It’s been an eventful 2024 for chef Sun Kim, the acclaimed Korean chef behind Meta, which recently got upgraded to two Michelin stars joining only six other restaurants in Singapore. The Busan-born chef moved to Sydney at 26 without speaking English and worked under the tutelage of legendary Tetsuya Wakuda, which led to his stint at Waku Ghin, before striking out on his own.
Meta is seen as offering nouvelle Korean cuisine, but it is actually a combination of his “Korean heritage, Japanese cooking techniques and Western training”. The tasting menu features dishes like jeju abalone and cabbage chawanmushi – minimalist plates bursting with unique flavour combinations.
The changing menus are a reflection of Kim’s life experiences and evolution, hence the name, which is short for metamorphosis. Since opening, Meta has remained one of Singapore’s hottest tables, gaining plenty of accolades along the way.
In 2021, Kim was named American Express One to Watch and Meta ranks 28th on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List 2024. “We just moved to the new location, and we’re also turning 10 years old this year. I think this is a second chapter for us and we will continue to grow,” says Kim.
What is your favourite local dish?
My favourite local dish is chilli crab, which is one of Singapore’s iconic dishes. My very first meal in Singapore was chilli crab at No Signboard Seafood at Geylang (414 Geylang Road), and I’m still excited to go back there when I have guests from overseas. Fresh mud chilli crab, seafood fried rice and fried bun is a must for me!
Can you let us in on your favourite restaurant in Singapore right now?
My favourite restaurant right now is Seroja. It’s by chef-owner Kevin Wong, who has one Michelin Star, a Michelin Green Star and the Young Chef Award. He combines Malaysian flavours with ingredients sourced mostly from Southeast Asia. Don’t miss Seroja’s homemade juice pairing.
