Exploring Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars: The Battle of Black Spoon vs White Spoon, Eliminations, and More

Culinary Class Wars is a South Korean cooking competition show available on Netflix. The inaugural season premiered on September 17, 2024, featuring 100 skilled cooks vying for the title of the best chef in Korea. This series marks the first Korean culinary show on Netflix and consists of a total of 12 captivating episodes.

As indicated by its title, Culinary Class Wars separates participants into two categories: the White Spoon, which includes renowned chefs, and the Black Spoon, composed of undiscovered talents in the culinary scene. The victorious chef will win a substantial prize of 300 million won (approximately S$290,000).

Currently, the first seven episodes are available for streaming on Netflix, with three additional episodes set to release on October 1, followed by the exciting finale on October 8.

Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars Features 100 Gifted Chefs in an Epic Cooking Battle

Culinary Class Wars is the streaming giant’s first Korean food reality series, inspired by the success of Single’s Inferno, a dating show that debuted on the platform in 2021. Thus, Netflix aims for similar achievements with this culinary showdown.

Netflix describes the show as follows:

“Enter Culinary Class Wars, the sizzling competition that will see 100 talented chefs going apron-to-apron in a dramatic battle for culinary excellence.”

The show provides insight into the White Spoon and Black Spoon categories, stating:

“Among the 100 competitors are hidden masters (aka ‘Black Spoon’ contestants) who will challenge the star chefs (aka ‘White Spoon’ contestants) to become the best of the best in Korea.”

According to a Tudum article by Netflix, the 12-episode series can be likened to ‘Physical: 100,’ but with more stylish uniforms and a kitchen arena, as 100 chefs compete for culinary prestige. The two classes face each other in various culinary challenges, eliminating participants until only one Spoon remains.

The competition is judged by culinary expert Paik Jong-won, a multi-award-winning restaurateur with numerous television appearances, alongside Chef Anh Sung-jae, who is affiliated with the prestigious three-star Mosu Seoul restaurant.

From the onset, the top 20 White Spoons have scrutinized the 80 Black Spoons, who are notably positioned on a podium. In a quick-fire challenge, 60 Black Spoons were rapidly eliminated, leaving 20 to battle against the 20 White Spoons. Given the high stakes for the White Spoons’ reputations, this format keeps viewers thoroughly engaged.

Some notable Black Spoons include Master of School Meals, Cooking Maniac, Comic Book Chef, and Auntie Omakase #1. Each of these competitors has significant experience in Korean cuisine, some running successful restaurants while others specialize in cafeteria-style meals.

Culinary Class Wars showcases the rich tapestry of South Korean cuisine, offering a glimpse of its diversity to a global audience.

Source