Netflix: 'Culinary Class Wars' Top 8 Chef's Introduction and Restaurants | How to Book a Table
Learn about the top 8 chefs left in the viral Netflix series 'Culinary Class Wars and information about their restaurants!
The buzzworthy Netflix show 'Culinary Class Wars' features a cooking competition between 80 amateur chefs, known as the 'Black Spoons,' and 20 elite chefs, called the 'White Spoons.' The competition is judged by Korea's most famous food critic, Baek Jong-won, along with Ahn Sung-jae, the chef of Korea's only Michelin three-star restaurant. It's quickly become the most talked-about variety show right now.
Check out the top 8 chefs and discover more about the restaurants they run in the details below!
White Spoons
Hyun-Seok Choi
Chef Choi Hyun-seok has had an impressive career, including roles as Dean of Ramid Hotel Vocational Academy and Full-time Professor at Seoul Modern Vocational Academy. He was the former Head Chef at Elbon the Table and currently serves as Executive Chef at CHOI. Restaurant and co.190. He also runs other notable restaurants such as Vinostation, Dahlia Dining, and Central Reducer, known for their innovative takes on Korean-European fusion.
Dining at CHOI. Restaurant gives you the chance to savor Chef Choi Hyun-seok's famous dish, Halibut Seaweed Soup, a standout from the show Black & White Chef. This menu item showcases Chef Choi’s unique culinary style, blending tradition with creativity.
1. CHOI. (초이닷)
Address: 3rd Floor, 457 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 도산대로 457 3F)
Hours: 12:00 to 22:00 (Break: 15:00 to 18:00)
Transportation: Seoul Subway Suin-Bundang Line, Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit 3
2. Dahlia Dining
Address: 2nd Floor, 14 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (서울 강남구 도산대로45길 14 2F)
Hours: 12:00 to 21:30 (Break: 15:00 to 18:00); Last order at 20:30
Transportation: Seoul Subway Suin-Bundang Line, Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit 5
3. Central Reducer (중앙감속기)
Call to book: ☎️ 02 - 466 - 9628
Address: 7-1 Seongsuil-ro 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 성수일로6길 7-1)
Hours: 12:00 to 21:30 (Break: 15:00 to 17:30); Last order at 20:30
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 2, Seongsu Station, Exit 4
Jisun Jung
Jisun Jung, known as South Korea's first female chef specializing in Chinese cuisine, holds a prestigious position in the Korean-Chinese culinary world. She is currently the owner and head chef of the Hong Kong-style restaurant Tian Mi Mi.
Tian Mi Mi is a Cantonese restaurant specializing in dim sum, where everything—from the sauces to the dishes—is uniquely crafted. Each bite is not only delicious but also a testament to the chef’s dedication and passion.
Tian Mi Mi (티엔미미)
Address: 143 Saimdang-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul (서울 서초구 사임당로 143)
Hours: 11:00 to 22:00 (Afternoon break: 15:00 to 17:00)
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 2, Gangnam Station, Exit 5
Edward Lee
Meet Chef Edward Lee, whose impressive culinary background has earned him widespread recognition. In April 2023, during President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to the United States, Chef Lee was invited to serve as the head chef for the White House dinner, marking the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance.
A winner of Season 8 of 'Iron Chef America,' Chef Lee's accomplishments have everyone eagerly anticipating his appearance on 'Top Chef. Chef Edward Lee does not currently own a restaurant in Korea. His main operations are based in the United States, where he owns several well-known establishments, including 610 Magnolia and NAMI, a modern Korean steakhouse located in Louisville, Kentucky.
Jang Hojoon
Chef Jang Hojoon brings 18 years of experience as a Japanese chef, having worked at prestigious hotel restaurants like the Grand Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, and Walker Hill. He's also earned the nickname 'The Terminator of Japanese Cuisine.'
