Korean Star Explores Bold Fusion Flavors in Portugal with Michelin Chef

What happens when traditional Korean flavors meet Portuguese haute cuisine? On the latest episode of T Cast E Channel‘s travel-food show ‘Ryu Student EoNamSeon’, Korean actor Ryu Soo-young embarks on a flavor-packed journey through Lisbon’s refined culinary scene with none other than Michelin two-starred chef, Huy Paola.

Broadcasting today, the episode sees Ryu visiting the kitchen of Chef Huy Paola, who has retained his Michelin status for an incredible seven consecutive years. Known for his innovations in Korean-Portuguese fusion cuisine—like Dongchimi Lobster Soup, Kimchi Cauliflower, and even Dongchimi Ice Cream—Paola pushes boundaries once again with a stunning new take on tacos.

During the show, Paola reveals a homemade batch of white kimchi and shares, “I tried to stay true to the original kimchi recipe while including local Portuguese ingredients and methods.” Tasting the dish, Ryu immediately proclaims, “This makes you an honorary Korean!”

But the real highlight? A one-of-a-kind Kimchi Pancake Taco. Using a waffle iron, Paola crisps kimchi pancake batter into taco shell form, then loads it with cubes of fresh seafood—scallops, lobster, and shrimp. He finishes it off with a tangy, umami-rich sauce made of shrimp heads, lemon juice, and mustard. The result? A flavor bomb that’s both familiar and wildly new.

“It tastes like an upgraded version of yangjangpi sauce—so smooth, so sophisticated,” Ryu says, clearly wowed. He describes the dish as, “Korea wrapped in Portugal. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever tasted—truly the best.”

Brimming with admiration and a dash of intimidation, Ryu jokingly tries to flee when it’s his turn to cook: “After eating this, I don’t think I can cook anymore.” What dish he’ll present to the Michelin-level chef remains a cliffhanger.

Catch the full episode of ‘Ryu Student EoNamSeon’ airing today at 5:20 PM on T Cast E Channel. It will also be available on streaming platforms including Netflix, Wavve, Tving, and Watcha shortly after broadcast.