NAE:UM retains its 1 star in the most recent 2023 Michelin Guide Singapore and Chef-Founder Louis Han continues to introduce new episodic menus ever since they received the award in 2022.
The restaurant is currently up to Episode 5, with a special Episode 5.5 coming this 8th & 9th July in collaboration with Chef Jimmy of 2 Michelin Starred JL Studio, to celebrate Naeum’s 2nd anniversary.
We caught up with Chef Louis Han during the Michelin Guide 2023 Awards Ceremony and asked him a few fun questions!
Interview With Chef Louis Han, NAE:UM
Q1: What’s the biggest inspiration for your restaurant?
My biggest inspiration is actually my travels and lifetime stories. I know I’m very young but there’s so much to talk about. I like to travel, I like to meet people. So my food is episodic, and I talk about my memories through food.
Q2: Tell us a TMI for today!
(slightly taken aback by the question) I woke up at 5am in the morning today! Couldn’t fall asleep, that’s very random right? (chuckles)
Q3: What’s your go-to Korean food in Singapore?
Nowadays, I like to go to Sodeng, the new place!
Q4: Recently, Singapore has been super warm, what are some Korean summer foods you wish would make an appearance in Singapore?
When it comes to Korean summer food, it has to be our cold noodles! Must-try, at Naeum!
Q5: What is your favourite Singaporean food?
Wah, my favourite Singaporean food? It always changes. But recently, I really like Yang Zhou Bee Hoon.
Q6: In your career as a chef, what was the hardest dish you had to make?
Wow, every dish is very hard to make, because we really need to focus, and put a lot of thought into each dish.
Q7: If you weren’t a chef, what do you think you’d be doing now?
I haven’t really thought about it, because I always wanted to be a chef since I was 12 years old. So I’m really doing what I love to do. But nowadays I’m thinking maybe… I see my wife doing a banking job, I think that job is quite fun? It looks interesting because of the way my wife does it (laughs)
Q8: Rank these three items, from your most favourite to least favourite: Kimchi Jjigae, Doenjang Jjigae & Soondubu Jjigae
Least favourite is definitely Soondubu Jjigae. Most favourite..? It depends, but today I’m craving more for Kimchi Jjigae!
Q9: Smash or Pass! Hongeo (Fermented Skate)
I don’t really enjoy that… Pass!
Beondegi (Silkworm Pupa)
Oh no.. Pass!
Sannakgi (Live Octopus)
Yes! (Smash)
Q10: What are some future plans for NAE:UM?
I will continue preparing for new episodes for my customers and we’re actually planning to open a casual restaurant soon! Please keep a look out for it.
For a more in depth look at NAE:UM, you can check out our article here.
@middleclass.sg We interviewed Chef Louis Han from the popular modern Korean restaurant, NAE:UM! His favourite dish in Singapore was pretty surprising! #sgfoodie #sgtiktok #MICHELINGuide23 #tiktoksg #sgkoreanfood #sgkoreanrestaurant ♬ Spy X Family Lofi (Remix)
Special shoutout to Chef Louis for agreeing to do this spontaneous interview with us!
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