Tae Hwan Ryu, executive chef of Ryunique, has opened his second restaurant, Normal, in Seoul, offering business travellers a mix of French and Japanese molecular cuisine in the heart of Gangnam District.

The cozy 18-seat modern bistro, located a short walk from Ryunique, offers guests a menu of salads, starters, charcoal grill dishes, and desserts. While Ryunique is a twist on executive chef’s surname, ‘Ryu’, and ‘unique’ – a word the chef says it encapsulates his cooking style – Normal sees the chef adopt a more casual approach.

“Ryunique offers diners a creative fusion of French and Japanese molecular cuisine,” says chef Ryu. “Normal maintains the same high standard of food, and also sources all ingredients locally, but appeals to couples and young professionals looking for a more laid-back atmosphere.”

36-year-old chef Ryu graduated from the Hattoria Nutrition School in Yoyogi, Japan, and spent eight years training at leading Michelin-star restaurants in Sydney, London, and Japan. His dishes were met with critical acclaim upon the opening of Ryunique in 2012, and the restaurant is ranked 27th at the Asia’s 50 Best Awards in 2015. www.ryunique.co.kr