简体中文
The Michelin food guide unveiled its first Seoul edition on Monday, with two upscale South Korean restaurants receiving the coveted three stars, but recognition also for a more humble diner serving vegetarian temple food.
A total of 24 restaurants in the South Korean capital received Michelin stars, reflecting the city's ambitions as a fine-dining hub and the emergence of Korean cuisine from the well-established shadows cast by those of Asian neighbours China and Japan.
"I think it's widely seen as one of the hidden gems of world cuisine," said Mr Michael Ellis, the international director of Michelin guides.
Of the two three-starred restaurants, Gaon in Seoul's upmarket Gangnam area, offers two multi-course menus based on the daily meals enjoyed by the kings of the Joseon era (1392-1910) and priced at 180,000 won (S$219) and 250,000 won.
The guide cited Gaon for its "meticulously prepared dishes" and commitment to promoting a "better understanding" of Korean food.
Gaon's executive chef Kim Byoung Jin said he was stunned and "extremely honoured" by the three-star rating, crediting his kitchen team and an insistence on the finest seasonal produce. "All good food starts from fresh ingredients," he said.
Three Michelin star executive chef Kim Byoung-Jin (C) works in his kitchen at the 'Gaon' restaurant in Seoul, on November 7, 2016. Photo:AFP
Having spent the past 13 years honing his take on traditional Korean cuisine, he said he hoped the ultimate stamp of approval from Michelin would help South Korean gastronomy "receive the appreciation it deserves".
"In order for Korean cuisine to be universalised, it must meet a universal standard and I think the Michelin listing will help Korean food become a more approachable cuisine for many people," he said.
Of the 21,000 restaurants featured in Michelin guides around the world, just over 100 are rated with three stars. Starred restaurants have, in the past, built big businesses after being recognised.
The other three-star recipient was La Yeon in Hotel Shilla which was praised by Michelin for the chef's contemporary touch on traditional Korean cuisine.
Among the one-star recipients was Balwoo Gongyang, which serves strictly vegetarian dishes based on Korean Buddhist "temple" cuisine.
Mr Lucia Cho, the owner of Gaon and another restaurant, Bicena, which was awarded one star, said it was a struggle to marry Korean cuisine and fine dining - not least because of resistance among Koreans themselves.
"When we first opened Gaon, not many people appreciated the value of Korean food and complained about our pricing. But people pay 300,000 won for Japanese or Chinese course meals," she said, adding that it is the Koreans who set a low standard for Korean cuisine overseas.
(AFP)
