Culinary Class Wars broke records this fall as the first Korean unscripted title to rank No. 1 on the Netflix Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list for three consecutive weeks. With the success of Korean dramas and films paving the way, it’s no surprise that Korean variety shows are now captivating international audiences. This surge of interest feels as fresh as it does inevitable, and hordes of people are now clamoring to try the restaurants of the featured chefs.
Take Physical: 100, another Netflix-produced Korean variety show that became a global sensation with its raw physical challenges, intense rivalries, and heartwarming camaraderie. The premise was simple, but its execution—marked by precision and emotional depth—made it feel groundbreaking. This success proved that even straightforward concepts, when executed brilliantly, can leave an indelible mark. While physical competition shows aren’t new, none have resonated globally like Physical: 100.
Culinary Class Wars follows this trend of reinvention, but with a unique twist: exploring social class dynamics in the context of a cooking competition. While cooking shows are a staple of global entertainment, this one redefines the genre by weaving in themes of hierarchy and privilege, creating a bold new lens through which to view culinary artistry.
The show’s casting choices further elevate its appeal. Among the contestants is a legendary chef with over 50 years of expertise in Chinese cuisine, participating not as a judge but as a competitor—a move that raises the stakes for all involved. Adding to the intrigue is James Beard Award-winning chef and Iron Chef America star Edward Lee, who also competes alongside a host of culinary luminaries from other prominent cooking shows. This dazzling lineup blends star power with unpredictability, ensuring each episode is brimming with excitement.
The competition itself is both simple and compelling. It begins with 80 underdog chefs vying for a spot in the next round, with only 20 advancing. These rising talents then face off against 20 elite chefs, dubbed the “White Spoon” team, a group of culinary stars and past competition winners.
But the twist doesn’t stop there. White spoon chefs are allowed to use their real names throughout the competition, while black spoon chefs—representing the underdogs—are required to use nicknames. This stark disparity introduces immediate tension, as the only way for a black spoon chef to reclaim their name is to win the entire competition. If a white spoon chef wins, the black spoon chefs’ identities remain hidden, adding a layer of drama to an already high-stakes battle.
With such high stakes, the show needed judges of unparalleled expertise and authority. Enter Baek Jong-won and Chef Ahn Sung-jae. Baek’s participation was known in advance, but the addition of Ahn Sung-jae, Korea’s only Michelin three-star chef, took the excitement to another level. Together, Baek, a pioneer in restaurant entrepreneurship, and Ahn, a master of fine dining, formed an esteemed judging duo whose authority was unquestionable. Their presence set the bar high, ensuring that the competition would be nothing short of world-class.
The production itself was a visual and logistical marvel. Bringing together 100 highly skilled chefs from Korea and around the world, Culinary Class Wars redefined the scale of culinary competitions. The set was an architectural feat, designed to accommodate 40 chefs cooking simultaneously—a breathtaking accomplishment that left everyone in awe. The sheer ambition of the show was evident, prompting Baek Jong-won to declare, “This is the level of extravagance only Netflix can deliver.”
Each round took place on this immense stage, where chefs prepared their dishes live, followed immediately by judging. The format kept viewers on the edge of their seats, while the kitchen setup was a dream come true for any chef. Equipped with powerful, commercial-grade stoves and top-tier professional equipment, the facilities were unmatched, and the contestants were visibly impressed by the state-of-the-art tools at their disposal. The production elevated the competition to a culinary spectacle unlike any seen before.
Ultimately, only one chef out of 100 will claim the grand prize of 300 million won (approximately $216,038). However, the true triumph lies in the show’s innovative approach. By dividing contestants into “Black Spoon” (underdog) and “White Spoon” (privileged) teams and pairing them with judges of contrasting expertise, the competition transcends a simple battle of skills. It evolves into a layered exploration of talent, perseverance, and mutual respect. Despite their differences, the chefs’ shared passion for cooking cultivates moments of mutual respect, where rivals recognize and honor each other’s culinary artistry.
