From japchae to galbijjim and everything in between, set sail with Korea’s culinary soul at Manila’s iconic bayside hotel
Annyeonghaseyo! The Admiral has docked—and he’s brought kimchi!
After a whirlwind food quest through the ports of Bangkok, our favorite well-traveled Admiral just dropped anchor again—this time with a suitcase full of Seoul.
Who is the Admiral, anyway?
I’m glad you asked. Why, he’s the hotel’s original archetype. Picture this: an effortlessly stylish globetrotter who knows how to pair a Negroni (or any other cleverly concocted cocktail, for that matter) with a good story. He’s been everywhere, eaten everything, and he brings it all back to his Manila home, one voyage at a time—not as souvenirs, but as taste memories, re-imagined in full taste bud-thrilling Technicolor. His table is always set, and always gleefully groaning under the weight of anecdotes and appetizing aliments.
Every edition of The Admiral’s Travels is another page in his passport—shared with guests, with each exquisite bite.
Remember his first stop? Thailand, of course! Last month’s Taste of Thailand takeover at the Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery‘s Admiral Club (where guest chefs from Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit turned up the heat) was a mouthwatering marvel. That debut leg was a hearty hit—some say too good to top, but challenge accepted.
Now, following that very successful tour, the Admiral’s back—fresh off the Han River—and he didn’t come alone.
Enter Chef Lily Min: storyteller and kitchen powerhouse
Straight from South Korea, the Admiral has enlisted none other than Chef Lily Min—Korean food expert, bestselling author of the K-Drama Cookbook, culinary instructor at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and founder of Lily Lab, known for bringing authentic Korean retail and deli products into Filipino homes.
Upon gracious invitation of the Admiral, I attended the sumptuous savory showcase helmed by Chef Lily on May 8. As I sipped on my Oi Muchim and Tonic cocktail—splendidly crafted by my favorite elixir guy, Wilius Czar Bautista, Chief Elixir Curator at the hotel’s Ruby Wong’s Godown, and made with umami-rich sesame oil-washed gin, soju, cucumber and lime cordial, and tonic water—Chef Lily’s pretty apron caught my eye. A traditional Korean kitchen garment, she noted, as she ever-so-politely thanked me for my open admiration. Never have I ever seen a more poised chef, amidst the pressures of the packed press preview. But don’t let the pretty, prim-and-proper parcel throw you off: Chef Lily packs some flavor-packed culinary chops, and she isn’t afraid to flex them.
From heritage to hotel, home-cooked with heart
With 30+ years of experience under her belt and published titles like Preo & Dios Cookbook, Easy Korean Food 114, and (her most popular one, so far) the K-Drama Cookbook, Chef Lily knows exactly what she’s doing—and it shows. For this collab with the hotel, she’s serving the dishes she grew up with, the kind you’d actually find in a Korean family gathering, not just a YouTube tutorial. And you don’t need subtitles to understand the deliciousness of these authentic Korean eats, either!
For the flexitarian crowd—those of us who lean mostly plant-based but occasionally say yes to a little seafood indulgence (hi, friends, I see you!)—there’s plenty to love here. Think indulgent, succulent King Prawn Salad; soul-soothing Seafood and Kimchi Pancakes that are crispy on the outside and tender inside; perfectly springy Japchae (Glass Noodles) tossed with a colorful mix of veggies and delicate bites of seafood; Chamchi Gimbap (Tuna Seaweed Rice Rolls)—a savory, satisfying bite-sized classic wrapped in seaweed and packed with flavor; and deeply flavorful, house-fermented Baek Kimchi (White Kimchi) that hits all the right notes: tangy, spicy, umami-rich.
And for meat lovers, the Galbijjim (Braised Beef) earned rave reviews from the more carnivorous diners at our table—tender, fall-apart beef in a rich, soy-based sauce that practically demands a second helping (or so I gathered, seeing as I don’t eat meat). Also making waves: the Korean Fried Chicken, perfectly golden and gloriously crispy with just the right hit of heat and sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast, so don’t be shy about grabbing your piece early.
Overall, Chef Lily’s mastery of traditional techniques, paired with just the right touch of modern flair, delivers a gorgeous balance of heat, depth, and nostalgic comfort in every bite. It’s like sending your taste buds on a mini getaway to South Korea, no plane ride required. All of these standouts (and then some) will be featured as a special highlight in the Admiral Club’s buffet lineup through May. And, there are so many more delicious dishes to discover, each one thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavor. It’s safe to say—yes, this promotion is worth the hype.
Family flavors meet five-star, MICHELIN flair—only at the Admiral
Speaking of nostalgia, Chef Lily had more than a bit to share at the lively lunch. “May 8 is especially meaningful for me as it is also the celebration of Parents’ Day in Korea. As an important family event, I am honored to share my heirloom recipes with the guests of the Admiral Hotel,” she shared. “I am grateful for the support of the hotel team, especially the chefs headed by their Executive Chef Mok Chee Wah, for giving me this opportunity to put forward the Korean culinary heritage.”
The stalwart Admiral’s very own right hand man himself, the Hotel’s General Manager Matthieu Busschaërt enjoyed every bite at the campaign launch. “Together with my team, our commitment has always been to elevate the guest experience through best-in-class hospitality and gastronomy,” he said. “Partnering with the finest culinary artisans like Chef Lily Min allows us to do that and bring authentic global flavors to the Admiral’s table. We are also thrilled to be the only hotel in Manila, once again recommended by the MICHELIN Guide 2025.”
With heartwarming stories from across the Seven Seas, heirloom recipes from Chef Lily’s treasure trove of treats, and a MICHELIN Guide nod in the mix, Taste of South Korea is more than your typical buffet spread—it’s a beautifully curated cultural moment.
Go ahead—pull up a chair. The Admiral saved you a seat.
The Admiral’s Travels: Taste of South Korea
- May 8 to 31, 2025, at the Admiral Club Manila Bay
- Call 0917 829 8434 to book and use code: KOREA or Click here for more details or to book online
- Can be in conjunction with existing promotions at the Admiral Club: Summer Feast and Metrobank card promos
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