Fragrant MEMORIES
L'OFFICIEL Singapore|November 2023
These chefs have managed to find a new canvas to make an indelible mark on Singapore's culinary map
SNG LER JUN
Fragrant MEMORIES

Through their fine-dining establishments, expat chefs have left a mark on the Singaporean culinary landscape, fusing the tastes of their hometowns with the vibrant, dynamic flavours of the Lion City.

CHEF LOUIS HAN

The one Michelin star restaurant NAE: UM along Telok Ayer street is a heartfelt tribute to contemporary Seoul’s cuisine. Founded in late 2019, it is helmed by chef Louis Han, who hails from Gangnam, Seoul. “My love for cooking started when I was 14 years old, having observed my grandmother and mother in the kitchen,” he says. A detour into culinary school at 15 was first met with reservation; Han, who was an only child, had secretly enrolled into the culinary school and passed its application exam. When his mother, a lawyer, caught wind of his achievement, she expressed disapproval and had thought Han did so to avoid studying. But in the end, his family’s support would come to be the wind beneath his culinary wings.

From the cosmopolitan kitchens of Seoul and Abu Dhabi to a rendezvous with the United Nations Peacekeeping force in Lebanon, where he orchestrated international fare for dignitaries, Han’s journey with food has traversed continents. Yet, it is in the vibrant embrace of the Lion City that his culinary soul truly found its home.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM L'OFFICIEL SINGAPOREView all
SLEEPING BEAUTIES
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

SLEEPING BEAUTIES

Louis Vuitton releases two fresh versions of its Bed Trunk, which have been designed in collaboration with Nicolas Ghesquière and Pharrell Williams

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
TRUE BLUE
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

TRUE BLUE

Back in 1968, Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra motif was born.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
WHAT MAKES A MAJESTIC ESCAPE?
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

WHAT MAKES A MAJESTIC ESCAPE?

The answer: These Harry Winston jewels, which are inspired by the breathtaking appearance of dawn in the Indonesian province of Bali, from the Majestic Escapes Collection.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Leaping FORWARD
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

Leaping FORWARD

Movements described as \"feline\" come with an extra element of grace and elegance.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Enchanted WOODS
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

Enchanted WOODS

A magical connection blooms right here as L'OFFICIEL SINGAPORE meets South Korean actress Kim Min-ha-dressed in Dior's Cruise 2025 collection, the Pachinko star shares why the series is so close to her heart and how she would love to fill her world with Haribo

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Life of the PARTY
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

Life of the PARTY

The new Andy Warhol Clou de Paris timepiece pays homage to the Piaget Society, celebrating the Maison's golden era

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Best Foot FORWARD
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

Best Foot FORWARD

Having always set itself apart by combining shoe-making and smart engineering, FitFlop goes a step further by announcing a new partnership with Song Hye Kyo. The South Korean star was so enamoured with the stylish yet comfortable designs that she handpicked her favourite styles for her ambassador shoot

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Standing TALL
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

Standing TALL

With its striking elongated silhouettes, inventive takes on couture, and clever tie-ups, the Balenciaga Spring 2025 parade couldn't be dampened even by the day's rainstorm

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Extraordinary EVERY DAY
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

Extraordinary EVERY DAY

As SHANGHAI TANG celebrates 30 years, there is no better time to embrace the Friends of SHANGHAI TANG Collection and its touches of contemporary chinoiserie, timeless elegance, and joie de vivre

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
A City That NEVER SLEEPS
L'OFFICIEL Singapore

A City That NEVER SLEEPS

30,000 square metres, 10 \"designer neighbourhoods\", 10 unique Moncler Genius collections, and one stunning \"The City of Genius\" concept, in which one can soak in different artistic and cultural viewpoints of the diverse creative talents assembled

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024