What could have been unwieldy or chaotic with so many contestants became a finely tuned spectacle, driven by fierce rivalries, unexpected twists, and masterful storytelling. Culinary Class Wars has taken the cooking competition genre to exhilarating new heights. By blending bold themes, stellar casting, and Netflix’s signature production scale, it’s no surprise the show has become a global phenomenon, leaving audiences inspired and hungry for more.
The only challenge with Culinary Class Wars might be keeping track of its many contestants—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our guide features detailed contestant profiles, a list of their restaurants organized by 20 white spoon chefs and 20 black spoon chefs’ teams, and quick chef bios for easy reference. Immerse yourself fully in the culinary competition with this essential guide—sprinkled with a little Hola for extra flavor!
1. Meet the Judges of Culinary Class Wars and Their Iconic Restaurants
Judge Ahn Sung-jae
The Dream of Chefs!
- Born: 1982, South Korea
- Nationality: United States
- Moved to California with his family at the age of 13
- Trained at renowned fine dining establishments such as Urasawa (2 Michelin Stars), The French Laundry (3 Michelin Stars), and Benu (3 Michelin Stars)
- Opened Mosu in San Francisco, inspired by the Korean word cosmos (코스모스), meaning “cosmos blossom.”
- In 2017, relocated from San Francisco to his hometown of Seoul, Hanam-dong, with his wife and children to pursue a new challenge.
- Mosu Seoul earned Michelin 1-star and 2-star accolades in Seoul, and 2023, it achieved the prestigious distinction of being the only Michelin 3-star restaurant in South Korea.
- Mosu Hong Kong opened its doors in April 2022.
* Mosu Seoul is currently closed, but will reopen in 2025
Mosu Hong Kong (Fine Dining)
Cultural District, 3/F, M+ Tower, West Kowloon, 38 Museum Dr, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
+85 223980291
Judge Baek Jong-won
The King of the Restaurant Industry!
- Born: September 4, 1966, Daejeon, Chungcheongnam-do
- Positions: CEO of the Born Korea, Chairman of Yeduk Academy, CEO of TMC Entertainment
- Owned Franchised Restaurants: Saemaeul Sikdang (새마을식당), Mijeong Guksu (미정국수), Hong Kong Banjum (홍콩반점), Yeokjeon Udon (역전우동), Hanshin Pocha (한신포차), and Baekdabang (빽다방)
*You can also find Saemaeul Sikdang, Hong Kong Banjum, and Hanshin Pocha across the United States
2. Get to Know the White Spoon Chefs of Culinary Class Wars and Their Celebrated Restaurants
Korea’s Leading Celebrity Chef!
- Born: July 6, 1972, Seoul, South Korea
- Career:
- Head of the Culinary Department at L’Academie Hotel & Culinary School
- Full-time professor at Seoul Hyundai Vocational School
- Former Executive Chef at L’Ebon The Table
- Former Owner Chef at Choi Dot
- Chef at Co.190, Vino Station, Dahlia Dining, Central Reducer
CHOI Dot (Fine Dining)
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero, 457 앙스돔빌딩 3층
+82 2-518-0318
Choi Gang-rok
MasterChef Korea Season 2 Winner!
- Born: 1978, Donghae, Gangwon Province
- Education: Tsuji Culinary Institute (Culinary Technology and Management Department)
- Awards: Winner of MasterChef Korea Season 2 (2013)
- Career: Currently operating Omakase Japanese Pub, Sikdang Neo, since April 2022.
Sikdang Neo 식당네오 (Modern izakaya restaurant)
South Korea, Seoul, Songpa District, Samjeon-ro 12-gil, 4 1층 101호
Jung Ji-sun
Korea’s First Female Chinese Cuisine Star Chef!
- Born: May 15, 1983, Incheon, South Korea
- Nickname: Queen of Dim Sum
- Owner Chef at Tien Mimi
Tian Mi Mi Hongdae (Chinese)
South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, Yanghwa-ro, 144 머큐어앰버서더 호텔 L층
+82 10-8823-1070
Lu Ching Lai
Chinese Cuisine Grand Master!
