Culinary Class Wars Review: A thrilling season of high-stakes challenges, creative dishes and unforgettable eliminations

The first-ever season of Culinary Class Wars released its final episodes on October 8, 2024, on Netflix. The show captivated viewers across the globe and solidified its place as a top non-English series on the platform. With a thrilling combination of high-stakes challenges, creative dishes, and dramatic eliminations, the competition kept food enthusiasts hooked from start to finish.

One of the standout aspects of the show was its distinctive format. Dividing the 100 chefs into two groups—20 elite White Spoon chefs and 80 junior Black Spoon chefs—Culinary Class Wars pitted experience against ambition.

The White Spoon chefs, many of whom are Korea’s top professionals with impressive credentials, faced the challenge of defending their status, while the Black Spoon chefs sought to prove themselves and rise through the ranks.

From the very first episode, the competition established high stakes. The White Spoon chefs bypassed the first round, while the Black Spoon contestants were immediately thrown into a 100-minute signature dish challenge.

Of the 80 chefs competing, only 20 were selected to move forward, as 60 hopefuls were eliminated in one fell swoop—a brutal start that set the tone for the intense eliminations to follow.

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Culinary Class Wars: From brutal eliminations to bold dish creations

Throughout the season, the chefs were tested not only on their technical skills but also on their creativity. Whether reinventing classic dishes or devising entirely new concepts, the challenges demanded originality at every turn.

The show’s Restaurant Mission was a highlight. The chefs had to run a fully functional restaurant, managing everything from the menu to customer service. Contestants took bold risks, serving dishes like truffle-stuffed cutlets, gochujang butter gnocchi, and tofu risotto. These imaginative dishes wowed the judges, but not all teams managed to handle the pressure.

The cutthroat nature of the challenge resulted in several surprising eliminations, as chefs were forced to vote out team members, adding an unexpected layer of tension and betrayal.

Another pivotal moment in Culinary Class Wars came during the 'Infinite Cooking Hell Mission,' where the remaining contestants had to create tofu-based dishes under an impossibly tight deadline. With just 30 minutes per round and elimination looming over their heads, chefs were pushed to their breaking points.

Despite the intense conditions, the chefs produced standout dishes that were as creative as they were delicious—from tofu dumplings to a decadent tofu crème brûlée. The relentless pace of the challenge led to emotional exits, as even top chefs were sent home in rapid succession.

One of the most thrilling aspects of Culinary Class Wars was its unpredictable eliminations. Unlike traditional cooking competitions, where contestants might have the chance to redeem themselves, the structure of this show left little room for error.

The sudden exits in Culinary Class Wars created a sense of uncertainty that kept viewers glued to their screens, wondering who would be next to fall. The judges, Chef Paik Jong-won and Michelin-starred Chef Ahn Sung-jae, also played a critical role in heightening the drama. Known for their discerning palates and high standards, the duo evaluated each dish with tough love and insightful critiques.

Their differing perspectives added an interesting dynamic, particularly in the finale, where a unanimous decision was required to crown the winner. As the competition narrowed down to the final two contestants—Edward Lee and Kwon Sung-jun—the tension reached its peak.

The final mission, dubbed the "Name-on-the-Line Dish" challenge, saw both chefs tasked with creating a dish that not only reflected their culinary journey but also pushed their boundaries. Edward Lee took a daring, modern approach by transforming tteokbokki into a dessert.

Kwon Sung-jun, on the other hand, delivered a dish rooted in tradition but elevated by his personal touch—a lamb rib dish infused with flavors from a vintage Barolo wine. Both chefs impressed the judges, but Kwon’s cohesive and heartfelt dish ultimately won. The unanimous decision by the judges crowned him the season’s champion, earning him the title and the grand prize of 300 million KRW.

What set Culinary Class Wars apart from other cooking shows was its ability to combine innovative culinary challenges with deeply emotional storytelling. Each contestant brought a unique narrative to the table, and as viewers followed their journeys, they became invested in the personal and professional growth of these chefs.

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As the first season of Culinary Class Wars concluded, viewers were left reflecting on the sheer talent of the chefs and the unexpected turns the show took. Fans are already eagerly waiting for the next installment of this gripping culinary saga.