Korean chefs continue to make a significant impact on the prestigious James Beard Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the culinary world,” highlighting the growing global appeal of Korean cuisine.
Chef Kwang Uh of Baroo, a modern Korean fine-dining restaurant in LA’s Arts District, has been nominated for Best Chef in California. Baroo was previously recognized as one of the Los Angeles Times’ Restaurants of the Year in July. Chef Uh has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative use of fermented sauces and house-made kimchi.
Chef Jung Sik Yim, owner of the fine-dining restaurant Jungsik in New York, has been nominated for Outstanding Chef. Originally founded in Seoul, Jungsik has been a prominent fixture in New York since 2012. In December 2024, it made history by becoming the first Korean restaurant in New York to earn three Michelin stars.
The New York-based restaurant Kisa has been nominated for Best New Restaurant. Inspired by Korean roadside diners, Kisa has gained immense popularity, often drawing three-hour-long lines and earning coverage from major outlets such as The New York Times.
Chef Kyurim Lee of Jinju Patisserie in Portland, Oregon, is a nominee for Outstanding Bakery, while Chef Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit in Washington, D.C., is a semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
Danny Lee of Fried Rice Collective, which operates the Korean fusion restaurant Anju in Washington, D.C., and Simon Kim of Gracious Hospitality Management, known for the Michelin-starred restaurants Cote and COQODAK, have been nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Chef Ji Hye Kim of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a finalist for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region. This marks her fifth nomination. Miss Kim has garnered national acclaim, generating over $1.8 million in annual revenue and earning Chef Kim recognition as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs.
Additional regional nominees include:
- Chris Jung (Maxwell’s Trading, Illinois)
- Brian Kim (Oiji Mi, New York)
- Hooni Kim (Meju, New York)
- Ha Neul Kim (Gift Horse, Rhode Island)
- Hyun Kim (O’Kim’s, Hawaii)
- Ki Jung (Bar Maze, Hawaii)
- Brian So (Spring, Georgia)
- Kevin Lee (Burdie’s, Oklahoma)
- Grey Hwang (Shiro Japanese Bistro, Texas)
Celebrating its 35th year, the James Beard Awards honor excellence across diverse categories, including chefs, restaurants, bars, bakeries, bartenders, sommeliers, and culinary literature. Finalists will be announced in April, with the winners revealed at a ceremony in Chicago this June.
BY WONHEE CHO [cho.wonhee@koreadaily.com]
