Like I mentioned in our tastiest bites of 2016 post, one of the dining experiences I could have kept on repeat was at Meta. Located on Singapore Chinatown's Keong Saik Road, a street dense with restaurants and bars, Meta, with its take on French-inspired cuisine with a distinctly Korean bent, stands out.
"Kaya toast", served as an amuse bouche at Meta
Salmon Tartare, Dill, Melon, Finger Lime
Bibimbap, Hkkaido Uni, Kimchi, Seaweed
Chef Sun Kim, originally from South Korea, spent time in the kitchens of Waku Ghin in Singapore and Tetsuya's in Sydney (where he worked alongside chef Rishi Naleendra of another Singapore favorite, Cheek by Jowl), both heavyweights in their own rights, before forging forth on his own.
Slow Cooked Octopus, Romanesco, Gochujang, Black Olive
Chef Sun Kim’s dishes are elegant and creative, but also retain an element of classic and familiarity.
Duck Breast, Eggplant, Leek, Korean Date
“First, it’s my team. I get to see my colleagues every morning. They are more than family — we spend more time together than with our own families. Second, I want to showcase my food to my customers. I want their appreciation.”
Rack of Lamb, Doenjang, Celeriac, Zucchini
Coconut, Pineapple, Chocolate, Mint
In addition to being a brilliant chef, Sun Kim is also one of the nicest and friendliest people I have met.