Culinary Class Wars: Season 2 on Netflix – Chefs Clash in a Flavorful Battle

Season 2 of Culinary Class Wars: A New Level of Competition

The first season of the Netflix reality series Culinary Class Wars proved that a cooking competition with 100 contestants can be compelling to watch, especially in its early episodes. The show’s bold presentation, visually appealing dishes, and tough judges made it a standout. Now, Season 2 returns with even more intensity and some exciting twists.

Opening Shot: A New Beginning

In the opening moments of Season 2, contestants reflect on watching the first season and what they plan to bring to the competition. We see scenes of selected chefs preparing their dishes, setting the stage for an intense battle.

The Gist: Two Groups, One Goal

Like the first season, Culinary Class Wars divides contestants into two groups: “White Spoons” and “Black Spoons.” The “White Spoons” consist of Michelin-star chefs, legendary figures in their cuisine, or winners of shows like MasterChef Korea. Meanwhile, the “Black Spoons” are restaurant owners and chefs who may not have the same level of formal training. However, this season brings a new level of competition, as many Black Spoon chefs could easily fit into the White Spoon group.

The Twist: Hidden White Spoons

One of the most intriguing aspects of Season 2 is the introduction of two “Hidden White Spoons” from the previous season. These chefs, who were eliminated in Season 1, now compete in the Black Spoon elimination round. If they succeed, the number of available Black Spoon slots will increase, adding another layer of unpredictability to the competition.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of?

While Culinary Class Wars has its own unique flair, it still feels like Top Chef on steroids. The high stakes, intense judging, and dramatic eliminations make it a must-watch for food lovers.

Our Take: A Dizzying but Engaging Experience

The first episodes of Culinary Class Wars are overwhelming, with the judges having to taste 80 — now 82 — dishes. This can make it difficult to connect with the competitors and their stories. However, the show’s producers have managed to keep the elimination rounds exciting, particularly with the addition of the two “Hidden White Spoons.”

The Hidden White Spoons face different rules during the elimination round. They receive different instructions than the other Black Spoons, and both judges must agree to move them forward. If they don’t, the chef is immediately eliminated.

Unique Dishes and Techniques

Even though we’re not deeply familiar with the culinary scene in South Korea, the variety of cuisines and techniques showcased in the competition is fascinating. One chef, for example, distills her own soju within the 100-minute time limit and pairs it with a spread of pork, shrimp, vegetables, and rice. Another chef brings his own noodle machine to create hand-pulled noodles, showcasing his unique skills.

Judging by the Judges

What makes Culinary Class Wars stand out is the way Paik Jong-won and Anh Sung-jae judge each dish. Their exacting criteria and hearty bites add depth to the competition. This is especially evident when one of the Hidden White Spoons, Kim Do-yun, presents a dish that Paik loves, but Anh has reservations about.

Performance Worth Watching

There’s something captivating about Zen Kim Do-yun, who cooks while wearing headphones and appears completely focused on his noodle machine. His calm demeanor and dedication make him a standout performer.

No Sex or Skin

This season continues the trend of focusing solely on the culinary aspect, with no sexual content or nudity.

Parting Shot: Final Judgement

Anh gives his final judgment on whether Kim Do-yun stays or goes, highlighting the tension and pressure of the competition.

Sleeper Star: A Taste of South Korea

Every chef and their dishes make viewers want to fly to South Korea and visit their restaurants. The creativity and passion displayed by the contestants are truly inspiring.

Most Pilot-y Line

As with the first season, the show takes its time getting into the actual cooking. Much of the first half of the hour-long episode is dedicated to dramatic introductions. However, once the cooking begins, things move quickly and efficiently.

Our Call: Stream It

The producers of Culinary Class Wars have realized that the level of competition is more important to viewers than quirky chefs who might get lucky. This is evident in Season 2, which delivers a thrilling and engaging experience.

Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting, and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company, and elsewhere.