Culinary Class Wars ‘Infinite Cooking Hell Mission’ recap: Eliminations, number of dishes cooked, and more explored

Netflix Korea's Culinary Class Wars recently wrapped up its intense semi-final episodes, taking viewers deeper into the thrilling restaurant competition. Now a global hit, the show has climbed to the top of the non-English series chart, captivating food lovers with its blend of high-stakes cooking and dramatic eliminations.

In the latest two episodes of Culinary Class Wars, released on October 8, 2024, contestants faced their toughest challenge yet, the "Infinite Cooking Hell Mission." This demanding task pushed the chefs to their limits, requiring them to demonstrate their culinary skills along with physical endurance and strategic thinking, in order to avoid elimination and secure a place in the finale.

Eight finalists participated in this round, except Napoli Matfia, who had already earned a spot in the finale in a previous challenge. The mission was grueling, as chefs were required to prepare multiple dishes back-to-back, each in a tight 30-minute window. Further, the main catch was that each dish had to feature tofu as the primary ingredient.

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Final results of the 'Infinite Cooking Hell' in

Culinary Class Wars' latest episodes

This mission was judged by two culinary heavyweights, Chef Paik Jong-won and Michelin-starred Chef Ahn Sung-jae, who evaluated the contestant chefs based on three key criteria:

1. Tofu had to be the main component of the dish.
2. The dish needed to showcase creativity, with no room for anything too ordinary.
3. Execution—how well the chefs completed and presented their creations under pressure.

What made the challenge even more intense was the constant risk of elimination. Any chef who failed to complete a dish within the 30-minute time limit would be automatically eliminated, and in each round, one chef was voted out. The pressure was immense, as the chefs battled exhaustion and the ticking clock.

Episodes 11 and 12 of Culinary Class Wars delivered intense showdowns, as the top eight contestants faced off in the semi-final rounds. The competition was fierce, as each round saw eliminations, narrowing the field for the finale.

In the first round, the seven contestants—Choi Hyun-seok, Triple Star (Kang Seung-won), Jung Ji-sun, Cooking Maniac (Yoon Nam-no), Imokase #1 (Kim Mi-ryeong), Jang Ho-jun, and Edward Lee—battled to create unique tofu dishes.

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Round 1:

First elimination of the Culinary Class Wars 'Infinite Cooking Hell' - Each chef presented their first tofu dish to the judges:

1. Triple Star presented a Sesame Seed Tofu Dressing Salad
2. Cooking Maniac served a Tot Tofu Salad with Raw Tuna
3. Jung Ji-sun introduced Golden Tofu, utilizing egg yolks to create a rich, golden appearance. Chef Paik Jong-won praised its uniqueness.
4. Omakase #1 offered Tofu Dumplings, a healthy, meatless dish.
5. Choi Hyun-seok pushed the boundaries with his Milanese-style Mapo Tofu, blending Chinese and Italian elements by combining Sichuan-style mapo tofu with risotto and lamb ribs.
6. Edward Lee delivered a refreshing Cold Soup, a vegan dish with tofu, pine nuts, apple, and soy milk.
7. Jang Ho-jun presented a classic Japanese dish, Ganmodoki Ankake (tofu fritters with vegetables).

Despite the creative presentations, White Spoon Chef Choi Hyun-seok was the first to be eliminated, as his dish lacked balance according to the judges.

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Round 2:

Second elimination - The pressure increased as the remaining chefs delivered their second dishes in the next round of Culinary Class Wars 'Infinite Cooking Hell':

1. Omakase #1 cooked a Tofu Jigae, a hearty stew.
2. Jung Ji-sun made Tofu Dim Sum.
3. Jang Ho-jun prepared Edamame Tofu Gratin.
4. Cooking Maniac crafted Tofu Sheets, showcasing his skill.
5. Triple Star served Tofu Menbosha, a crispy shrimp and tofu sandwich.
6. Edward Lee created a delicate Seared Tofu and Scallops.

White Spoon Chef Jung Ji-sun was then eliminated, as her dough overshadowed the tofu flavor in her dim sum.

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Round 3:

Third elimination of Culinary Class Wars 'Infinite Cooking Hell' - with five chefs remaining, the competition grew even more intense:

1. Omakase #1 presented a Tofu Ssukgat Salad.
2. Triple Star delivered a traditional Rockfish Tofu Jigae.
3. Jang Ho-jun crafted a Japanese-inspired Pistachio Shiraae (mashed tofu salad).
4. Cooking Maniac served a Tofu Caesar Salad.
5. Edward Lee combined flavors with his Smoked Tofu with Duck and Egg Yolk Sauce.

Unfortunately, Omakase #1 was eliminated after her salad failed to impress the judges, leaving the remaining four chefs to push forward.

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Round 4:

Fourth elimination of the Semi-Finals of the Culinary Class Wars - In this round of the semi-finals, the four chefs delivered their fourth dishes:

1. Triple Star created a French-inspired Mapo Tofu, merging French techniques with Chinese flavors.
2. Cooking Maniac crafted a fusion Tofu Tteokgalbi Sandwich.
3. Jang Ho-jun delivered a comforting Tofu Sukiyaki-Don.
4. Edward Lee took a creative approach with Tofu Block Gochujang Pasta, inspired by the Italian Parmesan wheel.

White Spoon Chef Jang Ho-jun was eliminated after round 4 in 'Infinite Cooking Hell.'

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Round 5:

Final Elimination - As the chefs entered the fifth round of the semi-finals of the Culinary Class Wars, exhaustion began to take a toll. After hours of non-stop cooking, the physical and mental fatigue was evident:

1. Triple Star crafted Gamtae Tofu Noodles, a dry version of bibimguksu. He ground tofu with pine nuts, giving the dish a nutty flavor that added depth to the tofu noodles.
2. Cooking Maniac prepared Agedashi Tofu in a rich katsuobushi broth, though he lacked confidence in his creation.
3. Edward Lee went for bold flavors with his Kentucky Fried Tofu, a dish inspired by South America’s famous fried chicken. The judges were particularly impressed by his chicken fat sauce, which elevated the dish and earned enthusiastic applause.

Despite his best efforts, Black Spoon Chef Cooking Maniac was eliminated, leaving the competition with tears in his eyes.

After three hours of continuous cooking, only two chefs remained—Edward Lee and Triple Star—both vying for the final seat in the grand finale against Napoli Matfia.

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Final showdown of Culinary Class Wars semi-final: Triple Star vs. Edward Lee

In the ultimate semi-final round, the chefs had one last chance to prove themselves with a final dish.

1. Triple Star chose to create Mexican Tofu, showcasing his versatility by combining tofu with vibrant Mexican flavors.
2. Edward Lee opted for a dessert, making a Tofu Crème Brûlée, a delicate and sweet take on the challenge's ingredient, blending tofu into the creamy, caramelized treat.

After an intense battle in the Culinary Class Wars 'Infinite Cooking Hell,' that resulted in 27 dishes being served across five rounds, Edward Lee was declared the final survivor, securing a spot in the finale. The judges appreciated his dessert for creativity and flawless execution, crowning him the last finalist.

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The competition's latest rounds have proven to be some of the most challenging yet, pushing both the chefs' culinary skills and stamina to the absolute limits. Viewers can now stream the finale on Netflix to see who will be crowned the winner of Culinary Class Wars.