CLARK, PHILIPPINES, July 2023 – Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort welcomes our new Korean Chef de Cuisine, Hwansu Kim. Chef Hans, as what the team calls him, has more than 15 years of experience in the kitchen. In 2016, he became one of the Korean Consulate General’s official embassy chefs in Vancouver, Canada. He later moved to the Philippines and joined the City of Dreams in 2021. Prior to joining Hilton Clark, he served as a Korean Cuisine Specialty Chef at a renowned hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam
When asked about his motivation to become a chef, Chef Hans revealed that his wanderlust fueled his culinary aspirations. “When I was around 19 years old, I dreamed of traveling the world,” he said. “That’s what ultimately led me to pursue a career in the culinary arts.” Over the years, Chef Hans has had the opportunity to explore various countries, including Australia, Canada, Vietnam, and now the Philippines.
When it comes to his culinary inspirations, Chef Hans credits a former colleague from his time in Vietnam. “I used to report to the Executive Sous Chef, and we would often engage in spirited debates,” he explained. “He was a tough and hardworking individual who pushed me to strive for excellence.” This experience instilled in Chef Hans a relentless drive to constantly improve and surpass expectations.
Chef Hans has a diverse repertoire of dishes he loves to prepare, but he particularly enjoys cooking fried foods, such as deep-fried chicken, pork, and tangsuyuk. Additionally, he proudly highlights his specialty, nangmyeon, a cold noodle dish from his hometown. “I am confident that I can make the best nangmyeon in the world,” Chef Hans asserted. Although relatively unknown in the Philippines, he hopes to introduce this delicacy to the local culinary scene in the future.
When asked about his personal favorite food, Chef Hans enthusiastically revealed, “Dak galbi, a spicy Korean chicken stir fry, is my absolute favorite.” He emphasized that the dish is best enjoyed with somaek, a popular combination of soju and beer frequently featured on TV shows.
Regarding the current menu at Hilton Clark, Chef Hans expressed his fondness for the Yang nyeom Chicken. “This deep-fried chicken dish with chili sauce perfectly balances flavor and spiciness,” he enthused. It is an enticing addition to the Hilton Clark dining experience.
Reflecting on his time with the team at Hilton Clark, Chef Hans expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm. “The team has welcomed me with open arms, showing kindness, helpfulness, and support,” he shared. “I feel extremely comfortable working with them, and I am excited about the many great things we will accomplish together.”
In celebration of the rich Korean culinary heritage, Chef Hans and his team invite you to the Korean Weekend Festival at Olive, every Friday – Sunday of July. Available during lunch and dinner for only PHP 2,800 nett per adult and PHP 1,400 nett per child. Come and try our Korean specialty dishes like jaeyuk, braised pork knuckle, samgyeopsal, bibimbap, and Korean fried chicken that Chef Hans and the team will prepare for you!
For reservations or more information, please visit www.hiltonclark.com or email CRKPP_FB@hilton.com, or call +63 917 823 1580.
