How do you know if a restaurant serves a true-blue, authentic version of the cuisine it specialises in? An easy clue: when the home country of the cuisine gives it a stamp of approval. And that's what South Korea has just done. The Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korean Food Promotion Institute have just named seven restaurants around the world as outstanding Korean restaurants for 2025.
The point of the exercise is to spotlight places around the world that not only serve great Korean food, but uphold authentic culinary techniques, excellent service standards, hygiene, and one of the most important factors – the use of proper Korean ingredients. Good news for us: three of the seven restaurants that have just been recognised are right here in Singapore.
First up is Nae:um, already a familiar name thanks to its Michelin-star-status and spot on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 extended list. The contemporary Korean fine-dining restaurant led by Chef Louis Han just underwent a revamp this year, now boasting sleek interiors inspired by a modern hanok (traditional Korean building), and a new signature eight-course menu titled Moments ($198).
Then there's Seoul Restaurant, a longstanding favourite in Conrad Singapore Orchard, known for its Korean barbecue buffet experience. The interiors are homely with a spacious dining area, and the highlight is the à la carte buffet spread that starts at a wallet-friendly $59 for lunch. Regulars love the wide menu with over 40 items, including the likes of A5 wagyu, Iberico pork, Korean pancakes, marinated crabs and ginseng chicken stews.
Last but not least, Um Yong Baek is probably the most affordable among the three. This local outpost of the Busan eatery Um Yong Baek Dwaejigukbap specialises in pork soup with rice for lunch. And in the evenings, it transforms into a full-fledged barbecue joint, with dry-aged pork grilled to perfection and served with different pairing combinations.
The four other restaurants on the list include Baroo, Daedo Sikdang and Soowon Galbi in Los Angeles, as well as Soon Grill Champs-Elysees in Paris. Korea plans to recognise some 100 restaurants globally by 2030, and since 2022, a total of 23 establishments worldwide have been given the honour, including those in cities like New York, London and Tokyo. For now though, Singapore diners can afford to brag a little.
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