It has taken over the Internet!
Netflixit’s the ultimate reality show Culinary class wars has sparked renewed excitement in the Korean restaurant scene, quickly becoming a sensation. The show pits renowned chefs, called “white spoons,” against up-and-coming underdogs, known as “black spoons,” making for an exciting competition that has attracted enormous attention.
A great example is Chef Choi Kang Rockwhose restaurant, Neo, saw huge demand for reservations after its appearance as the “white spoon.” Over 20,000 users flocked to book seats through the CatchTable app, with all slots vanishing within minutes.
In the meantime, Chef Oh Jun Tak (nicknamed “Yeongtak”) and his popularity in the show led to a long queue forming at Namyeong Chicken in Yongsan even before it opened. The popularity didn’t stop there: other venues featured on the show, including the Edamame bar, faced similar spikes, running out of ingredients due to high demand.
The show’s format blends competition and storytelling. The narrative of underdogs emerging from humble beginnings and challenging seasoned masters seems to resonate with viewers. It’s a familiar theme to fans of cooking-related manga Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Somabut now it comes to life in real kitchens.
What does he do Culinary class wars truly special is his respectful and honorable competition. There’s no villain here: participants compete to showcase their skills rather than win at any cost. Even established chefs risk embarrassment by entering, knowing that a loss will do no more damage to their reputation than a brief respite from the spotlight.
The interactions between the two main judges also add depth to the show. Cook Mr. Sung JaeMichelin star Santa Clausvalues perfection and purpose in dishes, while Paik Jong wonleader in the food sector, focuses on taste. Their divergent opinions and blind taste tests keep the judging process fair and intriguing.
If you’re looking for a show that combines gastronomic excellence, light-hearted competition and compelling storytelling, Culinary class wars It’s a must watch. You can start by watching the trailer below: