The migrant story of Chef Edward “Kyun” Lee and his creativity to bring this forward into every dish he prepared and cooked won me over my fave chefs in Culinary Class Wars. I was rooting for the Black Spoons being an avid fan of the underdogs. Somewhere in episode 6-8, I was intrigued by Chef Edward’s personal challenges to retrace his roots and regain an identity he can truly call his own. Furthermore, he came into the competition with limited knowledge of the local culture.
By episode 11, I came to the conclusion that Chef Edward was not just competing to win but was on a journey of self-discovery, one dish at a time. Each plate he crafted felt like an expression of his desire to reconnect with his heritage, blending traditional flavors with his own inventive flair. He had transformed significantly — not only as a chef but as a person. His struggles with cultural identity and belonging resonated deeply, making his dishes a true testament to his growth.
In that episode, he presented a dish that was both beautiful and symbolic, showcasing elements from his homeland but reimagined through his experiences as a migrant who achieved success in America, his second home.
It was as though he was weaving his story into every bite, and that authenticity was palpable. Watching him gain confidence in who he was, despite the adversities, I found myself more invested in his journey than in the competition itself. He wasn’t just a chef by then; he was a storyteller.
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