The NEGI series offers a variety of dining experiences: NEGI Sukiyaki features Korean beef sukiyaki, NEGI LIVE presents Japanese omakase, and NEGI Dining Lounge specializes in Japanese sashimi. However, prices vary significantly depending on the target clientele
1. NEGI Sukiyaki (네기스키야키 압구정점)
Address: 서울 강남구 논현로 854 B1
Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM (break from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM); Weekends 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 3, Apgujeong Station, Exit 3
2. NEGI LIVE (네기라이브)
Address: 서울 성동구 성수이로 97 5F
Hours: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM (siesta from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM); Closed on Sundays
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 2, Seongsu Station, Exit 3
3. NEGI Dining Lounge (네기다이닝라운지)
Address: 서울 강남구 도산대로15길 18 4F
Hours: 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM (last order at 9:30 PM)
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 3신사역Exit 8
Black Spoons
Triple Star: Scott Kang (트리플스타 : 강승원)
Chef Scott Kang, known as "Triple Star" on Culinary Class Wars, has an impressive career history. He trained at Benu, a renowned three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco, and later became the sous-chef at Mosu, Korea's only three-Michelin-star restaurant, under Chef Ahn Sung-jae. Currently, Kang is the chef-owner of Trid.
Triple Star's signature dish, "Lobster with Pepper Sauce," earned praise for its innovative presentation and balanced flavors. Competing in a survival-style format, Triple Star's creativity and risk-taking have helped them stand out as one of the top chefs in the series.
Trid Seoul (트리드서울)
Address: Seoul, Gangnam District, Seolleung-ro 162-gil 16, 2nd floor (서울 강남구 선릉로162길 16 2층)
Hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (Closed for break from 15:00 to 18:00; Closed on Sun., Mon.)
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line Suin Bundang, Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Exit 3
Napoli Mafia: Kwon Sungjoon (나폴리 맛피아 : 권성준)
Chef Kwon Seong-joon, known as "Napoli Matfia" on the show, has established himself as a pasta expert. He is the chef-owner of several Italian-inspired eateries, including a popular pasta bar in Seoul. Kwon developed his culinary skills by focusing on traditional Italian cooking, with a particular emphasis on Neapolitan dishes.
His restaurant is known for dishes like handmade pasta with rich sauces and a dedication to simplicity, letting high-quality ingredients shine. Though relatively low-profile before Culinary Class Wars, the show has brought him increased attention and a growing fan base.
Via Toledo Pasta Bar (비아 톨레도 파스타바)
Address: 1st floor, 7-2 Wonhyo-ro 83-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 원효로83길 7-2 1층)
Hours: 17:00 - 22:00 (Closed on Sun, Mon)
Transportation: Line 1, Namyoung Station, Exit 1
Imo-kase #1: Kim Miryeong (이모카세1호 : 김미령)
Kim Mi-ryeong, known as "Imokase" on Culinary Class Wars, is a notable Black Spoon chef who runs a vintage-style Korean restaurant. Her moniker, "Imokase," blends her title as a respected "auntie" figure in Korean food culture with the concept of omakase, reflecting her personal touch in her cooking style.
She gained recognition for reviving traditional Korean market dishes and showcasing them with a modern twist. Her restaurant inside Gyeongdong Market has gained popularity since her appearance on the show
1. Andongjip Son Kalguksi (안동집 손칼국시)
Address:B1, Annex Building, 3 Gosan-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 동대문구 고산자로36길 3 신관 지하1층)
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 (Closed on 2nd, 4th Sunday of each month)
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 1, Jegi Station, Exit 2
2. Jeulgeoun Sulsang (즐거운술상)
Address: Seoul, Dobong-gu, Chang-dong, Nohae-ro, 341 신원리베르빌 117호 (서울 도봉구 노해로 341 117호 창동, 신원리베르텔)
Hours: 17:00 - 20:00 (Closed on Sundays)
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 4 Changdong Station, Exit 2
Cooking Maniac: Yoon Namno (요리하는 돌아이 : 윤남노)
Yoon Nam-no, known as "Cooking Maniac" on Culinary Class Wars, is a chef-owner of a fusion dining bar in Seoul. His culinary journey began when he took over his mother's naengmyeon (cold noodle) restaurant after she was diagnosed with cancer.
Yoon's unique approach combines traditional Korean dishes with creative, modern twists, which he showcases in his fusion dining bar. He joined the show to make his mother proud and show his culinary growth. His playful yet precise cooking style has made him a standout competitor
Deepin Oksu (디핀 옥수)
Address: 1st floor, Dokseodang-ro 194, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 독서당로 194 지하1층)
Hours: 12:00 - 22:00 (Closed for break from 15:30 to 18:00; Closed on Mondays)
Transportation: Seoul Subway, Line 3 & Line Gyeongui Jungang, Oksu Station, Exit 7
We hope this guide is helpful for those who have enjoyed watching the popular Netflix series, 'Culinary Class Wars'. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com. You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!
