3 Korean fine-dining restaurants where you can feast like a king and queen in K-series
K-series never fail to stir strong feelings in us, whether it’s romance or hunger. And speaking of the latter, the whole town is buzzing about the latest Netflix hit, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty.
We simply can't stop talking about how obsessed we are with the mouth-watering food that Girls’ Generation’s Yoona is making, as well as the gripping story that gives us insights into the history of the Joseon dynasty. This is exactly why we are so inspired to take you on a journey to feast like royalty from the show, and you don’t have to fly all the way to South Korea to do so.
In case you didn’t know, Bangkok is home to a few Korean restaurants that offer a truly special fine-dining experience, making you feel like a king and queen. Join us as we explore three of the best spots you’re sure to love.
After successfully establishing his name in Hong Kong with the one-Michelin-starred Hansik Goo, Chef Steve Sanggun Lee has landed in Bangkok with his latest venture I-Sang.
It's clear that Chef Steve has embraced a wild and adventurous approach at I-Sang, showcasing his deep knowledge of Korean culinary culture and expertise honed under Chef Mingoo Kang of the three-Michelin-starred Mingles. The result is a modern take on Korean cuisine that, while perhaps unfamiliar to Thai diners, is absolutely worth trying.
The current tasting menu (B3,980++) features multiple courses of both individual one-bite servings and larger sharing dishes. The menu offers creative takes on classic Korean dishes, such as a reimagined ginseng chicken soup served as a small nibble, or a traditional seaweed soup often served on a day a woman gives birth. You'll also find modern creations like noodles made from prawn mousse, Korean fried crab, a pork feast, and ginger ice cream with a honey panna cotta.
Even though the 2023 Young Chef Award winner hasn't been in Thailand for long, he has already impressed us with his strong Korean roots and his sharp eye for incorporating local Thai ingredients into many of his courses.
Onggi is the name for the traditional Korean clay jar used to ferment delicious kimchi, and it's also the name of this exciting new Korean fine-dining restaurant in Bangkok by Chef Injin Kim.
Having lived in Thailand for over a decade and run a successful restaurant here before, Chef Injin has launched this passion project to experiment with local Thai produce as a key ingredient for Korean-style fermentation.
If you're curious to taste the results, try the tasting menu titled Hanjeongsik (B3,950++). The menu exudes the kind of glamor and richness you'd expect from the royal fare seen in Korean dramas. The fun begins at the start of the meal, when you're served a variety of kimchi and other fermented ingredients like gochujang and fish sauce for a tantalizing first taste.
Other menu highlights include grilled king prawns served with soy sauce-pickled vegetables, and the five-dish main course that features classics like bulgogi (marinated and grilled meat slices), gejang (salted crab), and kimchi soup.
Why travel all the way to Seoul for a fine-dining experience when you have Onggi right here in Bangkok?
Spearheaded by Chef Henry Lee, Juksunchae is all about modernizing Korean staples for an eye-popping fine-dining experience. It’s definitely serving fun and fantastic flavors of authentic Korean cuisine that you would feel like you’re dining in a fancy restaurant in Seoul like the lovey-dovey couples in your favorite K-series.
