Chef Jungsik Yim Opens MŪJE, a Contemporary Asian Tasting Menu Experience in Chelsea
Chef Jungsik Yim, renowned for New York's only three-Michelin-star Korean restaurant, has launched MŪJE in Chelsea. This new dining destination features an eight-course contemporary Asian tasting menu priced at $150, showcasing a blend of flavors and techniques from across Asia. The restaurant emphasizes creativity without cultural boundaries, with dishes highlighting innovative interpretations of traditional ingredients.
Chef Jungsik Yim, celebrated for his acclaimed three-Michelin-star restaurant Jungsik, has opened a new culinary venture named MŪJE in Chelsea. This 66-seat fine dining establishment aims to transcend traditional Korean cuisine by offering an eight-course contemporary Asian tasting menu priced at $150, which is considered reasonable in Manhattan's dining scene.
MŪJE, pronounced "moo-jeh," translates to "untitled" or "without definition," embodying Yim's vision of a restaurant that is not confined to any single culinary tradition. "MŪJE is about creation without boundaries," Yim stated, emphasizing the restaurant's focus on evolving flavors shaped by seasonal ingredients and the collaborative efforts of the culinary team and guests.
The menu features early highlights from executive chef Daeik Kim, a former Jungsik alum. Notable dishes include yellowtail garnished with gooseberry, pickled tomato, and coconut gelée; chicken wings stuffed with spiced pork and seasoned with Korean "Prinkle"; and a modern take on kongguksu, Korea's cold soybean noodle dish, enhanced with pork lard, bottarga, mentaiko, and cured egg yolk.
A standout course is the charcoal-grilled short rib, served with a selection of four wraps inspired by various Asian cuisines. For dessert, guests can indulge in the whimsical Merlion, a coconut mousse and espresso creation inspired by Singapore's iconic half-lion, half-fish statue.
The beverage program at MŪJE is equally diverse, featuring a $115 wine pairing that includes selections from Austria, Alsace, Chablis, California, and Chile. Cocktails also draw inspiration from across Asia, such as the Midnight in Samui, a butterfly pea-infused rum drink.
Designed by Two Point Zero, the restaurant's interior features warm woods, terracotta, and charcoal granite, creating a serene atmosphere without relying on overt cultural references. The contemporary design includes walnut millwork, silk wallcoverings, and lantern-inspired lighting.
Reservations for MŪJE are available through Tock, with dining hours from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, Thursdays through Mondays. Given Chef Yim's impressive track record—Jungsik became the first Korean restaurant in the U.S. to earn three Michelin stars in 2024—demand for tables at MŪJE is expected to be high. If it fulfills its ambitious vision, MŪJE could quickly become one of New York's most coveted dining experiences.