- Born: July 4, 1960, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
- Nationality: Taiwanese, born and raised in South Korea, of Chinese-Korean descent
- Career:
- Executive Owner Chef at Hong Bo Gak
- Professor of Tourism Education at Kyonggi University
- Vice President of the World Chinese Cuisine Association and President of the Korean Chinese Cuisine Federation
Owner Chef with 15 Consecutive Years of Michelin 1-Star in Italy!
- Nationality: Italy
- Career:
- Former Professor at Woosong University, Global Culinary Arts Department
- Former Instructor at Sejong University, Culinary School
- Current Professor at Chungnam National University, Hotel Culinary and Baking Department
- Owner Chef of Al Porticciolo 84, maintaining a Michelin 1-Star for 15 years in Italy
- After participating in the 2018 Korean Cuisine Battle: Masters Edition, moved to South Korea in 2019, settled with his wife and daughter, and currently operates Fabri Kitchen in Yongsan, Seoul
Fabrizio’s Kitchen (Italian)
23-6 Hangang-daero 15-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Lee Young-suk
Winner of Korean Cuisine Battle Season 2!
- Korean Cuisine Battle 2 Winner (Chungnam Team)
Won the grand prize in the second season of Korean Cuisine Battle, representing the Chungnam team. - Participation in Korean Cuisine Battle Special Edition
In 2018, competed in Korean Cuisine Battle Special Edition alongside Chef Fabrizio from Italy, representing the Chungcheong region. - Restaurant Experience and Specialties
Operated Sujeong Restaurant near Gapsa in Gongju for 40 years, specializing in traditional Korean dishes like sanchae bibimbap, dakdoritang (spicy chicken stew), various pancakes, and baeksuk (chicken soup). - Mushroom Cuisine Expertise
Currently running Na Gyeong Mushroom Farm in Buyeo, specializing in mushroom set meals.
Nakyung (Korean)
6294+7F Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
+82 41-836-0039
*Currently temporarily closed / Online sales only available.
Oh Se-deuk
Hybrid Star Chef!
- Date of Birth: August 15, 1976, Seoul, South Korea
- Career: CEO of Saturday Brunch, Visiting Professor at Baekseok University’s Department of Food Service Industry, Owner-Chef of Chinnmeal, Owner of Jeju Oh Pan Fire
Jeju Chinnmeal (Burger)
South Korea, Jeju-do, Jeju-si, 특별자치도 Jocheon-eup, Namjo-ro, 1781 1st FL
+82 10-2181-1119
Oh Pan Fire Jeju (Fusion)
1781 Namjo-ro, Jocheon-eup, 특별자치도, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea
+82 10-2181-1119
Kim Do-yun
Michelin 1-Star Owner Chef!
- 2019–present: Owner Chef of Yun Seoul, awarded Michelin 1-Star in 2022 and continuing
- 2022–present: Owner of Myeon Seoul
Hwang Jin-seon
2017-2019 Michelin 1-Star Owner Chef!
- Born: 1986, Seoul, South Korea
- Affiliation: Owner Chef at Jin Jin
Bang Ki-su
South Korea’s First Michelin 1-Star Former Executive Chef!
- Birth: November 2, 1983, Yanggu, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition from Korea National Open University
- Affiliation: 2014–2018, Executive Chef at Bicena; 2018–Present, Owner-Chef at Gisdeun
Bicena (Korean, Seasonal Cuisine)
81F Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, 05551, South Korea
+82 2-3213-1260
Park Joon-woo
MasterChef Korea Season 1 Runner-Up!
- Birth: November 27, 1983, Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: Belgium
- Profession: Journalist (Food Columnist), Chef
- Career: Owner chef of dessert café Aux Petits Verres since 2013
Kim Seung-min
MasterChef Korea Season 1 Winner!
- 2012 MasterChef Korea Winner
- Affiliation: Advanced Cuisine (Chef Agency)
- Career: Operated Aewol Morino Aru yo
Cho Eun-ju
Two-time champion of the world’s top three culinary competitions!
- Executive Chef at 63 Building, Touch the Sky
- First woman to win two titles in the world’s top three culinary competitions
- Torchbearer for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics
Touch The Sky (Fine Dining)
63 Building, 58 FL, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-789-5761
Seonkyoung Longest
Winner of Restaurant Express!
