Le Meridien brings Korea’s rich flavours, authentic dishes, and timeless traditions to the heart of New Delhi
Korean food is a vibrant and flavourful cuisine celebrated for its unique balance of colors, textures, and tastes. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, it emphasises fresh, seasonal ingredients, often fermented, to create deep, savoury flavours and nutritional richness. The Korean dining experience is distinctive, with meals commonly featuring a variety of side dishes, or banchan, that range from spicy kimchi to delicate pickled vegetables. Key staples like rice, vegetables, and meats are skilfully combined with ingredients like gochujang (a spicy-sweet red pepper paste) and doenjang (fermented soybean paste) to create dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. From the sizzling sounds of bulgogi on a grill to the comforting warmth of a bubbling jjigae stew, Korean food offers a sensory journey into a culture that values harmony, balance, and bold, memorable flavours.
Food lovers in New Delhi had a culinary treat from Korea right in New Delhi as Le Meridien celebrated the unique flavours of Korean cuisine with its much-anticipated Korean Food Festival. Running till November 17th, 2024, this gastronomic event was an immersive dining experience, highlighting traditional and contemporary Korean dishes at its ‘The One’ restaurant. The festival is a feature of Le Meridien New Delhi’s annual ‘+1 Celebrating Flavours of the Globe’ initiative under the ‘+1 for the Leap Year’ campaign, bringing exotic, authentic global flavours to the heart of India.
The Korean Food Festival’s dinner buffet had been meticulously curated by Chef Young-Hwan Jang, Chef de Partie at AC Hotel by Marriott Seoul Gangnam. With over two decades of culinary expertise and a deep-rooted passion for Korean cuisine, Chef Jang has flown in from Seoul to offer guests an authentic taste of his homeland, blending traditional Korean staples with innovative techniques to appeal to a global palate.
“We are thrilled to showcase the diverse and flavourful cuisine of Korea through this festival,” said Meena Bhatia, Vice President and General Manager of Le Meridien New Delhi. “This event aligns perfectly with our +1 Celebrating Flavours of the Globe initiative, a highlight of our annual ‘+1 for the Leap Year’ initiative, and we believe it will offer our guests a truly unforgettable dining experience,” she added
The menu showcased a range of traditional Korean dishes, crafted to deliver the distinctive flavours and textures that define this cuisine. Guests can look forward to sampling dishes like Acorn Salad, a refreshing and nutritious delicacy; Gimbap Avocado, Korea’s beloved seaweed rice rolls with a modern twist; Spring Onion Pancake, a savoury delight that’s perfect for sharing; the spicy and comforting Stir-fried Rice Cake (Tteokbokki); and a cooling Chilled Seafood Salad, perfect for Delhi’s warm evenings. Each dish on the buffet spread has been carefully prepared by Chef Jang to ensure an authentic taste of Korea.
“I am excited to bring the vibrant flavours of Korea to Le Meridien New Delhi,” shared Chef Young-Hwan Jang. “Through this festival, we aim to introduce guests to the diverse range of Korean dishes, from classic comfort foods to innovative culinary creations,” he quips with a smile.
This unique dining experience went beyond just food—it invited guests to embark on a journey through Korea’s rich culinary heritage. From the spicy and savoury flavours that Korean cuisine is known for, to innovative twists on traditional dishes, the festival offers a deep and delicious dive into Korean culture and flavours.
