O’Kims chef among Hawaii talent recognized with James Beard nod

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The chef-owner of O’Kims Korean Kitchen in downtown Honolulu is one of five Hawaii chefs up for this year’s James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific region.

Chef Hyun Kim joined HNN’s Sunrise to talk about the recognition and showcase her latest modern Korean dishes.

Semifinalists go through a first round of taste tests to determine the top five finalists in each category, which are announced on April 2. Winners are honored on June 16 in Chicago.

The Busan native began her career at 16 in South Korea and moved to Honolulu to study Culinary Arts at Kapiolani Community College and work at iconic spots like Chef Mavro, 53 by the Sea, and Morimoto.

Kim said she uses natural, healthy ingredients sourced from Hawaii to support local farmers and sustainability.

For more information, visit okimshawaii.com or follow on Instagram at @okims_honolulu.