- Birth: 1984, Seoul, South Korea
- Nationality: American
- Awards: Winner of the 2013 U.S. food reality show Restaurant Express
- Occupation: Chef and YouTuber in the United States
Nam Jeong-seok
Top Authority in Vegetable Cuisine in Korea!
- Birthdate: February 28, 1979
- Affiliation: Advanced Cuisine
- Experience: Owner Chef of Green Bowl in Gangneung, Local EAT
- Award: Selected as one of the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in the Seoul Food 100 by the Korea Tourism Organization in 2023
Ahn You-seong
16th Master Chef of Korea!
- Birth: 1972, Gwangju, South Korea
- Affiliation: Owner Chef of Gamae, Gwangjuok1947, and Jangsu Naju Gomtang
- Experience: President of the Korean Sea Chef Association, Owner Chef at Gwangju Gamae Ilshik, 16th Master Chef of Korea
Gamae Ikshik (Japanese)
1104-26 Sangmu-daero, Nongseong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
+82 62-352-7711
Jang Ho-joon
Japanese Cuisine Master!
- 18 Years of Experience as a Japanese Chef
- Owner and Head Chef of Negi Sukiyaki, Negi Live, and Negi Dining Lounge
- Experience: Worked at renowned hotel Japanese restaurants including Grand Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Plaza Hotel, and Walkerhill.
NEGI Live (Japanese, Live Seafood)
South Korea, Seoul, Seongdong-gu, Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ro, bunji, 5 FL
+82 2-466-2490
NEGI Dining Lounge (Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant)
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 15-gil, 18 4 FL
+82 2-548-0807
Choi Ji-hyung
World-recognized expert in North Korean cuisine!
- Born: April 1, 1986
- Education: Master’s degree from Johnson & Wales University, USA
- Inspiration: Began North Korean cuisine influenced by his grandmother, a refugee
- Affiliation: Manimal Tribe (Board Member), leebukbang Mapo (Owner Chef)
- Career:
- May 2024–present: R&D Chef at Bendito
- August 2022–present: R&D Chef at Hunnit
- June 2020–present: R&D Chef at Motor City
leebukbang (North Korean Cuisine)
16 Mapo-daero 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
+82 50-71421-2347
Edward Lee
2010 Iron Chef Winner!
- Birth: July 2, 1972, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Education: Ph.D., New York University
- Profession: American celebrity chef, author, and restaurant entrepreneur
- In April 2023, invited as the chef for the state banquet at the White House during U.S. President Yoon Suk-yeol’s state visit to South Korea, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance
- Awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for his book Buttermilk Graffiti, as well as the James Beard Humanitarian Award for his organization, the LEE Initiative, in 2024
Nami Modern Korean Steakhouse (Modern Korean)
835 E Main St Ste. 106, Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 690-2067
3. Discover the Black Spoon Chefs of Culinary Class Wars and Their Noteworthy Restaurants
Nickname – God of Seasoning
- Previously honed his craft at the Michelin 2-Star Jungsik and DOTZ
- Currently the owner-chef of Kibo Edamame
Edamame Namyong (Modern izakaya restaurant)
97-5 Namyeong-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 50-71400-1148
Nickname – Meat Master
- Worked at Michelin-starred New York restaurants such as Spotted Pig and Picholine
- Former S-food consultant
- Currently the owner-chef of Guunmong
Guunmong (American)
South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Hannam-dong, 729-32 2 FL
+82 70-8287-0437
Nickname – Master of School Meals
- Former school cafeteria cook at Haebok Elementary School in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, with 15 years of experience
Nickname – Napoli Matfia
- Owner chef of Via Toledo Pasta Bar, a hot fresh pasta bar that captures the authentic feel of Naples, Italy
Via Toledo Pasta Bar (Italian)
Nickname – Comic Book Chef
