palate

Busan, Seoul, and Sydney represented on the plates of newly starred restaurant Palate

"Newly Michelin-starred and deeply personal, this Busan restaurant embodies chef Kim Jae-hoon’s journey and philosophy. He won his first star in February, a recognition that lifted him from a low point after opening in December 2019 just before Covid-19 hit Korea, and he says the Michelin Guide has “set the stage” so he can think more about the performance he’s going to give. The cooking here reflects seven formative years in Australia and guidance from a Japanese mentor at Sydney’s Italian restaurant Lumi, which taught him to be free from stereotypes and to layer flavors for a more complete final taste; before returning to Busan, he also honed his craft in Seoul as sous chef at the one-Michelin-starred Zero Complex. Set in Yongho-dong on the western side of the city, about 30 minutes from the main Haeundae Beach, it’s surrounded by piers with lots of yachts and views of tall apartment buildings. “Palate is a place where my experiences as a chef are shared,” Kim says, promising to keep breaking free of pre-existing ideas and prejudices, sharpen his skills, and bring forth new ideas from what he experiences in Busan." - Summer Lee