“Culinary Class Wars” and K-Food
Let’s talk about the exciting Netflix variety show “Culinary Class Wars” and the world of Korean food, or K-Food. This program goes beyond simple cooking competitions, showcasing diverse culinary philosophies and creativity in a captivating survival format. Shall we dive into what makes this show so appealing!

Overview of Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars”
“Culinary Class Wars” divides 100 chefs into two teams to showcase their culinary skills. The teams are called the “Black Spoon” team and the “White Spoon” team, and they compete to see who will ultimately survive. Each team consists of chefs with different backgrounds, leading to varied approaches to cooking. The Black Spoon team presents creative dishes that reflect their individuality, while the White Spoon team relies on proven recipes. Notably, the Black Spoon team includes many hidden talents who are not yet widely recognized, adding to the anticipation.
Introduction of Contestants of “Culinary Class Wars”
The contestants will face off in multiple elimination rounds with a panel of judges led by star restaurateur Paik Jong-won and Michelin three-star chef Ahn Jung-jae.
The program features a wide array of famous chefs. Notable participants include Choi Hyun-seok, Grand Master of Chinese cuisine Yeon Kyung-rae, female Chinese star chef Jeong Ji-sun, Master Chef Korea Season 2 winner Choi Gang-rok, Michelin-starred owner chef Fabri, and Han Sik Daechuk Season 2 winner Lee Young-sook. The diverse lineup of chefs enhances the excitement of the show, particularly with many hidden talents on the Black Spoon team.
Round 1: The Determination of the Underprivileged Chefs
The first round kicked off as a competition to determine which 20 out of the 80 underprivileged chefs would advance. The privileged chefs were excluded, leading to a showdown among the underprivileged. In a massive 1000-pyeong main kitchen, the 80 chefs showcased their best dishes in front of judges Baek Jong-won and Ahn Seong-jae, who evaluated them solely based on taste.
The diverse personalities of the underprivileged chefs were also captivating. From the “Goddess of Chinese Cuisine,” a protégé of Grand Master Yeogyeong-rae, to the “Hidden Genius” who showcased their skills with a simple aglio e olio, and the “Business Genius” known for their flavorful touch, each chef brought their unique flair to the competition. These chefs were referred to by their keywords, revealing their names only when they reached the final round.
Round 2: The Black and White Battle Begins in “Culinary Class Wars”
After determining the 20 underprivileged chefs, the competition moved to the highly anticipated second round. This round featured one-on-one battles between the underprivileged and privileged chefs. The underprivileged chefs selected a privileged chef they wished to challenge and picked from 20 refrigerators filled with various ingredients. They created dishes using ingredients like kimchi, pig’s trotters, perilla oil, and dried radish greens.
One standout aspect of this round was the judges, Baek Jong-won and Ahn Seong-jae, evaluating the dishes while blindfolded, relying solely on taste. Their refined palates determined the winner amid a colorful display of diverse cuisines. When opinions diverged, the judges engaged in intense discussions to reach a consensus, adding to the viewing pleasure.
The Strength of the Underprivileged Chefs in “Culinary Class Wars”
The skills displayed by the underprivileged chefs in Round 2 were impressive. For viewers who had been eagerly awaiting popular cooking survival shows like “Korean Food Battle” and “MasterChef Korea,” this was a welcome addition to the genre.
The grand scale of the 1000-pyeong kitchen, along with mouthwatering dishes like Dongpaeok dumplings, Tongyeong-style bibimbap, and aged kimchi pork belly salad, keeps the audience intrigued. As “Black and White Chef” continues, viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next thrilling challenges!
Introduction to Baek Jong-won and Ahn Seong-jae
Baek Jong-won
Baek Jong-won is a renowned Korean chef and entrepreneur, widely loved for his appearances on various cooking programs. He is particularly famous for modernizing traditional Korean cuisine and providing easy-to-follow recipes that anyone can try at home. Baek Jong-won has gained a large fanbase through shows like “Baek Jong-won’s Top 3 Chef Kings” and “MasterChef Korea,” where his exceptional cooking skills and warm personality shine. His approach to cooking emphasizes not only taste but also the harmony of ingredients and health. In “Culinary Class Wars,” he serves as a judge, evaluating a diverse range of dishes from various chefs while encouraging their growth and challenges.
