Michelin-Starred Restaurant Nae:um’s Chef Says ‘All Chefs Love Fast Food’ — He Eats It Thrice A Week

Chef-owner of Nae:um Group

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Louis made his mark with his inventive take on Korean cuisine. After honing his craft in fine-dining restaurants abroad, he made the move to Singapore in 2016. He worked at several acclaimed establishments, including two-Michelin-starred Meta Restaurant, before opening his own contemporary Korean restaurant, Nae:um, in 2021. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star just a year later and has retained it since. Louis also owns Gu:um, a contemporary smart-casual Korean grill.

Went through 20 rounds of recipe tasting for Shake Shack collab

When Shake Shack approached him for the collaboration, chef Louis was intrigued. “They wanted to make something unique using Korean ingredients,” he recalls. “We talked about how K-culture is everywhere now, from music to food, and I wanted to show a different side of Korean cuisine, something that feels familiar yet unique.”

It’s a first for the chef, who admits that most of his past collaborations have been with hotels or fine-dining restaurants. “I’ve never really worked with a casual eatery before,” he says. “And I’ve also never really had the chance to cook for so many people before so it was very exciting.” He revealed that the team went through more than 20 rounds of tasting before perfecting the menu.

“I eat it at least three times a week”

As head chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant who often ends work late, Louis is no stranger to digging into a comforting fast food supper after a long day of cooking. “I eat it at least three times a week,” Louis admits with a grin. The regular at Shake Shack usually visits its Neil Road outlet near his restaurant Gu:um, or the Great World City branch close to where he lives. 

His go-to Shack order

When it comes to his order, he likes to keep things simple. “I usually go for a single ShackBurger — no extras or customisation,” he shares with 8days.sg. His go-to drink? The Common Man Coffee Shake, which he says is sweet enough to double up as dessert.  

“I think all chefs like fast food,” Louis chuckles. “A burger is actually quite healthy — there’s carbs, protein, and vegetables, if you eat at the right time. Though I usually eat mine at midnight.”

Here’s what you can look forward to when Shake Shack’s American favourites get a Korean-style makeover, available from 5 November at all outlets:

Pyo:go Galbi Shack, from $14.20

Inspired by ssam (Korean grilled meats in lettuce wraps), this burger gives Shake Shack’s classic Angus beef patty a galbi glaze reminiscent of marinated short ribs. It’s stacked with sesame seed-studded marinated kale, onions and shiitake mushrooms (pyogo in Korean) for an umami, meaty bite counterpointed with juicy veg.

Saeng:Chae Gochujang Chicken, $12.40

A nod to Korea’s love for fried chicken. Soft buns clasp crispy battered thicken thigh glazed in a garlic-infused, sweet-and-spicy gochujang sauce. It’s topped with saengchae, a tangy Korean-style salad of shredded bell peppers, cabbage, onions, and leeks. Reminiscent of sauerkraut but with a nutty sesame twist, it adds a bright, refreshing crunch. Yummy, and we prefer this to the beef one. 

Salsa Jang:ajji Fries, $9.80

Crinkle-cut fries drenched in a jangajji-inspired sauce of pickled vegetables in a tart soy-based dressing, then finished with a Korean-style salsa of diced tomatoes, red onions, and spring onions. Ketchup and Korean peppers add piquant heat, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese lends a salty kick.

Tropical Makgeolli Shake, $10.20

Previously part of a limited-time menu in Shake Shack Korea, this shake has been reimagined for Singaporean tastes. Made with Kook Soon Dang makgeolli, a traditional alcoholic milky Korean rice beverage, it’s blended with vanilla custard, pineapple purée and lime juice, then sprinkled with lime zest. Creamy yet refreshing and not overly sweet, the subtle boozy note makes this approachable even for non-drinkers. 

Louis adds that this shake also pays tribute to Nae:um’s first-ever dessert, a makgeolli sorbet. 

Shake Shack x Nae:um’s menu is available from Nov 5 at all Shake Shack outlets, while stocks last. More info via website or Instagram.

Photos: CNA/Dillon Tan, Nae:um

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