Don’t miss: How Chef Olivia Lee-Lepinoy is Fostering the Joys of Cooking with her Daughter
1. Mingles
“Two Michelin-starred Mingles is one of my all-time favourite fine dining experiences for Korean cuisine. Mingles was founded by my dear friend, chef Mingoo Kang. I’ve been a dedicated supporter right from the beginning, and it’s truly remarkable to witness how far he has come. Kang, who has a diverse background with international culinary experiences, has applied his knowledge and skills to elevate and refine his cuisine over the years.
His vast knowledge of Korean vegetables is reflected in the seasonal menu. Kang’s passion to constantly learn and evolve is the driving force beyond his interpretation of Korean flavours. His signature dessert “jang trio” shows the essence of three main Korean condiments: ganjang (soy sauce), doenjang (soy bean paste) and gochujang (red pepper paste). Mingles is a must visit for everyone travelling to Korea!”
Mingles
Address: 19 2/F, Dosan-daero 67-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
2. 7th Door
Above 7th Door represents seven elements which are the five tastes (sweet, spicy, sour, salty, bitter), as well as fermentation and aging (Photo: 7th Door)
7th Door represents seven elements which are the five tastes (sweet, spicy, sour, salty, bitter), as well as fermentation and aging (Photo: 7th Door)
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“Another Seoul restaurant recommendation is 7th Door, chef Dan Kim’s Korean cuisine based on fermentation and ageing. Dan finds the essence of Korean cuisine in the time it takes to make it complete. Kimchi, various sauces and condiments, banchan (side dishes) are perfected with time. 7th Door represents seven elements which are the five tastes (sweet, spicy, sour, salty, bitter) combined with chef’s love and passion, and lastly, the magic of fermentation and ageing.
A sophisticated and relaxed table setting formed around the visible kitchen, 7th Door seats up to 14 diners and offers an intimate and cosy experience. The seasonal menu always offers a fun dish such as truffle tteokbokki (rice cakes) and caviar doughnut, all an elevated version of similar Korean snacks.
The highlight is Dan’s signature “Daechun Kim”, which is a play on words of Dan’s Korean name and also a famous brand for “Gim” Korean seaweed. Rice and pickled vegetables are wrapped in seaweed with housemade ganjang gaejang (soy sauce marinated crab) and caviar. Diners at 7th can enjoy many of the different sauces and syrups that Dan started before the opening of the restaurant.”
7th Door
Address: 41 4/F, Hakdong-ro 97-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
3. Guemdwaeji Sikdang
“My favourite barbecue restaurant for pork is Geumdwaeji Sikdang (Gold Pig). They serve different cuts of pork including pork belly, pork neck, and pork jowl. Gold Pig works exclusively with a farm located south of Seoul, which breeds a specific crossbreed, making the pork at Gold Pig stand out amongst many pork barbecue restaurants. I find the meat is more juicy and has an amazing texture. The staff help grill the meat directly at the table so you can enjoy it when it’s perfectly cooked.
My insider tip is to make sure you try the pork skin, it has a fantastic chewy texture. Pig skin is stereotypically enjoyed by the older generation, but Gold Pig marinates the pork skin for two days and provides a sweet sauce and bean powder to make it more accessible to the younger generation. Also, the kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) which boils together aged kimchi, pork and tofu made specifically for Gold Pig is not to be missed!”
Guemdwaeji Sikdang
Address: 149 Dasan-ro, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Read more: 5 best restaurants to visit in Seoul, according to K-drama star Lee Jong-suk
4. Born & Bred
“One of my favourite Hanwoo (Korean beef 韩牛) barbecue restaurants in Seoul is Born & Bred, located in Majangdong near Seoul’s largest meat market. Sang-won Jung, the owner of Born & Bred, offers an elevated Hanwoo experience using the crème de la crème of Korean beef. Sang-won is a second generation proprietor, following in the footsteps of his father who started at the meat market. I enjoy dining at Born & Bred because it offers the highest quality beef and caters to all different guests. Diners can enjoy premium cuts through the à la carte menu while tasting courses are available in private dining rooms. However, my favourite experience is the speakeasy which offers 18 different cuts (approximately 550 grams) of Korean beef along with dishes made with seasonal ingredients. An insider tip for the speakeasy would be to make sure to save space for the special pho at the end of the meal.”
Born & Bred
Address: 1 Majang-ro 42-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
5. Solbam
Above Solbam has only been open for two years, but they have already gained a Michelin star
Solbam has only been open for two years, but they have already gained a Michelin star
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“My last recommendation is the newest restaurant of all my recommendations. Only two years after opening, Solbam has already a list of accolades including a Michelin star.
The name Solbam comes from the hometown of owner chef Eom Tae-jun. A graduate of CIA and an Eleven Madison Park alumni, TJ found his passion for the culinary arts at an early age. Having worked in hotel kitchens in Korea he moved to New York to further his studies. After he returned to Korea with ample experience, his vision to use the finest ingredients has been at the core of Solbam’s carefully designed menu. Solbam is also known for its detailed service which guests will experience from the moment they walk in. For diners interested in Korean hospitality, I highly recommend Solbam!”
Solbam
Address: 6 4/F, Dosan-daero 37-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
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About
Ethan is a dining writer with Tatler Singapore. Trained in literary arts and filmmaking, their work has previously been published in Esquire Singapore, Men's Folio, and with the Asian Film Archive and the Singapore International and Film Festival, across a wide range of interests from gastronomy to fashion and arts criticism.
Work
Ethan writes about exciting news in the F&B industry, specialising in fine dining, exclusive spirits launches, and new restaurants. They are always looking for riveting voices to bring something fresh to an already-dynamic industry.
Follow them on Instagram at @faustiangourmand.
