From 'Black and White Kitchen' to Mom's Flavor: Korea's 'King of Banchan' MAMALEE Makes First Taiwan Appearance with Pop-up at Regent Taipei Starting July 3

This summer's most anticipated Korean culinary event has officially arrived in Taiwan. Chef Song Ha Seul Ram, who gained fame through Netflix's popular cooking reality show 'Black and White Kitchen: Culinary Class Wars,' will be a guest chef at Regent Taipei from July 3 to 31, 2024. At the hotel's first-floor restaurant azie and second-floor Upper Lobby Lounge, he will present a contemporary Korean 'Bansang' set meal and banchan dishes infused with Spanish tapas culture, challenging conventional perceptions of Korean cuisine. MAMALEE set meals start from NT$980, with à la carte dishes from NT$580.

Chef Song Ha Seul Ram of MAMALEE (right) and Jason Hsieh, Executive Deputy General Manager of Food & Beverage at Regent Taipei (left). (Photo: Regent Taipei)

Chef Song, the founding member of Korea's Michelin three-star restaurant Mingles, formed a close friendship with Mingles' head chef Kang Min-gu during their culinary training in Spain. Inspired by Spain's vibrant wine and tapas culture, the duo opened MAMALEE in Seoul's Seongsu-dong upon returning to Korea. Under Chef Song's leadership, the restaurant elevates Korea's essential side dishes (banchan) to center-stage cuisine, creating a unique dining concept that blends fine dining precision with the relaxed ambiance of a wine bar.

During his appearance on 'Black and White Kitchen,' Chef Song was praised for his mastery of Korean banchan. Judge Ahn Sung-jae commended his dishes for containing 'details invisible to the ordinary eye'—details not in appearance or ingredients, but in precise seasoning and an innovative philosophy rooted in tradition.

MAMALEE's most iconic dish is the 'Korean Lotus Root Fried Chicken.' Breaking from the traditional pairing of Korean fried chicken with fries, Chef Song substitutes golden, crispy lotus root slices alongside tender, juicy chicken thighs. Even when coated in a rich sweet-spicy sauce, the dish maintains a surprisingly crisp texture. Notably, this dish is not only MAMALEE's most popular signature but also a classic co-created by Chef Song and Chef Kang Min-gu. It was previously featured on the menu of Mingles-affiliated restaurants and is regarded by many Korean food enthusiasts as a symbolic fusion of both chefs' culinary styles.

Another highlight is the shrimp and kale pancake, which exemplifies Chef Song's talent for reimagining Korean home-style cooking with modern techniques—an unmissable item during this pop-up.

The first-floor azie menu features four set meals: American beef patty, spicy pork stir-fry, braised mackerel pike, and American wagyu short rib. Each set is accompanied by multiple banchan crafted by Chef Song, showcasing the soul of Korean dining through four preparation styles—pickling, cold mixing, stewing, and sautéing—reflecting his philosophy of elevating everyday dishes into fine dining experiences. Additionally, Chef Song recommends a Korean-Italian fusion set, including Korean spicy sauce pasta and abalone with sticky rice risotto, highlighting his international culinary expertise.

The second-floor Upper Lobby Lounge continues MAMALEE's Seoul wine bar concept with a BAR FOOD menu designed for sharing with drinks. Offerings include Korean lotus root fried chicken, shrimp and kale pancake, basil octopus salad, spicy tteokbokki noodles, and creamy mentaiko fettuccine. The cocktail menu features four options: Basil Spring Tea, Fragrant Pomelo Bi Luo Chun, Smoked Plum Oolong, and Honey Apple, allowing guests to enjoy the captivating fusion of Korean and Spanish culinary cultures in a relaxed, slightly tipsy atmosphere.

Wu Wei-cheng, Managing Director of Regent Taipei, stated, 'Regent Taipei consistently brings in representative international culinary brands and chefs, enabling Taiwanese consumers to experience global gastronomy without leaving the country. Chef Song Ha Seul Ram not only possesses international restaurant experience but has successfully fused Korean banchan culture, Spanish tapas spirit, and modern culinary techniques into a distinctive dining style. We hope this collaboration introduces consumers to the most creative and vibrant side of contemporary Korean cuisine.'

For inquiries and reservations: (02) 2523-8000 (ext. azie or Upper Lobby Lounge) azie online reservation: https://reurl.cc/vExkNN Upper Lobby Lounge online reservation: https://reurl.cc/gr9v3z Regent Taipei (No. 3, Lane 39, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei City) 1F