Culinary Class Wars

It's been a long time since I watched a cooking reality show. I've always been wary of shows with too much drama, contestants making dishes that are too ordinary, or judges whose insights into cooking aren't deep enough, sometimes overacting during their critiques.

But I'm really happy to say that this show doesn't give me those feelings at all. The production is refined and thoughtful, and the two judges are truly the heart and soul of the show. Their styles are different, but their understanding of food and their deep expertise are impressive. Their critiques are precise and often bring a smile. The contestants include some true culinary talents who not only have great skills but also unique perspectives on cooking.

I particularly like judge Ahn Sung-jae. Even though he's critiquing the dishes, his underlying cooking philosophy is worth savoring. Among the contestants, my favorite is Edward. Although he's a bit older, his dishes are filled with personal stories, cultural empathy, and imagination, making him shine. Then there's Triple Star, whose cooking skills are superb, combining refined techniques with concepts from global cuisines. Plus, he's just as good-looking as Song Joong-ki!

Even though I'm not involved in the culinary world, I'm glad I watched this Korean drama.

Koreans truly put on the best competition shows on, whether it is cooking or physical shows, always including the top stars in their fields and mixing that with unknowns who are good or up and coming and want to go up. They add in drama and unbelievable sets and unique competitions. This one was divided between the white spoons (famous and Michelin Star chefs) team vs. The black spoons ( the talented or self taught chefs). Immediately some of the black spoons stand out who are unique characters that start early beating the professionals. Just to give one example, there is the Comic Book Chef who is self taught by reading comic books and making the dishes in the books unbelievably good, winning against the pros in a blind taste test. . Just fun overall. Won't spoil it but my favorite from the very beginning, did win so was very happy. His contender was extremely good in taste and a lot of it was trying to sell his story with the dish which was touching to a Korean I am sure but one comment may have been offending to a Patriot - after all. Anyway my star deduction has nothing to do with anything other than the one fact that I am thinking it may be produced in a way to make sure a white spoon and a black spoon survive for the final (just saying..) because they would never be able to have a second season otherwise - no Michelin or oro chefs would ever want to sign up again if none of them survived right? Not sure but the black spoon who went home #3) may have got the short end of the stick IMO?

No drama,no backstabbing, no political statement, no jealousy just pure talent and honest judgement .At first i was sceptical this would be another reality show full of drama just to get more views but i was wrong. It's hard to find this kinda reality show nowadays. The two finalist gave their best and evenly matched. Hopefully they'll have Season 2 and maintain the same judging criteria and the contestants have the same attitude. This kinda reality show focus solely on cooking talent, nothing else. For me everyone is a winner, they gave their best and did it from bottom of their heart. Well done chef's,don't give up!

Netflix's latest reality show Culinary Class War is a culinary battle unlike any other. It's where Michelin-star chefs, armed with techniques refined in the world's finest kitchens, face off against humble street stall owners who win over their patrons' hearts with soulful, no-frills cooking. The premise is simple: skill vs. Heart, sophistication vs. Local flavor, and ultimately, fine dining vs. Comfort food.

What stands out in this show is the surprising truth that Michelin stars don't necessarily guarantee mouthwatering dishes. Sure, these top-tier chefs bring impressive technique, precision, and art to their plates - every garnish meticulously placed, every flavor carefully constructed. But here's the twist: that doesn't always translate to what we, the people, crave.

Watching these culinary giants fall short in the face of street vendors who rely on instinct and raw experience is eye-opening. The street food chefs, often with little to no formal training, know their customers' tastes intimately. They've spent years perfecting dishes that resonate with the local palate, creating food that's simple yet addictive. In contrast, Michelin chefs, sometimes overly focused on presentation and complexity, miss that emotional connection with their diners.

This show breaks down the perception that culinary status equals superior flavor. It's a reminder that food doesn't need to be dressed up to be delicious. At the end of the day, whether you're dining at a prestigious restaurant or grabbing a bite at your favorite local stall, what really matters is taste. And Culinary Class War drives home that point with every battle.

This reality show is more than just a cooking competition - it's a culinary culture clash. It celebrates authenticity, local flavors, and proves that passion on a plate beats prestige any day.

Whomever is producing these Korean Shows, you're doing a fantastic job. So much more in production value than any ohter American made chef show. Just the production set at the beginning is fantastic., let alone the individual cooking areas. I watched both of the Physical 100 shows. They were both great. The reason I didn't give it 10/10 is because they reduced the 80 to 20 to quickly. BTW, I've only watched two episodes and will bing watch the rest.

If you like cooking shows, if you like Master Chef shows, I think you will like this also. Very well produced.

To Erik_Surewaard. Please don't write a reveiw than not rate it. It is obvious that you are a fanboy of Master Chef and any other kind of chef production will not hold up to your standards, no matter how good. Do you think the first person who opened a fast food place will sue every other fast food place that opens? That's rediculous. There is always room for more chef shows.

Thank you for your time.