It's a bit late, but I recently finished watching Culinary Class Wars, which premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2024. This South Korean cooking competition brings together 100 chefs, split into two groups: 80 "Black Spoons," who are lesser-known chefs, and 20 "White Spoons," established chefs who have already made a name for themselves in the culinary world, all competing fiercely for a prize of 300 million won (about $220,500 USD). None of the Black Spoons are allowed to reveal their names and will go by their nickname, unless they become the winner of Culinary Class Wars.
The show doesn't just showcase incredible culinary artistry. It dives deep into each chef's life work and passion for cooking. Every dish they prepare represents their unique story and journey as a chef, creating a rich blend of food and personal storytelling. Haven't watched it yet? What are you waiting for? Watch it on Netflix
[Spoiler Incoming]
The Mala Cream Shrimp Dim Sum from Culinary Class Wars, created by Chef Jung Ji-sun in episode 9, combines Sichuan-inspired mala flavors with a creamy texture, resulting in a unique dim sum dish. The process starts with creating a mala oil, blending Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, chili, neutral oil. The mala oil is then mixed with cream to form a mildly spicy sauce, enhanced by aromatics like garlic, shallots, and Shaoxing wine to give it depth.
For the filling, shrimp is finely chopped and mixed with ingredients like lotus root, green onions, and Shaoxing wine. The shrimp balls are then rolled in thin spring roll wrapper strips to add a crispy exterior, then deep-fried until golden. The crispy shrimp balls are finally served with the rich mala cream sauce, making each bite a delightful mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy textures.
The level of cooking is on another level. As they were experimenting, thicker cuts did not look visually appealing and also impacted the texture of the dish. Just these subtle differences in cooking takes dishes to a whole new level. Shout out to Triple Star who spent all night thinly slicing spring roll wrappers.
In the final round of Culinary Class Wars episode 12, Chef Edward Lee made a dessert that cleverly reimagined leftover tteokbokki, a savory Korean rice cake. This dish, which he presented as a semifreddo disguised as rice cakes, was served atop a splatter of gochujang caramel, reflecting the Korean tradition of hearty meals and the generosity behind them.
Every time I order food in Korea, they always give me too much, so I get full and there are leftovers. Especially for tteokbokki. Whenever I get tteokbokki, there are always two or three pieces left over. I use to think that was such a waste, but not anymore. I realized that generosity, love, and consideration for others, are exactly what Korean food is all about. So what we have today is a dessert I made with the idea of leftover tteokbokki. 'Leftover Tteokbokki Dessert'
What I love about Chef Edward Lee is his philosophy, he's constantly pushing the boundaries of the culinary arts. For his final dish, he took a risk by inventing something new instead of playing it safe and cooking his best-known dish. Throughout the show, Chef Edward Lee continually innovated, combining traditional ingredients with modern techniques to craft new dishes. He emphasized the importance of creativity in cooking, driven by the desire to surprise and challenge both the judges and himself. As he put it, "Right now, at my age, most chefs are slowing down, and I don't want to slow down."
Conclusion
Culinary Class Wars is not just another cooking competition, it's a journey into the hearts and minds of passionate chefs pushing the boundaries of their craft. From Chef Jung Ji-sun's innovative Mala Cream Shrimp Dim Sum to Chef Edward Lee's creative reimagining of leftover tteokbokki, the show celebrates the art of cooking as a reflection of personal stories and the pursuit of excellence. What stands out to me the most is how each chef's unique approach challenges expectations and redefines what food can be. Whether they're exploring new flavors or embracing tradition with a modern twist, the chefs in Culinary Class Wars remind us that true culinary artistry goes beyond the plate. If you haven't already, don't miss out, this show is a testament to the transformative power of food, and it will leave you inspired to think differently about your own cooking. Watch it on Netflix
