Your Local, known for its innovative culinary experiences, presents its most ambitious event yet: Mat Nam, a three-part pop-up at The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table. This marks the first time chefs from South Korea’s hit show “Culinary Class Wars” will cook in the Philippines, featuring an entirely new, exclusive Balmori menu.

More than just guest chefs, these are co-creators. Each brings their unique culinary style to create dishes alongside Chef Patrick Go, resulting in a dynamic fusion of cultures, techniques, and flavors.

Your Local brings in chefs from the hit Netflix series Culinary Class Wars. Photo courtesy of Your Local.

 

The Lineup: Three Unique Rotations, Four Acclaimed Chefs, One Extraordinary Table

Over several weeks at Mat Nam, the kitchen will transform with three distinct chef rotations. Chef Patrick Go will partner with four standout chefs from “Culinary Class Wars,” each rotation offering a completely new and unmissable dining experience.

Chef Patrick Go, Chef Young Sook Lee, and Chef Jihyung Choi for the first rotation at Mat Nam. Photo courtesy of Your Local.

 

  • April 6-23: Go x Lee x Choi – A Powerhouse Trio
    The series opens with Chef Young Sook Lee (Nakyung), celebrated for her refined traditional Korean flavors, and Chef Jihyung Choi (Michelin-recognized Leebukbang), known for his North-South Korean fusion. Combined with Go’s modern flair, expect rich, layered dishes with intense flavors.

  • April 26-May 14: Go x Bang – Modern Korean BBQ Reimagined
    Next, Go collaborates with Kisu Bang (Gitdeun), Korea’s first Michelin-starred head chef. Their partnership will highlight sleek, bold flavors, and creative synergy, focusing on modern Korean BBQ.
  • May 17-June 1: Go x Kim – The Yakitori King’s Grand Finale
    The series concludes with Byung Mook Kim (Yakitori Mook), the “Yakitori King,” known for his mastery of fire and umami. Expect a bold, smoky, and intensely flavorful finale.

This rotating format? It’s also a first for the Chef’s Table stage.

 

The Menu: Bold, Inventive, and Exclusively Balmori

Your Local’s Mat Nam menu is a complete departure from their usual offerings, crafted specifically for this pop-up. Highlights include the MSG (a mantou toast topped with shiitake, gorgonzola, and seaweed), Palabok Rice (a smoky, chicharon-studded twist on the Filipino classic), and River Prawns, torched with mentaiko and bathed in soy brown butter. Save room for dessert—the Choco na Gatas v2, featuring burnt milk ice cream and chocolate mousse.

MSG and Grilled Pork Tostada. Photo courtesy of Your Local.

Mackerel and River Prawns. Photo courtesy of Your Local.

Chef Lee presents Chicken Gangjeong, crispy chicken glazed in a sweet-spicy syrup with a blend of spices for a perfect balance of flavors. Chef Choi offers Maekjeokgui, a 1,000-year-old grilled pork dish marinated in fermented soybean paste and spices for a smoky, umami-rich flavor. These are just a few standout dishes—every item on the menu hits the mark. Expect even more exclusive creations with each chef’s rotation.

Chicken Gangjeong and Maekjeokgui. Photo courtesy of Your Local.

 

Mat Nam by Your Local will be at The Balmori Suites Chef’s Table until June 1, 2025. Each guest chef will make a personal appearance at the pop-up for two days, showcasing their signature dishes. To make reservations, contact 0945 427 0054, or send a message to their Instagram.

For more information, check out Power Plant Mall’s Facebook and Instagram pages.