- A self-taught chef inspired by comic books, currently the owner-chef of Cho Kwang
Cho Kwang 101 (Chinese)
South Korea, Seoul, Songpa District, Jangji-dong Saemal-ro 10-gil, 8 1FL
+82 10-2459-0503
Cho Kwang 201 (Chinese)
South Korea, Seoul, Songpa District, Saemal-ro 8-gil, 13 2FL
+82 10-5885-2017
Nickname – Side Dish Chef
- Owner chef of the popular side dish dining brand Mamalee Market, with a background from Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain
Mamalee Market (Korean)
256-3 Seongsu-dong 2(i)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nickname – Celebrities’ Chef
- Owner chef of Buto, a popular hot spot known for being a favorite among celebrities
Buto (Bar & grill)
32 Hannam-daero 27ga-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-6052-7785
Nickname – Chef Spark
- Owner chef of the Italian restaurant Bistro Spark, a one-person operation
- Bistro Spark is currently closed
Nickname – Yakitori King
- Michelin Guide-selected owner chef of Yakitori Mook, the top yakitori expert in Korea
Yakitori Mook (Yakitori)
South Korea, Seoul, Mapo-gu, 우측 Seongmisan-ro, 165-1 1FL
+82 50-71405-2840
Nickname – Seung-woo’s Dad
- A cooking YouTuber with 1.38 million subscribers
Nickname – Yeong Chicken
- A chicken dish specialist and owner-chef of Namyeong Chicken in Namyeong-dong
Namyeong Chicken (Chicken)
South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan District, Hangang-daero 80-gil, 12 1FL
+82 70-8733-5949
Nickname – Cooking Maniac
- The moment he starts cooking, he becomes obsessed!
- Currently the head chef at the dining bar Deepin
Deepin (Bar)
63 Heungin-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-3298-5046
Nickname – Auntie Omakase #1
- Operates ‘즐거운 술상’ (Cheerful Drinking Table) known for its Izakaya-style Omakase and the famous Gyeongdong Market eatery ‘안동집 손칼국시’ (Andongjip Son Kalguksi)
Cheerful Drinking Table (Bar)
South Korea, Seoul, Dobong-gu, Chang-dong, Nohae-ro, 341 Shinwon Riverville unit 117
+82 10-7539-2020
Andongjip Son Kalguksi (Noodles)
1022 Jegi-dong, Dongdaemun District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-965-3948
Nickname – One Two Three
- Graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).
- Experienced in working at Michelin 1, 2, and 3-star restaurants. Notably, he trained under Judge Chef Ahn Sung-jae at the Michelin 3-star restaurant Mosu Seoul
- Currently the head chef at Bornyon
Bornyon (Korean Wood Fire Restaurant)
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Nonhyeon-ro, 742, Patio9, 7FL
+82 2-3443-0907
Nickname – Genius Restaurateur
- A hidden gem in Euljiro! Owner of the Korean dining restaurant Boseok
Euljiro Boseok (Korean Wood Fire Restaurant)
South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Jeo-dong 2(i)-ga, Mareunnae-ro, 11-10 3FL
+82 10-3434-1245
Nickname – Goddess of Chinese Cuisine
- The protégé of Chinese cuisine master Chef Lu Ching Lai
- Former chef at Hong Bo Gak
Hong Bo Gak (Chinese)
130 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-531-6479
Nickname – Self-Made Chef
- A powerhouse in Chinese cuisine who started as a delivery boy in high school
- Currently the owner-chef of Doryang
Doryang (Chinese)
6 Jahamun-ro 6-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-739-0145
Nickname – Triple Star
- Gained experience at Michelin 3-star restaurants, including Benu, Atelier Crenn, and Mosu Seoul where he worked with One Two Three
- Currently the owner-chef of Trid
Trid (Fine Dining)
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Seolleung-ro 162-gil, 16 2FL
+82 2-512-8312
Nickname – Hidden Genius
- Former executive chef at sav.seoul
- Currently the owner-chef of Pono Buono
sav.seoul (Wine Bar)
6 B1F Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam District, Seoul, South Korea
+82 2-512-4939
Pono Buono (Italian)
South Korea, Seoul, Gangnam District, Dosan-daero 45-gil, 8-7 2FL
+82 10-9617-4499
