Ever wondered what happens when a beloved Korean food chain gets a fresh, local twist? Singaporean investors are now steering ilmiri Korean Fusion Cuisine, bringing exciting new flavors and ambitious expansion plans to the table. Get ready for a delicious new chapter in Asian dining – what culinary surprises await?
The culinary landscape of Southeast Asia is set for a significant evolution as ilmiri Korean Fusion Cuisine, a renowned chain originating from Korea, officially transitions its Singapore operations to a new consortium of Singaporean investors. This pivotal handover, which occurred on July 17, 2025, signifies a crucial milestone for the brand, marking its inaugural direct international expansion beyond its home country.
Boasting a formidable presence with over 150 outlets across Korea, ilmiri has cultivated a reputation for its modern interpretations of traditional Korean dishes, particularly its signature jjimdak. The brand’s popular offerings have even graced the screens of hit K-dramas, further cementing its status as a cultural and culinary icon, drawing immense appeal from fans of Korean food chain culture.
At the heart of ilmiri’s celebrated menu is its unique special sauce, a culinary masterpiece perfected over three intensive years of development. This proprietary blend forms the foundation for a diverse array of innovative jjimdak variations, including the popular Cloud Cheese, rich Soy Sauce, sophisticated Truffle Jjajang, and spicy Mala. The bestseller, the Cloud Cheese Jjimdak, exemplifies this innovation with its tender braised chicken and vegetables sumptuously blanketed under a cloud-like layer of melted mozzarella cheese, a true Asian culinary delight.
The new era for ilmiri in Singapore is spearheaded by Michelle Tan, a distinguished entrepreneur with a proven track record in the demanding sectors of gold trading and real estate. Ms. Tan’s strategic Singaporean business acumen and investment decision were deeply influenced by ilmiri’s widespread success in Korea and the surging popularity of Korean culture across the Southeast Asian region, indicating a keen eye for market trends.
Expressing her personal connection to the brand, Michelle shared, “I loved it. I thought it was a pity that the brand only had one outlet in Singapore.” Driven by this sentiment, she proactively pursued the acquisition, articulating a clear ambition to leverage her expertise for the brand’s strategic restaurant expansion and to significantly grow its presence not only within Singapore but also throughout the broader Asian market.
Under the dynamic new management, ilmiri has already begun to invigorate its menu with fresh and exciting additions designed to captivate the local palate. A prime example is the newly introduced Yaki-Udon Jjimdak, a creative fusion of Korean and Japanese flavors meticulously crafted for the Singaporean audience. This initiative underscores a commitment to innovation, with two additional new dishes slated for release by the end of July.
Mr. Cho Kibum, the esteemed founder and director of ilmiri Korea, voiced strong confidence in the local leadership, emphasizing their superior ability to comprehend and adapt to local regulations and evolving consumer demands. He articulated his belief that “Under Ms. Tan’s stewardship, we believe that ilmiri will be able to flourish,” highlighting the synergistic potential of global brand and local expertise in the food industry.
The dining experience at ilmiri is thoughtfully designed for social engagement, featuring generous portions that encourage communal dining and foster a vibrant, shared atmosphere. Located at 25/26 Circular Road, the flagship restaurant offers a casual yet energetic setting, inviting both long-standing aficionados of Jjimdak Singapore and new patrons to explore its distinctive fusion menu.
