When Netflix introduced Culinary Class Wars a couple of months ago, viewers evidently got more than just a cooking competition; we were treated to a display of high-stakes talent and unforgettable personalities whose charm and flair have kept us hooked. With a dash of drama, larger-than-life personas that have won our hearts, and more than a few jaw-dropping culinary creations, it is no wonder foodies everywhere in the world are absolutely abuzz about this South Korean cooking competition.
For those living under a rock, Culinary Class Wars features a culinary showdown between two groups of chefs: the White Spoons, comprising 20 renowned culinary masters, and the Black Spoons, composed of 80 highly skilled yet lesser-known chefs. These chefs then compete against each other in various cooking challenges, showcasing their creativity and culinary expertise to bag a grand prize of KRW 300 million, as well as bragging rights for life, of course.
Here, we journey beyond the screen to explore nine standout restaurants from the judges and top four chefs who have turned Culinary Class Wars into one of the most appetising shows of the year. Prepare for a taste tour by these masters of flavour and innovation in their kitchens and book your next flight!
(Warning: There are plenty of spoilers ahead!)
Paik Boy Pizza and Udon 0410 by Judge Paik Jong-won
More than a culinary master, judge Paik Jong-won is a food mogul with numerous food and beverage businesses in and beyond South Korea. His massive food empire consists of specialised stores selling all sorts of yummy things including bibimbap, coffee, and noodles. In South Korea, you will find a few of his restaurants including Paik Boy Pizza, which is known for being generous with toppings, and Udon 0410, a frills-free noodle shop offering buckwheat noodles and udon. Luckily, you do not have to wait months for a reservation and can simply walk in.
Paik Boy Pizza
50 Ssukgogae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Website
Udon 0410
213 locations across South Korea
Website
Mosu by Judge Anh Sung-jae
Known to be the harsh critic out of the two judges on the show, Anh Sung-jae rightfully pays attention to the finer details that complete a dish and makes it whole, given his extensive fine dining expertise. His restaurant Mosu is the only recipient of three Michelin stars in South Korea, but has been closed for a while now due to a relocation. It is set to reopen in early 2025. Alternatively, those interested may pop by Mosu Hong Kong to sample the judge Anh’s genius concoctions.
Mosu Seoul
4 Hoenamu-ro 41-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Website | Instagram
Mosu Hong Kong
Cultural District, 3/F, M+ Tower, West Kowloon, 38 Museum Dr, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Website | Instagram
Via Toledo Pasta Bar by Napoli Matfia (Kwon Seong Joon)
Fusing authentic Italian cuisine with Korean influences, Napoli Matfia, the champion of Culinary Class Wars, has been one of the most consistent contestants on the show. Kwon said in an interview that he had used the cash prize from the show to secure housing nearby his Italian restaurant so he can commit more time to his work. The sought-after dining spot, Via Toledo Pasta Bar, only accepts reservations through Catch Table on the 10th and 25th of each month at the moment, and only two-person reservations are permitted. No walk-ins are accepted.
Via Toledo Pasta Bar
7-2 Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Instagram
610 Magnolia and Nami Korean Steakhouse by Edward Lee
The show’s runner-up, US-born chef Edward Lee or Lee Kyun in Korean, is a nine-time James Beard Award nominee, a winner of Iron Chef, and has served as a judge alongside Gordon Ramsay. The chef, lauded for his ingenious creativity on Culinary Class Wars (the tofu fried chicken, hello?), currently operates 610 Magnolia in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, a Southern restaurant renowned for celebrating everything Louisville, both historic and progressive, diverse and complex. He recently opened a new restaurant, Nami Korean Steakhouse, also in Louisville.
610 Magnolia
610 W Magnolia Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, United States
Website | Instagram
Nami Korean Steakhouse
835 E Main St Ste. 106, Louisville, KY 40206, United States
Website | Instagram
Trid by Triple Star (Kang Seung-won)
Voted as the most likely to win on Culinary Class Wars, Triple Star, or Kang Seong-won, has been a fierce contender since day one. His precision, such as his insane knife-cutting skills, reflect that of the show’s judge Anh Sung-jae, who he has previously worked for at Mosu as his sous-chef. He is currently the chef and owner of high-end contemporary fine-dining restaurant Trid in Seoul, which features dishes infusing various cuisines and local seasonal ingredients in an innovative manner.
Trid
2F, 16 Seolleung-ro 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06014, South Korea
Instagram
Deepin by Cooking Maniac (Yoon Nam-no)
Cooking Maniac, whose real name is chef Yoon Nam-no, was amusing to watch on the show due to his nervous and foul-mouthed antics. Finishing fourth on Culinary Class Wars, the chef, who mentioned that he started cooking when he was young to aid his mother who was diagnosed with cancer, operates Deepin, a casual dining bar in the Sindang-dong neighbourhood in Seoul. It serves fusion food surrounding Italian, French, and Japanese cuisines, and also has a newly opened sister bar called Deepin Oksu.
Deepin
63 Heungin-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Instagram
Featured image: Netflix
