Baking of a Legend: Sibatable Transforms ‘Grapes’ Into Boba
The Korean food artist channels ’90s culture and sneaker lore into her latest culinary masterpiece.
When was the last time you can recall thinking to yourself “this is too pretty to eat?” For followers of Korean food artist Sibatable, the question pops up regularly.
The account, which has amassed a cult following through nostalgic cartoon dumplings and smiling rice balls, has helped define a new artistic genre by taking everyday Korean meals and transforming them into edible art. Ranging from minimalist to surreal—just take a look at her alien-faced lotus root curry rice—Sibatable draws inspiration from her surroundings until it compounds into a single idea. From SZA’s music to Studio Ghibli films, as long as she has access to her fridge, she’s able to express her state of mind with food as her medium.
Unlike other chefs or artists who religiously follow a strict structure, the artist’s fluid process has separated her. Consider it the secret ingredient to her painstakingly cute recipes. This lack of restriction expands her world, allowing for adorable interpretations of cultural and fashion iconographies.
For its June 21 retro, the Air Jordan 5 ‘Grape’ gets the full Sibatable treatment—as bubble tea. Famously worn by Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the ‘Grape’ 5s became a symbol of ’90s cool, making them the perfect match for Sibatable’s playful remix. As we dive into the artist’s creative process, she shares her thoughts on one of the most beloved Jordan icons, Korean lunchboxes (aka dosirak) and hip-hop’s influence in the country at the turn of the century.