Ahn Seong-jae
Ahn Seong-jae is one of Korea’s rising young chefs, known for his unique cooking style and exceptional creativity. He has honed his skills in several prestigious restaurants, showcasing a blend of various cooking techniques and flavors from around the world. Particularly recognized as a master of fusion cuisine, Ahn Seong-jae focuses on incorporating modern elements into traditional Korean dishes, creating new and exciting flavors. In “Culinary Class Wars,” he participates as a member of the Black Spoon team, demonstrating his impressive culinary talent in a fierce competition and leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Both chefs bring different backgrounds and styles to the table, but they share a passion for cooking and creativity, making their contributions to the program truly remarkable.
The Battle of Black and White Spoons
The main theme of the program is the competition between the Black Spoon and White Spoon teams. The Black Spoon team showcases innovative dishes, while the White Spoon team relies on established recipes. This dynamic allows each team’s culinary philosophy and individuality to shine, providing the audience with unpredictable enjoyment. participating.
A Feast of Diverse Dishes
The show features a range of cuisines, including Korean, Western, Chinese, Japanese, and even fusion dishes. Over 100 dishes were created in just the first round, culminating in a total of 254 dishes, creating a feast for the eyes.
The Magic of Cooking: A Space for Creativity and Experimentation
The dishes created by chefs within limited time and ingredients go beyond mere food preparation; they are a celebration of creativity. Cooking is an activity that stimulates curiosity and innovation. Through this program, we gain a new perspective on cooking and realize how fun experimentation in the kitchen can be. Why not try something new in your own kitchen? You might just create something fun and imaginative! How about getting lost in the magic of cooking?
The Meaning of Black and White Spoons
In “Culinary Class Wars,” the terms Black Spoon and White Spoon refer to teams composed of chefs with different backgrounds and culinary philosophies. The Black Spoon team primarily consists of skilled chefs who are not yet widely known, showcasing creative and unique dishes. In contrast, the White Spoon team includes renowned chefs, some of whom hold Michelin stars or have won cooking competitions. They prepare dishes based on proven recipes and traditional techniques, leveraging their experience and expertise.
Additionally, the term “Black Spoon” is used in Korea to describe people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In the context of this program, the Black Spoon team embodies this meaning, demonstrating the determination to showcase their skills despite challenging circumstances.
Food and Recipes from the Show
Dongpaeok Dumplings
Ingredients:
- 200g minced pork
- 100g chopped cabbage
- 50g chopped green onions
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Dumpling wrappers
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced pork, chopped cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water and fold to seal, forming a pleat.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Steam the dumplings for about 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
Tongyeong-style Bibimbap
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 50g stir-fried vegetables (carrots, zucchini, and spinach)
- 1 egg (fried or poached)
- 100g seafood (squid, clams, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, arrange the cooked rice as the base.
- Top with stir-fried vegetables and seafood.
- Place the fried or poached egg on top.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and add gochujang to taste.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and mix everything together before eating.
Aged Kimchi Pork Belly Salad
Ingredients:
- 200g pork belly, thinly sliced
- 100g aged kimchi, chopped
- 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Fresh lettuce leaves for serving
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
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- In a pan, cook the pork belly over medium heat until crispy.
- Add the chopped aged kimchi and gochugaru to the pan, stirring well to combine.
- Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve the mixture on fresh lettuce leaves, garnished with chopped green onions.
Restaurants from the Show
Black Spoon Chefs
Food and Recipes from ‘Jinny’s Kitchen 2’
- Hidden Genius: Pono Buono – Apgujeong Rodeo Wine Bar: What kind of Aglio Olio is this?
