Chef Choi Kang Rok has claimed the top prize on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars Season 2.
The finale, released on February 6th at 5 PM KST, ended in a unanimous decision from the judges—just like Season 1—after a nail-biting showdown between two chefs who both felt worthy of the crown. The final battle came down to Choi Kang Rok, representing the “White Spoon” chefs, and his rival Culinary Monster from the “Black Spoon” team. The theme was deeply personal: “A dish for myself.”
Culinary Monster presented a soulful bowl of soondae-guk, drawing from childhood memories of Sunday mornings spent at the bathhouse with his father and the comfort the dish brought him during years spent living abroad. He described the dish as a message to himself—closing one chapter of his life as a working chef and stepping into the next as he prepares to open his own restaurant.
Choi Kang Rok, meanwhile, presented a broth-based dish featuring sesame tofu, noting with a smile that it was “something I made entirely my own way.” Known throughout the season by nicknames like “the braising guy” and “serial braiser,” this time, he filled the bowl with his favorite ingredients and memories. He later confessed he’d only been “pretending” to be good at braising, comforting himself with a laugh: “You worked hard, braising guy. Today, take a break.”
In the end, the judges unanimously awarded the win to Choi Kang Rok.
Accepting the title, Choi struck a humble tone. “I’m not someone who makes some extraordinary food,” he said. “I’m just doing the same work as so many chefs across the country who quietly dedicate themselves to cooking every day.” He added that he would take the judges’ words to heart, cherish the connections he made on the show, and continue thinking about food as he moves forward.
“I won’t get complacent,” Choi emphasized. “I’m grateful I challenged myself again.”
Runner-up Culinary Monster also closed the competition with grace, praising his fellow contestants. “Everyone here is incredible, and you all worked so hard,” he said. “I genuinely enjoyed the experience, and I’m thankful I got to face Chef Choi Kang Rok in the final. It’s something I’ll be proud of.”
>> ‘Culinary Class Wars 2’ Top 7 Contestants Share Their Thoughts Before the Finale
Source: Netflix
