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(Mission)

Drawing from the heritage of global food culture,
to shape the future of gourmet business

Who we are

NANRO is founded on a mission to research the heritage of food cultures and develop tomorrow’s food culture and business

Food Heritage
Global Community
Business Insight
Scientific Research
Gastronomy Food Industry

Bolstering competitive advantages
Creating added value

What we do

NANRO is firmly rooted in heritage and tradition, while continually evolving for the future

  1. (01)

    To stimulate and nurture culinary practice and talent:

    develop knowledge, tools, and community that nurture, stimulate, and encourage the culinary talent and community across all fields of the food sector.

  2. (02)

    To create a symbiotic relationship between culture and commerce:

    to apply the research insights, learnings, and development in a practical way to support not just the culture but the commerce of food.

  3. (03)

    Its mission and work are applied through the four channels:

    NANRO LAB, NANRO INSIGHTS, NANRO FEAST, and NANRO UNIVERSE.

Scientific culinary research rooted in the wisdom of tradition

Through foundational research of global food markets across agriculture, industrialization , production and distribution, NANRO LAB will produce powerful insights on optimizing competitive advantages in the global food markets of local ingredients and food products.

NANRO LAB will also sustain a rigorous scientific research and analysis of traditional culinary techniques and food cultures, sharing its findings through reports, conferences, and applied case studies.

Global food market business insight
NANRO INSIGHTS will share invaluable case studies and real market data from the industry leaders who shape the global culinary world. Through these collective insights which highlight global best practices, case study analysis of strengths and weaknesses across culinary practices, business operations, food trends and more, NANRO INSIGHTS will provide actionable insights that can be applied to their own businesses and new ventures.
Global Culinary Industry Community
NANRO FEAST will be a global network of culinary professionals across all of its diverse facets – from agriculture, restaurateurs, industrialization, production and distribution – with key professionals in marketing and branding, arts and culture, entertainment, fashion, to IT and investment to foster meaningful and symbiotic relationships. NANRO FEAST will host focused community events, networking sessions,as a perpetual online community.
NANRO UNIVERSE is the collective of members who have participated in NANRO programs. NANRO UNIVERSE is an active community that serves as a social and professional network.
From its first event in 2022, more than 200 professionals have attended across 20 NANRO UNIVERSE events. With the goal to advance and increase the strategic competitive advantages of Korean food in the global markets, NANRO UNIVERSE has hosted esteemed chefs, restaurateurs and F&B professionals from across the world (U.S., U.K, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Peru, France, Spain). These professionals were joined by key industry leaders across arts & culture, scholars, IT and technology, investments and more, to shape a holistic vision of tomorrow’s Korean dining culture and the business of art of experience.

NANRO Team

(We are NANRO)

Reviews for NANRO

  • Virgilio Martinez Chef, Restaurant Central, world’s 50 best restaurants 2023 No.1, Peru

    It is undeniable that cooking builds bridges. Some very obvious ones manage to write joint stories of that encounter and that new bond, which, when sustained over time, can be strengthened and find different ways of expression. Others, perhaps more difficult to identify, present opportunities, and from those, for those who manage to take great steps forward, new bridges can be woven in order to build. Thinking about the world we want, the visible and invisible bridges between disciplines, between knowledge, between institutions, the timeless ones that bring the past to the present with respect and care, and the bridges between sectors, all become fundamental. The initiative that NANRO pursues is to join efforts in a unique and relevant quest, to be better by doing better, together.

  • ThiTid Tassanakajohn Chef, Restaurant Le du- Asia’s 50 best restaurants 2023 No.1, Thailand

    NANRO is connected past and present through food, culture and people who are involving and living it which are people in the industry.

  • Jimmy Lim Chef, Restaurant JL studio, 2 Michelin Stars, Taiwan

    To me NANRO is like a bridge. A twilight bridge, connecting me to the captivating history, culture, and cuisine of Korea's past and present. Yet, it's the warmth of the people at NANRO that truly shines. You all are the real magicians behind this enchanting journey.

  • Natsuko Shoji Chef, Restaurant Ete, Asia’s 50 best restaurant-The best female chef, Japan

    Through NANRO, I was able to meet and learn from some of Korea's world-class craftsmen. At Gyung Kyun Shin's studio, he generously shared the details and history of the traditional techniques he inherited from his father, the famous goryeo ceramist who reproduced goryeo porcelain, and we had the the luxurious, intimate lunch which served with his creations were wonderful. I was also impressed by Central's collaboration with onjium to create a menu that honors Korean traditions, and I felt that this is a beautiful community that is passing on tradition, culture, and innovation to the next generation of chefs.

  • Evelyn Chen Food writer, Bibikgourmand, Singapore

    I could understand the true essence of Korean cuisine through NANRO. It’s always exciting to explore new establishments but in my opinion, it’s more meaningful to achieve a firm understanding of where it all began. Kudos to NANRO for blazing a trail in the right direction.

  • Virginia Miller Food writer, Academy chair of world’s 50 best restaurant, USA

    From eating with nuns at a Korean temple, to digging into many of Seoul's best restaurants and bars, to its meat, produce and fish markets, I fell in love more deeply with Korean food and culture after my visit to Seoul. My time with NANRO was a meaningful part of my visit, not just for the camaraderie over another incredible meal, but as I learned elements of Korean food history and traditions and how they are interpreted today. Connecting with fellow food lovers in such a way was both fun and delicious, as it was educational and informative.

  • Vanessa Yeung Food writer, Hongkong

    NANRO is a perfect opportunity to be with a group of best experts on learning what’s happening in the inner circle, from food culture to fun dining experiences.

  • Bruce Palling Food & wine writer, Financial Times, UK

    NANRO plays an important role in promoting understanding of the amazing variety of food experiences in South Korea. Thanks to them, I had the opportunity to discover the quality and diversity of the culinary traditions there.