Korean Netflix Cooking Survival 'Culinary Class Wars' Sensation: 3 Easy Recipes You Can Try At Home!

 

Netflix has done it again with its latest cooking show sensation, *Culinary Class Wars* (흑백요리사: 요리 계급 전쟁), taking food competition shows to the next level. This isn’t your typical "cook-off"—it's a high-stakes culinary showdown between humble neighborhood chefs and world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs. With an irresistible mix of drama, mouthwatering dishes, and a gripping underdog narrative, this show has captivated audiences globally, topping the non-English Netflix TV charts in 18 countries!

 

What's Cooking in Culinary Class Wars?

 


In this culinary clash, 80 'black spoon' chefs—who’ve honed their skills in local restaurants or unconventional settings—go head-to-head with 20 elite 'white spoon' chefs, including Michelin-starred titans. Celebrity judges include none other than Baek Jong-won, known for his wide-reaching influence on Korean food culture, and Ahn Sung-jae, South Korea’s only Michelin 3-star chef.

 

Five Key Ingredients that Make Culinary Class Wars a Must-Watch:

 
1. 100 Chefs, 100 Unique Stories
At the heart of *Culinary Class Wars* is its diverse array of chefs. The 'black spoon' chefs represent a wide spectrum of food talents, from self-taught culinary prodigies inspired by manga to street food masters. On the flip side, the 'white spoon' chefs have earned their names through accolades like Michelin stars and international culinary recognition. Their journeys create an enticing narrative as they battle it out in the kitchen.

2. Cooking Masters Meet Martial Arts Heroes
The chefs take on titles that feel straight out of a martial arts saga, with the black spoon chefs adopting quirky names like "Iron Pan Chef" and "First Imokase Chef," while the white spoon chefs retain their distinguished real names, including the likes of Edward Lee and Choi Hyun-seok. To earn their rightful place in the culinary world, the black spoon chefs must prove themselves against the elite. It’s not just a competition—it’s a battle for recognition.

3. A Blind Taste Test to Level the Playing Field
One of the show’s most exciting elements is the blind taste test in the second round. Stripping away the benefits of presentation and chef reputations, the judges wear blindfolds and assess the dishes based solely on taste and aroma. This levels the playing field, removing any advantages the white spoon chefs might have had from their impressive plating skills, making the competition that much more intense.

4. Storytelling Over Editing Drama
Unlike many reality cooking shows that rely on dramatic editing to create tension, Culinary Class Wars opts for authentic storytelling. The show dives into unexpected twists, like when Baek Jong-won praises a contestant whose cooking style was seen as disadvantageous. The raw, unscripted moments are where this show shines, building a narrative that keeps viewers invested.

5. A Culinary Showdown in a Massive 11,000 Square Meter Kitchen
No expense was spared in setting the stage for these culinary battles. The production team constructed a massive kitchen spanning 11,000 square meters, fully equipped with raised floors for better utilities, making it a chef’s paradise. Even for a single-elimination round, they ensured the chefs had everything they needed to create their masterpieces.

Recipes to Try at Home: Recreate the Culinary Class Wars Magic (convenience store recipes)

The magic of Culinary Class Wars doesn’t stop on screen. After one particularly exciting episode featuring a convenience store cooking battle, fans rushed to recreate the innovative dishes they saw. Here are three standout recipes from the show that you can try at home:

1. Chestnut Tiramisu

This luxurious dessert, crafted by "Napoli Matfia," wowed judges with its rich flavor and hotel-quality presentation. A perfect combination of chestnuts, biscuits, and whipped cream, this tiramisu is sure to impress.

Ingredients:
- 1 packet of roasted chestnuts
- 500ml milk
- 250g cream cheese
- Whole wheat biscuits
- Toffee nut latte
- 400ml whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Granola

Instructions:
1. Simmer the chestnuts in milk, then blend to make a puree.
2. Mix the puree with cream cheese and chill for 30 minutes. Then combine with whipped cream to create the chestnut cream.
3. Layer the biscuits with toffee nut latte and chestnut cream. Top with chocolate shavings and granola.

 

2. Ramen Oil-Pour Noodles (Ramen Youpomyeon)

Inspired by the oil-poured noodles from Xi’an, China, this dish is a fiery explosion of flavors, created by chef Jeong Ji-seon.

Ingredients:
- 6 dried chilies
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 20g oyster sauce
- 20g sugar
- Pre-cooked dumpling filling
- 2 tbsp canned corn
- 1 onion
- 1 packet of ramen
- Half a ramen seasoning packet
- 1 ladle of hot oil

Instructions:
1. Toast the chilies and garlic in a pan. Mix with oyster sauce, sugar, and dumpling filling to make a sauce.
2. Boil the ramen and top with the sauce, corn, onion, and seasoning. Pour over hot oil to finish.

3. Ramen Pad Thai

A twist on the Thai classic, this dish, created by "Cooking Maniac," swaps rice noodles for ramen.

Ingredients:
- 80g chicken breast
- 100g imitation crab
- 80g whelks
- 100g onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic
- 80g bean sprouts
- 2 packets of ramen
- 1.5 packets of ramen seasoning
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- Lemon juice
- 1 egg

Instructions:
1. Cook the ramen and bean sprouts, then cool in ice water.
2. Stir-fry the onion and garlic in oil, adding soy sauce. Stir in ramen seasoning, chicken, crab, and whelks.
3. Add the noodles and sprouts, then season with sugar and lemon juice. Top with a fried egg.

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With each episode, Culinary Class Wars continues to deliver a thrilling culinary spectacle that has chefs and food lovers alike glued to their screens. Whether you're recreating the dishes at home or simply enjoying the drama, this show is sure to satisfy your hunger for great food and entertainment.