Your Local has rolled out Mat Nam (“Where the Flavor Meets”) – an exclusive chef collaboration featuring four acclaimed Korean chefs from the worldwide reality show sensation Culinary Class Wars.
Running until June 1, 2025, the event will introduce a rotating lineup of guest chefs, each bringing their signature culinary styles to Manila for a limited-time experience.
“This is a truly exciting moment for us,” shares Chef Patrick Go, Executive Chef of Your Local.
“I’ve always admired the chefs from Culinary Class Wars — each of them brings a unique approach to Korean and Japanese cuisine. We are eager to see how their dishes will resonate with the Filipino palate and, hopefully, spark a long-term collaboration with them,” he added.
The collaboration was initiated by Charles Paw, founder and owner of Tasteless Food Group, who connected Your Local with his Korean partners to explore the idea of a pop-up.
“Since I’m a fan of the show as well, it was a no-brainer to bring these talented chefs in for a series of exclusive dining experiences,” added Chef Patrick.
Guests can also expect an all-exclusive Balmori 3.0 menu from Your Local, which features new dishes yet to be seen at the main restaurant or at their two previous Balmori stints.
“As seen on Culinary Class Wars, each of these chefs has a distinct signature style,” explained Chef Patrick. “Expect bold, authentic Korean and Japanese flavors, blended seamlessly with our signature Your Local Balmori menu.”
Each guest chef will personally visit the pop-up for two days and have four signature dishes featured on the Your Local menu for one “episode,” which lasts approximately two weeks. Diners can enjoy dishes from the contestants of Netflix’s hit show Culinary Class Wars:
From April 6 – 23 it was Chefs Young Sook Lee and Jihyung Choi, followed by Chef Kisu Bang from April 26 – May 14, and to be capped by Chef Byung Mook Kim from May 17 – June 1.
Manila Standard Cravings tasted the creations of Chef Kisu Bang, the first Korean head chef in the country to earn a Michelin Star.
“I chose to prepare dishes that are familiar but made more elevated,” he said in an intimate interview during his two-day stay in Manila.
“I like to use ingredients that bring out excellent flavor. Good ingredients and the right cooking technique will ensure a tasty experience and memory,” Chef Kisu Bang added.
(Catch Mat Nam by Your Local at The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table until June 1, 2025. For reservations, contact 0945 427 0054.)
