NAE:UM

NAE:UM, whose name means ‘a fragrance that evokes memories’ in Korean, is one of Singapore’s most celebrated and emotionally resonant fine dining experiences. Founded in 2021 by South Korean chef-owner Louis Han, who moved to Singapore over a decade ago, the restaurant has held its Michelin star every year since 2022 and was ranked No. 73 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Located on Telok Ayer Street, the recently reimagined NAE:UM 2.0 presents a dining room inspired by the hanok, the traditional Korean house, with a soft neutral interior of exposed beam ceilings and a spacious, living room-like ambience that immediately evokes warmth. The kitchen is open to view at the back, anchoring the space. Chef Louis Han’s food culture and personal recollections of Korea are at the heart of every episodic menu, which he refers to as chapters of his life, changing seasonally and rooted in authentic Korean heritage flavours expressed through modern Western technique. Episodes have explored themes such as Front Yard Barbecue, capturing the sights, aromas, and communal rituals of Korean grilling culture, while other chapters evoke the memory of his grandmother’s kitchen or the street food of Seoul. Innovative courses are ethereally presented, precise in execution, and deeply connected to their Korean origins through spicing, fermentation techniques, and the use of key Korean staples such as doenjang, ganjang, and gochujang. A curated beverage programme encompasses Korean spirits, sake, and international wines. NAE:UM Group also operates GU:UM and a private dining space, Hideaway.