I-SANG

The story

I-SANG Bangkok: Modern Korean Tasting Menu by Chef Steve Sanggun Lee

Where Korean Soul Meets Thai Land

At I-SANG, Chef Steve Sanggun Lee brings a deeply personal vision of Korean Contemporary cuisine to Bangkok. The name “I-Sang” means “ideal” in Korean, and also echoes the first two syllables of the chef’s Korean name, Lee Sanggun. It speaks to his lifelong pursuit of balance: between tradition and innovation, familiarity and curiosity, Korea and the world.

Chef Steve’s journey began at his family’s table in South Korea. He trained at Kyonggi University, then refined his craft at the Bentley Restaurant Group in Sydney. In 2020, he became Head Chef of Hansik Goo in Hong Kong, the first overseas venture of his mentor, Chef Mingoo Kang. There, he led the kitchen to its first Michelin star in 2022 and received the Michelin Young Chef Award (Hong Kong & Macau) in 2023. Now, in 2025, he opens his own restaurant in Bangkok, earning a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026.

An 8-Course Tasting Menu

The menu changes seasonally, but the structure is an eight-course journey that embraces local ingredients while staying true to Korean authenticity. Dishes like Dongchimi — white kimchi with baby octopus, tomato, and apple — and Perilla Oil Kal-guksu with shrimp and Korean zucchini show the chef’s instinctive pairing of unfamiliar ingredients with Korean flavors. A highlight is Jeonbok: Korean abalone with lotus stem and makgeolli. The Bansang course features gochujang-marinated pork jowl alongside Chiang Rai rice and tenderloin. Optional add-ons include a lychee ganjang-marinated K-Steak (2GR fullblood wagyu M6/7) and Korean Fried Crab with gochujang and typhoon shelter crumbs.

Philosophy and Atmosphere

Chef Steve describes his approach: “Whenever I encounter a new or unfamiliar ingredient, I instinctively imagine how it might pair with Korean flavors.” This instinct, shaped by travel and a deep respect for his roots, defines the Korean Contemporary experience at I-SANG. The restaurant operates Monday to Saturday from 6 PM to 11 PM, with a smart casual dress code. It is a space for diners who appreciate thoughtful, modern Korean cooking in a setting that feels both refined and welcoming.