Bicena
Seoul, South Korea
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Towering above Seoul on the 81st floor of the Signiel Seoul Hotel, Bicena is trying to stay true to the spirit of traditional Korean fine dining. Bicena continues to respect the most fundamental details of slow Korean cuisine such as Jang (fermented sauces) and kimchi, the outcome of time and nature doing their work. The views from the restaurant - officially the tallest traditional restaurant in the world - are unrivaled.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Highest Korean Restaurant in Seoul: Bicena is located on the 81st floor of Lotte World Tower, making it the highest Korean restaurant in the city and offering panoramic views of Seoul.
- Mother Nature Menu: The restaurant offers a single, set lunch menu called the "Bicena Mother Nature menu," which is priced at KRW170,000 and features a focus on seasonal, natural ingredients.
- Korean Liquor Pairings: Bicena’s drink menu includes unique Korean liquors with lower alcohol content (as low as 17%), which are specifically curated to complement the refined Korean cuisine.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Bicena in Seoul are:
Hanwoo Beef (Korean native beef): Particularly notable is the 30-day wet-aged striploin and a 1-month house dry-aged sirloin. These beef cuts are marinated with pear and soy sauce to enhance sweetness and are grilled over charcoal, showcasing Bicena's dedication to quality and traditional Korean flavors.
Seasonal and Naturally Caught Fish: Chef Kwangsik Jun sources top-quality, naturally caught fish such as Spotted knifejaw (local parrotfish) and long-tailed red snapper from Jeju Island. These fish vary daily depending on market availability and are prepared to highlight freshness and the essence of Korean coastal cuisine.
Traditional Korean Fermented Sauces (Jang) and Kimchi: These fundamental elements of Korean cuisine are respected and incorporated into dishes, reflecting the slow, time-honored culinary tradition Bicena upholds.
Korean Herbs: Used as palate cleansers, such as bitter Korean herbs paired with milk-based ice cream, they refresh the taste buds between courses and add a unique herbal dimension to the meal.
Dried Persimmon and Kumquat: Featured in desserts like the dried persimmon sujeonggwa (sweet rice punch) and candied kumquat with ginger cream, these ingredients provide traditional Korean sweetness and vibrant, refreshing flavors to conclude the dining experience.
These ingredients are significant for their deep roots in Korean culinary tradition, their seasonal and natural sourcing, and the refined techniques Bicena employs to elevate them into haute cuisine. The focus on aged Hanwoo beef and fresh Jeju fish, combined with traditional fermented elements and unique Korean herbs and fruits, defines Bicena's signature style.