Korean Recipes: The Perfect spring wakeup for your tastebuds
This spring, Korean fine dining continues to shape London’s luxury restaurant scene with bold flavours, refined techniques and an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. At Lilli by Akira Back, Michelin-starred chef Akira Back brings together Korean inspiration, Japanese precision and British seasonal produce to create a contemporary dining experience in the heart of Mayfair.
From delicate umami notes to vibrant fermented flavours, modern Korean cuisine is increasingly defined by balance, artistry and ingredient-led cooking. Here are five ingredients shaping Korean fine dining this spring.
1. Gochujang
Rich, savoury and gently sweet, gochujang remains one of the defining flavours of Korean cuisine. The fermented red chilli paste adds depth rather than overwhelming heat, bringing complexity to marinades, sauces and glazes.
In modern fine dining, chefs are using gochujang more delicately than traditional home-style cooking. Small amounts are incorporated into dressings, reductions and butter sauces to add warmth and umami without overpowering seasonal ingredients.
At Lilli by Akira Back this balance between bold Korean flavour and refined presentation reflects the restaurant’s contemporary approach to fine dining.
2. Yuzu
Though Japanese in origin, yuzu has become central to contemporary Korean-inspired fine dining menus. Its bright citrus profile cuts through richer flavours and adds freshness to spring dishes.
Across London’s luxury dining scene, yuzu appears in seafood crudos, vinaigrettes, cocktails and desserts. Its floral sharpness pairs especially well with raw fish, shellfish and lighter spring vegetables.
The Menus at Lilli by Akira Back regularly combine citrus elements with Korean-inspired ingredients, creating dishes that feel vibrant, balanced and seasonal.
3. Kimchi
Kimchi has evolved far beyond a traditional side dish. In modern Korean fine dining, chefs are exploring its acidity, texture and fermentation in increasingly creative ways.
This spring, kimchi butter, kimchi purées and lightly fermented seasonal vegetables are appearing throughout tasting menus and sharing plates. Fermentation introduces both depth and brightness, helping richer dishes feel lighter and more layered.
At Lilli by Akira Back, ingredients such as kimchi are integrated with precision and restraint, complementing premium British produce rather than overpowering it.
4. Sesame
Nutty, aromatic and versatile, sesame continues to define Korean cuisine in subtle but important ways. Sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds and sesame pastes add warmth and texture across both savoury and sweet dishes.
In fine dining kitchens, sesame is often used sparingly to finish dishes with fragrance and depth. This spring, it pairs particularly well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables and elegant small plates designed for sharing.
The emphasis on layered flavour and refined presentation at Lilli by Akira Back mirrors the wider evolution of Korean-inspired luxury dining in London.
5. Seasonal British Produce
One of the most defining characteristics of modern Korean fine dining in London is the use of exceptional local ingredients. Rather than recreating traditional dishes exactly, contemporary chefs are combining Korean flavours with seasonal British produce.
At Lilli by Akira Back, seasonal ingredients sit at the centre of the menu, shaped by Korean inspiration and Japanese technique.
This spring, diners can expect dishes featuring vibrant herbs, premium seafood, carefully sourced meats and elegant vegetable-focused plates. The result is a style of dining that feels both globally influenced and distinctly connected to London’s seasonal food culture.
Contemporary Korean Fine Dining in Mayfair
As Korean cuisine continues to evolve within the luxury dining world, spring menus are becoming increasingly ingredient-led, elegant and internationally influenced.
Located within the Montcalm Mayfair Hotel
Lilli by Akira Back brings together Korean inspiration, Japanese precision and modern British luxury in one of Mayfair’s most distinctive dining destinations.
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