- Yakitori King: Yakitori – Yakitori Michelin Course
- Meat Gangster: Gomong – Hannam-dong meat-based dining: Galbi Burgeoning
- Napoli Restaurant: Via Toledo Pasta Bar – Yongsangu Fresh Pasta Bar: Dumpling-like pasta
- Business Genius Jo: Euljiro Jewel – Chinese base natural wine, sake bar (domestic liquor)
- Young Talented: Namyeong Tower – Namyeong-dong Chicken Restaurant: Must have 1 chicken per person
- Taste of Restaurants: Jo-gwang 201, 101 – Songpa-gu Munjeong-dong Dongpajuk restaurant
- Celebrity Chef: Buto – Hannam-dong Modern Korean BAR: Vegetarian sashimi, Houtomaki is a must
- Cooking Returnee: Dipin – Ok-su & Sindang: Cooking in Swing’s style
- Cheolga Bang Chef: Dorang – Jongno-gu Kahalong Seochon: Palbo Wanja
- Bibim King Yubibim: Jeonju Bibimbap – Jeonju Bibimbap specialty, Cheonggukjang restaurant
- Snack: Edamame – Namyeong-dong Central Bar
- Seungwoo Dad: YouTube Seungwoo Dad Channel (1.38 million subscribers), Kitchen Minor (closed)
- Triple Star: Trid – Apgujeong Rodeo Course Cuisine
- Cheonman Baekban: Eomma Bapsang – Gyeongsan Palgong Mountain: Even if you just made rice…
- Imokase 1: Joyful Restaurant – Dobong-gu, Seoul
- Fireworks Man: Bistro Spark (closed)
- School Meal Master: Yangsan, Gyeongnam – Cook at elementary school
- One Two Three: Bonyeon – Woodfire-based course cuisine in Nonhyeon-dong
- Kitchen Gangster: Now Namyeob – Nocco Wine Bar
- Chinese Goddess: Hongbogak – Chef Yeogyeongrae’s disciple
White Spoon Chefs
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- Choi Ji-hyung: Ribokbang – Mapo-gu Northern Course Cuisine
- Edward Lee: 610 Magnolia – 2010 Iron Chef winner
- Park Jun-woo: Oppa Ttebeuro – Jongno-gu Jahamun-ro Dessert Cafe
- Bang Gi-soo: Gint (Miyasa Street) – Korea’s first Michelin 1-star chef
- Yeogyeongrae: Hongbogak – Grand Master of Chinese Cuisine
- Oh Se-deuk: Chinpan, Opan Pie – Jeju Island Modern Korean, Grilling Cuisine
- Nam Jeong-seok: Localit – Seongdonggu Italian, domestic vegetable cuisine expert
- Jeong Ji-seon: Timimi Gangnam – Dim Sum Queen
- Choi Hyun-seok: Choi’s, Central Gear, Dalri Daiding – Dosan-daero Fine Dining, Chinese Italian
- Joseph Rizuod: Ebin – Michelin 1-star fusion cuisine from foreigners
- Choi Kang-rok: Table Neo – Songpa-gu Samjeon-ro Japanese-based course cuisine
- Kim Do-yoon: Yoon Seo-yul – Gangnam Seonlro Michelin 1-star contemporary cuisine
- Pavlicitchen: Yongsan Italian Cuisine, 1-star for 15 consecutive years
- Seonjeong Guest: Seonjeong Long Guest YouTube Channel (2.2 million subscribers) – Restaurant Express
- Lee Yeong-sook: Nakyeongbeoseot – Han Cuisine Grand Chef 2nd place
- Jang Ho-joon: Negilive, Negiskyaki, Negidining Lounge – Negi Master Main Set
- Kim Seung-min: Morinoarou – Master Set Season 1 Winner, Jeju Island Bowl Restaurant
- Jo Eun-joo: Touch the Sky – 63 Building Dining Restaurant
- Hwang Jin-sik: Jinjin – Michelin 1-star Chinese Set
- Ahn Woo-sik: Gameil Food – 16th Culinary Master of Korea
Other Articles about K-Food
“Culinary Class Wars”: Restaurant List and Maps Link
Must-Try Korean Foods: Korean BBQ, Corn Dogs, Fried Chicken, and Shaved Ice
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