(C) Oniriq
PARIS – In the heart of Paris, where the art of pastry is considered a national treasure, a Korean chef is rewriting history. Narae Kim, the Executive Pastry Chef at the prestigious Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, has become a sensation in the French culinary world, bridging the gap between Korean heritage and French refinement.
Chef Kim recently achieved a historic milestone by being named "Pastry Chef of the Year 2024" by Gault&Millau, one of France's two most influential restaurant guides alongside the Michelin Guide. This accolade is particularly significant as she is the first foreign woman and the first Korean national to receive this honor in the pastry category.
A Philosophy of "Emotional Sweetness" Kim’s rise to the top of the "Palace" grade hotel circuit—the highest distinction for French hotels—is rooted in her unique philosophy: "Emotion de sucre" (Emotional Sweetness). Unlike traditional desserts that often rely heavily on sugar, Kim focuses on extracting the natural flavors of high-quality seasonal ingredients, such as fruits and grains.
"The greatest compliment I’ve ever received was from a guest who told me they could taste the 'heart' put into the dessert," Kim said. "I strive to ensure that my creations deliver more than just a taste; they deliver a feeling."
Fusing Heritage with Parisian Elegance Her recent collections showcase a masterful blend of her Korean roots and her Parisian surroundings. For the 2026 New Year season, she reimagined the Galette des Rois (King’s Cake), a traditional French pastry. While staying true to the classic almond frangipane, she incorporated the identity of Place Vendôme—home to legendary jewelers like Cartier and Chaumet—by crafting desserts that resemble fine jewelry.
Furthermore, her new tea-time cookie collection draws inspiration from her childhood memories in Korea. By applying sophisticated French techniques to nostalgic snacks like Gangjeong (traditional rice puffs) and Sando (sandwich cookies), she offers a flavor profile that is both rustic and avant-garde.
Paving the Way Despite her individual success, Kim remains humble, attributing her achievements to the Korean predecessors who paved the way in the global culinary scene. Under the mentorship of Jean-François Rouquette, the Executive Chef of Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme, she continues to advocate for "heart-centered cooking."
As she continues to innovate at one of the world’s most iconic culinary locations, Narae Kim is not just making desserts; she is crafting a new cultural dialogue, one bite at a time.
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