Vancouver World Chef Exchange | Seoul

Details

• January 22, 2026
• 6:00 PM
• $250.00*

Our 10th annual Vancouver World Chef Exchange! We’ve reached out to our friends in the global culinary community and have invited them to Vancouver. The result? The world’s culinary best join us for a series of delicious collaborations with our own city’s top talent. Each pairing involves MICHELIN Guide recognized teams, from Bibs through to Stars, each set to be a unique dining experience found nowhere else but here.

Chef Taejun Eom @ Five Sails Restaurant

Co-Presented by Destination Vancouver
Supported by Air Canada and The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Join Culinary Director Chef Alex Kim and the team at Five Sails Restaurant in welcoming Chef Taejun Eom, chef and owner of Michelin-starred restaurant Solbam in Seoul, South Korea.

For this intimate one-night collaboration, set against the panoramic views of Vancouver’s inner harbour, the chefs will create a seven-course tasting menu that brings together contemporary West Coast cuisine and modern Korean gastronomy.  This dinner is designed as a single, unified seating – allowing all guests to experience the full progression of the menu together.

Recognized for his nature-driven and modern interpretation of Korean culinary tradition – rooted in restraint, seasonality and a deep understanding of ingredients, Chef Eom’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with Chef Kim’s refined expression of West Coast flavours, resulting in a thoughtful and highly collaborative menu created exclusively for this evening.

* all-inclusive - includes 7-course collaboration menu, beverage pairings, taxes, and gratuity.

About Chef Taejun Eom

Chef Taejun Eom skillfully melds his extensive culinary experiences with Korean influences to craft and evolve Solbam's dishes. His creative process draws its greatest inspiration from "Awe for Nature," resulting in a contemporary culinary experience that seamlessly integrates his unique culinary expertise.

This approach is rooted in a profound respect for nature, a deep exploration of Korean ingredients across seasons, and the application of traditional Korean cooking techniques. Chef Eom places a strong emphasis on sustainability, fostering a harmonious relationship with seasonal ingredients and local farms. He passionately seeks out regional Korean spirits, showcasing them to discerning food enthusiasts, and actively supports research and innovation among small-scale producers. The chef's unwavering dedication ensures that diners savor a pure gourmet delight throughout their meal.

At Solbam, you can immerse yourself in Korean contemporary cuisine, which taste, aroma, and flavor seamlessly and gracefully intermingle, offering a truly exceptional dining experience.

About Chef Alex Kim

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Chef Alex's passion was ignited during summers spent on his grandmother's farm. There, amidst fields of peaches, grapes, and rice, he learned the art of nurturing ingredients. His grandmother’s methods of selecting vegetables and her meticulous fermentation processes laid the foundation for his appreciation of fresh, locally sourced produce. Memories of her beloved pork and kimchi stew remain a cherished part of his inspiration.

Over 16 years, Alex honed his skills in prestigious hotel kitchens around the world where he gained invaluable experience that broadened his culinary perspective and infused his cooking with diverse techniques and traditions.

Since moving to Vancouver in 2017, Alex has continued to shine in his craft. At Five Sails, he champions sustainability by collaborating with local farmers and fishermen to create menus that highlight the vibrant flavors of British Columbia. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs, instilling in them the importance of fresh ingredients and responsible culinary practices that honor the environment.

This year, Chef Alex earned Gold – winning the 2025 Canadian Culinary Championship and is currently one of the final two contestants in the current season of Top Chef Canada.

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