In the lively, bustling streets of New Delhi, there exists a Korean chef who has taken the culinary world by storm with his innovative fusion dishes that harmonize the rich, vibrant flavours of India and Korea. Enter Kim Jiyeol, the esteemed chef of the South Korean embassy nestled in the heart of India. Despite his professional credentials, Kim’s rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric on Instagram, captivating nearly 100,000 followers with his handle @cook_oranji. His videos showcase tantalizing creations like kimchi-stuffed chicken kathi rolls and Indian breads infused with Korean spices, all meticulously prepared in his diminutive kitchen, which he affectionately refers to as his “research and development lab.”
Enamored by the kaleidoscopic culture of India and the hospitable nature of its people, Kim has wholeheartedly embraced Indian delicacies such as paneer palak, dal, dosa, and chole bhature, each of which has found a place in his culinary repertoire. The chef recognizes the striking parallels between Indian and Korean cuisines, acknowledging the mutual adoration for bold flavours and zesty condiments. It is this profound admiration for the culinary traditions of both lands that propels Kim to experiment and advocate for cultural amalgamation through gastronomy.
Traversing the culinary landscape of Delhi has presented Kim with numerous trials. Upon his arrival, the chef encountered difficulties in sourcing authentic Korean ingredients, embarking on a quest through the city’s markets before eventually securing reliable suppliers for the premium produce he craved. Yet, his quest for genuine ingredients extends beyond the city limits, as Kim has ventured to other Indian cities to ensure that his dishes maintain an authentic essence.
Despite the hurdles, Kim remains steadfast in his conviction that food serves as a universal language capable of bridging geographical chasms. In his view, cooking “unites people,” a belief corroborated by his collaborations with renowned local chefs and his initiatives to propagate Korean culinary heritage beyond conventional boundaries. From orchestrating a Korean food pop-up in Kolkata to sharing instructional videos on crafting spring onion kimchi with bilingual narration, Kim’s fervent zeal has earned him admirers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
However, Kim’s narrative extends far beyond the confines of the kitchen. His ardor for travel has led him to over 40 countries, where he indulges in his secondary passion – critiquing eateries and sampling indigenous fare. From Dubai to Hong Kong, his social media updates have garnered a devoted following eager for his insights on distinguished dining establishments. Moreover, Kim’s fascination with Korean popular culture, influenced by series such as “Flower of Evil” and “Crash Landing on You,” has inspired him and his spouse to institute Korean dining excursions as a monthly tradition.
Chef Kim Jiyeol’s odyssey in India epitomizes the profound influence of food in transcending barriers and fostering camaraderie. Through his inventive fusion dishes and his unyielding ardour for cultural interchange, Kim has emerged as a symbol of unity in a world that reveres and shares diverse heritages and traditions.
As the sun sets over the vibrant streets of New Delhi, Chef Kim Jiyeol stands as a testament to the sheer magic of food in weaving together the entwined tapestry of India and Korea, casting a spell that transcends the boundaries of culture and time.
