i. Biography
In Singapore, buckwheat noodles become a study in grain, oil and roe. At NAE:UM, Louis Han folds memilmyeon with white kimchi, perilla oil and a cured roe sauce, pushing a cold comfort dish into sharper relief without losing its structure. The same method carries into the seafood: dry-aged, pan-seared turbot meets a buttery sauce informed by maeuntang, with the stew’s heat and lift kept under the gloss. Han’s approach is clear from the plate itself: Korean reference points stay legible, but they are worked through technique, not left as decoration.
Coming Up
Since 2021, Louis Han has been the chef-founder of NAE:UM, shaping the restaurant with a confident, singular point of view. That sense of direction gives the kitchen its rhythm, balancing precision with a quiet sense of narrative, so that each dish feels considered rather than merely composed.
Where They Are Now
Since 2021, Han has led NAE:UM in Singapore as chef-founder. His stated aim is direct: "I want to introduce a mix of international and traditional Korean flavour to the diners." That sentence fits the food without overexplaining it. The cold noodle dish brings buckwheat, kimchi, perilla and roe into one composition; the turbot carries the memory of spicy fish stew into a buttery sauce. In both, the ingredients stay legible, and the Korean reference points are handled through process rather than decoration. There is a calm confidence to the way the kitchen works: familiar flavours are not flattened or forced into novelty, but given room to breathe, so their textures, temperatures and layers can register with clarity.
Signature
Louis's signature dishes include memilmyeon, dry-aged, pan-seared turbot, and Wagyu Beef Mil Ssam. Each reflects the same broad sensibility: a respect for recognisable Korean foundations, expressed through a polished, contemporary lens.
In Their Words “I want to introduce a mix of international and traditional Korean flavour to the diners.”
Honors
Louis's honors include MICHELIN Guide Singapore Young Chef Award (2022).
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Louis
What is Louis Han's current role?
As of 2026, Louis Han is Chef-founder.
What recognition has Louis Han received?
MICHELIN Guide Singapore Young Chef Award (2022).
