1- Introduce yourself
My name is Songmi Ji. I was born in Busan, South Korea, and I have been working in the culinary industry since 2010. Currently, I serve as the head chef at Smoki Moto, a Korean steakhouse in Dubai. My journey in the culinary world has been incredibly rewarding, and I am passionate about sharing authentic Korean flavors and traditions with a diverse audience here in the UAE.
2- What was your story of how you became a chef for Smoki Moto?
During my career as a chef, I’ve worked in different kitchens, which helped me learn many cooking skills and understand how kitchens run. My various roles improved my ability to create menus, maintain quality, and solve problems. Working with different teams, from restaurant staff to suppliers, taught me how important teamwork and communication are in a busy kitchen.
Managing the kitchen at Smoki Moto strengthened my leadership and communication abilities. I learned to make quick decisions and keep high standards, even when things got stressful during busy hours.
These experiences have prepared me well for this role, and I’m excited about bringing new ideas and solutions to the team while growing in my career.
3- Korean food has now become a global food. Please tell us about your future vision and mission as a Korean chef?
As a Korean chef, my goal is to showcase the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine to a global audience while maintaining its authenticity. I create dishes that respect traditional cooking techniques and incorporate modern methods to appeal to today’s tastes.
I aim to share the fascinating history and cultural significance of Korean dishes, helping diners understand the rich stories behind each meal.
My mission is to craft innovative dishes that honor our traditions and connect people with the food on a deeper level.
4- How important is it for you is to support all the communities in the UAE?
As a Korean chef at Smoki Moto, it is important for me the communities in the UAE.
The UAE is a country where diverse cultures coexist, and celebrating this diversity makes our food even more special.
Engaging with different communities helps me understand their tastes, allowing me to create dishes that maintain the essence of Korean cuisine while appealing to everyone. I want to connect cultures understanding through food.
Additionally, by participating in local events and interacting with the community, I aim to build relationships with people from various backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels welcome. Through these efforts, I hope more people can enjoy the flavors of Korean cuisine.
5- What is your long-term plan as chef?
As a Korean chef working overseas, my main goal is to improve my cooking skills while staying true to authentic Korean dishes. I want to collaborate with chefs from different cultures to blend flavors and create exciting new dishes that highlight the beauty of Korean cuisine.
Additionally, I believe in mentoring young chefs, sharing my passion for Korean cooking, and supporting them in their journeys.
Ultimately, I hope to raise awareness and appreciation for Korean cuisine globally while enriching the food scenes in the places I work.
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