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Mingles

Seoul

• The Best Restaurant in Korea 2024, sponsored by Bibigo

Traditional and stylised Korean with global influence

On the Pass

Mingoo Kang

Why it’s worth a visit: Since opening in April 2014 in Seoul’s buzzy Cheongdam-dong district, Mingles has impressed local and international diners with refined Korean cookery that weaves in inspiration from Hong Kong and Europe. Named The Best Restaurant in Korea 2024, sponsored by Bibigo, the eatery is perfect for exploring unsung local ingredients, from acorn jelly to bellflower root, in a clean, earthy-toned space.

Who’s behind the pass? Korean chef Mingoo Kang trained under Martin Berasategui in San Sebastian, Spain, and later enjoyed stints at Nobu in Miami and The Bahamas, where he took learnings that he would later apply to Korean food once back on home soil. In 2021, Kang was voted by his peers as the winner of the Chefs’ Choice Award.

Key ingredients: The seasonally-driven, ten-course tasting menu – which leans towards local fish and vegetable preps – relies on traditional Korean fermented sauces and vinegars to enhance umami and add balance to each dish. Signature main courses include hanwoo, a Korean barbecue dish using high-grade beef with Jerusalem artichoke, and the intriguing ‘mingling pot’, which simmers morel and cabbage ssam with beef tendon and abalone.

What’s the vibe? In 2019, Mingles moved to a more spacious home within the same neighbourhood. While the old location highlighted the restaurant’s kitchen, the current iteration features an elegant, minimalist design that Kang feels better complements his dishes.

Expansions: In the summer of 2020, Kang launched his first project outside of South Korea: Hansik Goo in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood. At the Fragrant Harbour location, Kang offers authentic Korean flavours with a creative twist.

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