My Plate & Place with… Judy Joo

Excited about the thriving UK food scene, Judy moved to London in 2006, and worked for Jason Atherton, Claridge’s, Pétrus, and Boxwood Café as a chef and pastry chef. Judy also staged at prestigious restaurants worldwide including 3 Michelin-starred The French Laundry in Yountville, California; Heston Blumenthal’s 3 Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in Bray; as well as Bangkok’s Michelin-starred Nahm.

Judy’s love of cooking was inspired by the flavours of her childhood – raised in a Korean-American family in New Jersey, her back porch was lined with her mother’s ceramic pots, filled with fermenting kimchi, gochujang, and doenjang. The house’s garage had racks of drying seaweed, and a small Korean barbecue grill tucked in the corner.

Judy and her sister were often drafted to help stuff hundreds of dumplings. Her multicultural heritage and training are evident in her dishes today: from ‘disco fries’ influenced by New Jersey highway diners and topped with spicy cabbage kimchi, to classic French pastries that incorporate traditional Korean ingredients.

Fast forward to 2011, Judy became a familiar face on TV, starring in and earning the title of ‘Iron Chef UK’ – the only female Iron Chef in the UK and the second worldwide. Off the back of this success, Judy became a resident judge on Iron Chef America and a regular face on Food Network. Her expertise in Korean cooking led to her own shows: Judy Joo’s Return to Korea and two seasons of Korean Food Made Simple (Food Network worldwide). She has published two cookbooks, Korean Soul Food and Korean Food Made Simple.

In 2023, Judy was honoured to cook at 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea. In 2014, Judy opened her first restaurant, Jinju, in Soho, London, showcasing modern Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s success led to expansions in London’s Mayfair and Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong.

In 2019, Judy left Jinjuu after five years to start a new chapter, and launched Seoul Bird, a new venture specializing in the Korean fried chicken. The first location opened in Shepherd’s Bush, quickly followed by a second in Canary Wharf. In 2022, she launched Seoul Bird Las Vegas at the ARIA Hotel and Casino, followed by locations at Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre (home of the NY Nets) in 2023 and Citi Field (home of the NY Mets) in 2024.

Future plans include opening at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the UK in late August, alongside the much-anticipated expansion of the Seoul Bird franchise into the heart of Scotland, at Edinburgh Airport in January 2025. Judy will also star in a show premiering in January on Food Network, as well as the launch of her third book, K-Quick, which is scheduled to publish March/April next year.

Describe your perfect day in London?

My perfect day starts with a session at Zed Pilates Studio with maestro Zsolt Garzo in King’s Cross, whom I have been working with for over 15 years.  He is an ex-ballet dancer and is very meticulous about doing all the exercises correctly, so I get the most out of my workout. Then, I will walk back home to Marylebone, picking up a matcha latte at Nkora – I need a bit of green goodness to start the morning! I also love to play tennis and will take a lesson with my pro, Andy Faull, in Portman Square. Post sweat, I’ll grab a meal with a friend, usually locally – my favourites are Cocoro, Yamabache, Paul Rothe & Son, Apricity, Junsei, or Chisou. Afterwards, we’ll grab a Lebanese ice cream at Festok – the flavours are so fragrant and delish.

Favourite restaurant?

My favourite restaurant is like my mood – constantly changing! But I have my go-tos: La Petite Maison dazzles me with fresh seasonal veggie starters, and the perfect wine selection courtesy of Andrea Fasan. Manthan serves the most mouth-watering jackfruit uttapam and chicken tikka masala that make my taste buds dance. And let’s not forget Kima, where I can pick my own fish and have it cooked three ways – what a catch! I recently had an incredible meal at Jang by Chef Dana Choi and also savoured the flavours at Dosa by Akira Back at the new Mandarin Oriental. It’s a thrill to see high-end Korean cuisine making waves in London, finally.

Best place for brunch?

Sunday mornings at Marylebone Farmers’ Market is my idea of brunch bliss. I will munch on an almond croissant from Olivier’s Bakery, savour Turkish gozleme from Anatolia, and stock up on tangy local goat cheese paired with crusty sourdough from whichever stall catches my eye. Sometimes, I’ll grab a cheese toastie from La Fromagerie, or a sausage roll from The Ginger Pig, too. I love grazing and walking through markets – it’s my idea of heaven.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

I recently explored the Moco Museum in Marble Arch – an absolute treasure trove of modern art featuring icons from Andy Warhol to Jeff Koons. It’s the perfect pre-dinner pitstop with its intimate vibe. I also attended Frieze Seoul, where the people-watching was as fabulous as the provocative art. Can’t wait for Frieze to roll into London soon!

Where are the best places to shop?

I’m not exactly a shopping fiend, but I love wandering Marylebone High Street, where independent boutiques and charming second-hand stores await discovery.  There is also great shopping for food – Marylebone is known to be a gastronomic village.  I am obsessed with Pierre Marcolini’s

chocolate store – his seasonal tiramisu macaron is to die for! Liberty is also one of my favourite places to wander around in – and the only place in town to buy the Jones Road beauty line, the latest creation from Bobbi Brown. I get my dewy look from her ‘What the Foundation’. I am also obsessed with Anabela Chan’s organic and sustainable jewellery creations; her boutique is on the King’s Road. Every time I wear a pair of orchid shaped earrings from her, I get compliments. 

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

You’ll often find me at Claridge’s or the Connaught Bar, where I adore the concoctions from Andrea Cortes. Though he’s no longer behind the bar, I still have fond memories of ordering the

“JJ,” a drink crafted just for me, ages ago! For a more casual vibe, Purl is my go-to for a laid-back night out.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

My flat in Marylebone is my zen sanctuary. I love to duvet dive and just veg out, read, or watch Netflix from my bed. It is the best!

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

If time is of the essence, I’d hit the Tate Modern for a dose of contemporary genius, the Churchill War Rooms for a crash course in history, and Borough Market for some of the best bites the city has to offer.

What is your top London tip?

Make sure to carve out time for the Churchill War Rooms. It’s an educational experience that’s utterly captivating, providing crucial context for understanding the UK today.  Also, London is the best place to eat Indian food. So, make sure you grab a curry.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

We just opened Seoul Birdie at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and will be opening Seoul Bird at Edinburgh Airport early next year.  We are also ramping up another season at Barclays Center in New York. I have a new book coming out too in 2025. I’m also planning pop-ups abroad in the Maldives and Anguilla, and a fun trip to Patagonia is on the horizon. 

We highly recommend a visit to Judy’s fantastic restaurant, Seoul Bird, in London’s Canary Wharf. Also, make sure you follow Judy on Instagram @judyjoochef to keep up to date with her latest news!

Main photo by Emli Bendixen