In the ever-evolving landscape of Singapore’s fine dining scene, Meta stands as a testament to culinary metamorphosis, which is precisely what its name signifies. Nestled at 9 Mohamed Sultan Road in Singapore’s Chinatown district, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant has transformed the city’s gastronomic terrain with its distinctive approach to contemporary Korean cuisine.
Meta Singapore’s Chef Sun Kim
Meta’s soul lies in the hands of Chef Sun Kim, whose journey began in the seafood-rich port city of Busan, Korea. Exposed to the culinary world at a young age through his mother’s restaurant business, Chef Sun’s early experiences cultivated what would become a lifelong passion for food.
His culinary philosophy represents a convergence of worlds—Korean heritage at its foundation, Japanese techniques providing finesse, and Western culinary training adding structure. This East-meets-West approach has earned him not only critical acclaim but also placed Meta among Asia’s gastronomic elite, ranking #39 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Culinary Identity & Recognition
Meta’s menu tells the story of Chef Sun’s personal and professional evolution. His dishes are characterized by bold Korean flavors presented with contemporary minimalist aesthetics—a visual and sensory testament to his multicultural influences and award-winning vision.
The restaurant’s tasting menus showcase seasonal ingredients sourced globally, with particular emphasis on seafood—a nod to Chef Sun’s Busan roots. Signature offerings include the steamed Jeju abalone with gochujang seaweed risotto, which exemplifies Meta’s textural complexity by combining tender mollusc, creamy rice, and crunchy lily bulbs.
Each plate represents a metamorphosis of traditional Korean elements, transformed through Chef Sun’s decade of experience working in Italian restaurants, French culinary training in Sydney, and significant time spent mastering Japanese techniques. This distinctive approach has earned Meta two Michelin stars, a place among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, and many such recognitions.
Dining Experience at Meta Singapore
The restaurant’s aesthetic mirrors its culinary approach—cool, composed, and creative with black awnings, concrete floors, and gleaming glass panels. Most distinctively, Meta’s dining room shares space with the kitchen, creating an intimate chef’s table atmosphere that brings diners closer to the culinary process.
A meal at Meta is an investment in time and experience, with dinner seatings designed to span approximately 2.5 hours. Guests can choose between:
- Lunch at $248++ per diner (available only on Friday and Saturday)
- A 6-course dinner at $278++ per diner (Tuesday to Thursday)
- An 8-course dinner at $328++ per diner
For those seeking complete immersion, beverage pairings are available at $258++, while non-alcoholic pairings offer a thoughtful alternative at $158++.
A Study in Contrasts
What makes Meta exceptional is its masterful navigation of contrasts: Korean traditions meet contemporary presentation; bold flavors are delivered with subtle technique; and French culinary foundations support distinctly Asian ingredients. The restaurant’s black exterior against gleaming glass creates visual tension that mirrors this culinary philosophy.
A review from Travels for Stars captures the experience perfectly: “…bursting with flavors… deliciousness.”
From the tilefish with crunchy scales that “almost seemed like a cracker sitting on top of the fish” to cold noodles served with white kimchi that was “acidic and crunchy, but not spicy,” Meta consistently delivers unexpected textural and flavor combinations.
The Meta Experience
Meta isn’t merely a restaurant—it’s the sort of establishment where memories are created, whether impressing a date or demonstrating your connection to Singapore’s dynamic food scene. With its dedicated approach to culinary evolution, Meta Singapore embodies the spirit of metamorphosis in each carefully crafted dish.
As Singapore’s dining landscape continues to evolve, Meta remains at the forefront—transforming traditional Korean flavors through a prism of global techniques and personal experiences to create something entirely its own. In a city known for culinary excellence, Meta Singapore has distinguished itself not by following trends but by creating them, earning its place among Asia’s finest dining destinations.
