KRISTIAN BAUMANN

Kristian Baumann, adopted from Korea, grew up in Denmark with a traditional Danish upbringing that embraced his Korean heritage. Initially passionate about sports, he discovered his love for cooking during a boarding school experience. His culinary journey led him through various kitchens in Copenhagen and a transformative period at noma. After a setback in France, he returned to Denmark, working with Christian Puglisi before co-founding Manfreds and Relæ. COVID prompted reflection, and inspired by his Korean roots, Kristian, with business partner Lasse Peder Nielsen, launched KOAN. The restaurant's success, starting as a pop-up at Empirical, led to a permanent home in Copenhagen. With a focus on authenticity and blending Danish and Korean influences, KOAN earned 2 Michelin stars in just ten weeks, marking Kristian's culinary homecoming.