[Food Report] A Culinary Pilgrimage to 'Culinary Class Wars' Restaurants

The Aftermath of a Culinary Battle

The Netflix original series "Culinary Class Wars" sparked a massive food craze across South Korea. Even months after the broadcast, the demand to experience the chefs' dishes in person remains high. From the mature aesthetics of the legendary "White Spoon" chefs to the creative dishes of the "Black Spoon" rebels, we have curated a list of must-visit restaurants across Seoul.

White Spoon Chefs: Mastering the Classics

The restaurants of the White Spoon chefs stand out for their deep professional experience and consistent philosophy.

• Choi. (Choi Hyun-seok): Located in Cheongdam-dong, this fine dining spot showcases the chef's maximum creativity and how his ingenious ideas are translated into art on a plate.
• Hongbogak (Lu Ching-lai): Situated on the LL floor of Novotel Ambassador Seoul Gangnam, this restaurant presents authentic Chinese cuisine encompassing Beijing, Cantonese, and Sichuan styles under the master chef's supervision.
• Tianmimi (Jung Ji-sun): With locations in Hongdae, Seochon, and Gangnam, this venue offers Chef Jung's signature intricate techniques and creative Chinese dishes at relatively accessible prices.

Black Spoon Chefs: Discovering the Rebellion

The restaurants of the Black Spoon chefs, who captivated the public with unexpected flavors, are currently the hottest pilgrimage sites for young foodies.

• Via Toledo Pastabar (Napoli Matfia): Located in Yongsan, this spot is one of the biggest success stories from the show. It is notoriously difficult to book, so staying updated via their Instagram is a crucial strategy.
• Jeulgeoun Sulsang (Imokase No. 1): A hidden gem in Dobong-gu. This Korean-style "omakase" serving seasonal ingredients is simple yet deeply resonant.
• Doryang (Iron Bag Chef): Blending perfectly with the atmosphere of Seochon, this restaurant is famous for its Dongpo pork and dim sum.

3-Step Strategy for a Successful Food Tour

Detailed preparation is essential to secure a seat at these restaurants.

• Use Digital Reservation Systems: Most establishments use 'Catchtable'. Setting alarms for reservation opening times is standard practice.
• Check SNS Announcements: Information on cancellations or daily ingredient shortages is mostly shared in real-time via the official Instagram accounts of the chefs or the restaurants.
• Optimize Your Route: Plan your tour efficiently by clustering visits by region, such as Hongdae (Tianmimi), Seochon (Doryang), Cheongdam (Choi.), and Yongsan (Via Toledo).