A Culinary Breakthrough for Singapore

In a groundbreaking moment for Singapore’s culinary scene, chef LG Han of Restaurant Labyrinth made history as the first Singaporean to compete on the renowned Korean reality cooking show, Chef & My Fridge. The episode, which aired on May 11, showcased Han in a thrilling challenge where chefs whip up dishes using ingredients found in a celebrity's fridge.

Epic Showdown: Team Asia vs. Team Korea

Han teamed up with culinary talent from across Asia, including Yusuke Takada from Japan and Antimo Maria Merone from Hong Kong, to take on Team Korea, comprised of talented chefs like Son Jeong-won and Choi Hyun-seok. This stellar lineup put Asian culinary prowess in the spotlight!

Driven by Fun and Friendship

Invited due to Labyrinth’s impressive ranking as the 37th best restaurant in Asia, Han eagerly accepted the challenge. "I wanted to have fun, make friends, and showcase what Singapore has to offer," he shared, despite his previous reservations about competing on-screen. But he also had a strategic mindset—"I didn't want to lose!"

Raiding the Fridge of a K-Pop Legend

The celebrity on the episode was none other than Kim Jae-joong, former member of the famous K-pop group TVXQ. Chef Han had to use ingredients tailored to Kim’s spice-loving palate, with items like ssamjang, gochujang, and even squid making an appearance in his culinary arsenal.

A Unique Twist on Classic Singaporean Dishes

Determined to fuse Korean flair with Singaporean tradition, Han crafted a Singapore chili crab using Korean ingredients that paired beautifully with makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine. His innovative dish included a blend of sauces and rice cakes boiled in makgeolli, offering a taste of Singapore reimagined through a Korean lens.

Navigating Challenges and Cultural Differences

Despite the tight timeline and some flickers of panic, including forgotten ingredients and language barriers thanks to live translation, Han remained focused. Having longtime friend Choi by his side provided camaraderie during the intense 13-hour shoot, making the experience all the more memorable.

A Culinary Collaboration Ahead

Reflecting on this unique exposure, Han affirmed, "I wanted to show Korea the flavors we share, emphasizing that we are closer than we think." Looking ahead, Han and Choi are set to collaborate in Singapore on July 13 and 14, where they will recreate their competition masterpieces along with other dishes, giving fans a taste of both culinary worlds.

The Journey Continues

This exciting venture not only placed Singapore on the map of international cuisine but also reinforced the depth and richness of its culinary heritage. LG Han is undeniably a trailblazer, ready to continue bridging cultures through the universal language of food.