Hortus Seamlessly Fuses Flavors Of Southeast Asia

NoMad’s Hortus NYC is a Michelin-recognized modern Asian restaurant that boasts a design-forward atmosphere and a menu of curated dishes that blend the flavors of Southeast Asia. The menu takes diners on a journey, exploring familiar tastes with innovative dishes and unexpected flavor pairings.

“We wanted to look forward to more contemporary Asian cuisine at that time,” partner and general manager Su Jang says. “As you know, when you’re dining there is Asian-influenced cuisine, but it’s served in a Westernized way. [Hortus] is not only Korean food: it is influenced by Korean, Chinese, Japanese—some of the East Asia foods.”

Hortus is translated to garden in Latin, he adds. According to chef Lenny Moon, the restaurant takes advantage of European techniques while adding ancient bold flavors from Asia, such as Korean, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisines. Delve into the creamy King Crab Noodles, fresh Royal Plater (chilled lobster tail, salmon crudo, shrimp cocktail and the option to add a dozen oysters), delightful Sea Urchin Donabe, scrumptious Crispy Octopus, delightful Confit Duck and more. The menu changes seasonally, and recent additions include vegan options. “We highlight delicious tastes while celebrating sustainable and seasonal ingredients,” Jang says.

The restaurant decor is minimalist, reflecting the emphasis on freshness with the garden theme running throughout the interior. The tables, adorned with white tablecloths, are accented by green chairs and banquettes. “We wanted to create a very comfortable [interior] that draws the Asian community and New York as well. When you sit down, it’s very [comfortable]—it looks like fine dining, but it’s very casual,” he adds.

When it comes to drinks, many of the seasonal libations on the menu feature soju, offering something “easy to drink,” Jang says. He adds that the drinks are easy to pair with menu features such as the Royal Platter. He notes that the wine list boasts “very light and medium [wine] to pair with [the menu].”

“[Guests] can expect unique chef-driven cuisine with unique flavor combinations at an approachable price point, delicious low ABV cocktails and an extensive wine list that always has a great deal showcased as our rotating Hortus Pour,” he adds.

“We’ve blended the cuisines of many countries, including China, Thailand and Korea, with tastes and techniques of Italy and the Mediterranean to create a fresh menu that combines these flavors in a unique way,” Jang says. “We’ve also expanded our vegetarian options to include dishes you won’t find at many other Asian restaurants, like Grilled Eggplant topped with melted mozzarella, garnished with pine nuts and served with pickled mushrooms.”

Hortus

271 5th Ave.

New York, NY 10016

(646) 858-3784