Though Bangkok has no shortage of Korean dining establishments, it isn’t every day that an internationally acclaimed Korean celebrity chef sets up a unique pop-up in the city’s core.
In alignment with his longstanding personal and professional commitment to broaden the reach of Korean cuisine globally, Chef Edward Kwon plans to serve Bangkok food enthusiasts a refined dining set menu.
The menu will be composed of Korean staples imbued with enjoyable and surprising alterations.
In the past, Chef Kwon had been the Executive Chef at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, playing a crucial role in the hotel earning two Michelin stars during his stint there.
Currently serving as the Head Chef and owner of the stylish LAB24 by Kumuda, which originated in Seoul and then relocated to its present location in Busan, Chef Kwon enjoys a great reputation in the South Korean and broader international gastronomic community.
Chef Kwon is widely known for lending a distinctive flair to his national cuisine.
Last year, the restaurant, under the leadership of Chef Kwon, claimed a place in the esteemed “La Liste 2023” gastronomy guide, being the only restaurant based outside of Seoul in Korea to achieve this.
Furthermore, he has written numerous cookbooks and frequently appears on culinary TV shows like CNN’s Culinary Journeys.
Patrons can look forward to an evening filled with Chef Kwon’s iconic fusion dishes that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
Using an array of meticulously curated ingredients, each meal is designed to pay tribute to his Korean heritage whilst pushing the envelope in culinary creativity.
As an example, one of the dishes is dakgalbi — a classic Korean spicy chicken stir-fry dish.
Although Chef Kwon’s dakgalbi adheres to the conventional recipe with the savoury gochujang sauce and the variety of vegetables usually accompanied with the dish, instead of being stir-fried, the dakgalbi will be served in a crisp French croustade.
Bulgogi, another well-loved Korean dish, will be presented with beef marinated in a decadent ten-year-aged soy sauce (a novelty for many) and garnished with black truffle.
Chef Kwon has also introduced a spicy twist to his rendition of gimmari, a widely favoured snack food traditionally made with glass noodles encased in seaweed and then fried.
As you approach the conclusion of your meal, diners will be treated to two rounds of desserts inspired by Korean flavours — although the specifics of these have been purposely kept a surprise.
Accompanying the 12-course menu is, as expected, a comprehensive selection of drinks, which includes locally-brewed beers, Korean-inspired artisanal cocktails, and expertly paired wines.
Chef Kwon’s pop-up will be hosted at the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok for a limited time from July 7th to October 7th.
Two dinner services will be available daily at 6 pm and 7:30 pm, every day except Tuesday. The complete set menu is priced at THB 4,900++ per person (subject to a 10% service charge and prevailing government tax.)
Pre-booking is mandatory and reservations can be made by phone at 021-629-000, Line at @SiamKempinski, or by emailing dining.siambangkok@kempinski.com.
