Netflix‘s latest reality show Culinary Class Wars has sparked renewed excitement in Korea’s restaurant scene, quickly becoming a sensation. The show pits renowned chefs, called “white spoons,” against up-and-coming underdogs, known as “black spoons,” creating a thrilling competition that has drawn massive attention.
One prime example is Chef Choi Kang Rok, whose restaurant, Neo, saw an overwhelming demand for reservations after his appearance as a “white spoon.” Over 20,000 users flocked to book seats through the CatchTable app, with all slots vanishing within minutes.
Meanwhile, Chef Oh Jun Tak (nicknamed “Yeongtak”) and his popularity in the show led to a long line forming at Namyeong Chicken in Yongsan even before it opened. The popularity didn’t stop there — other establishments featured on the show, including the bar Edamame, faced similar surges, running out of ingredients due to the high demand.
The show’s format blends competition and storytelling. The narrative of underdogs rising from humble beginnings and challenging seasoned masters seems to resonate with viewers. It’s a theme familiar to fans of cooking-related manga like Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma, but now it’s brought to life in real kitchens.
What makes Culinary Class Wars truly special is its 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 won’t damage their reputation beyond a brief hiatus from the spotlight.
The interactions between the two main judges also add depth to the show. Chef Anh Sung Jae, from Michelin-starred Mosu, values perfection and purpose in dishes, while Paik Jong Won, a food industry leader, focuses on taste. Their differing views and blindfolded taste tests keep the judging process fair and intriguing.
If you’re looking for a show that combines gourmet excellence, lighthearted competition, and engaging storytelling, Culinary Class Wars is a must-watch. You can start by watching the trailer below:
Source: The Chosun Daily
