Since Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars premiered, it has taken the world by storm. An instant hit, the Korean show combined the thrill of reality television with the fine art of gastronomy. Pitting top chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds in intense competitions, the unique format, drama, and high-stakes battles captivated audiences in and out of South Korea.

As the title suggests, Culinary Class Wars has promoted a dramatic competition format that highlights two “classes” of chefs: White Spoons and Black Spoons. First, they presented 80 “Black Spoon” chefs who, despite their ‘emerging’ titles, are not to be underestimated. They’re head chefs, some with their own restaurants, talented culinary artists who have worked in the world’s finest, Michelin-starred kitchens, and gastronomic mavericks who have served celebrities, world leaders, and hundreds of customers over their careers.

So naturally, the audience thought: “So why aren’t they ‘White Spoons’?” Then they revealed the 20 “White Spoon” chefs – and everyone was blown away. While the Black Spoons are not to be messed with, the White Spoons are on a whole other level. They’re owners of Michelin-starred restaurants, high-level cooking competition winners, award-winning culinary masters, and iconic gastronomy geniuses who – as they say during the show – the Black Spoons have looked up to their entire careers.

Tension, to say the least, is palpable. With this distinction set from the start, the contestants represent clashing philosophies – tradition versus innovation, luxury versus simplicity. Then there are the heavyweight judges who aren’t shy about delivering biting critiques: industry legend Chef Paik Jong-Won who owns 25 brands that have grown to almost 3,000 locations worldwide, and Chef Anh Sung-jae of Mosu, South Korea’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.

Mix them all together and what’s the result? Binge-worthy television.

Let’s say then this culinary showdown made its way to the Philippines, which Filipino chef would join either the White or Black Spoons? The Beat Asia compiles a fantasy list of culinary titans and emerging chefs – who would make the cut?

Erwan Heussaff – Black Spoon

As the country’s poster child for modern Filipino gastronomy in the digital world, including Erwan Heussaff is a no-brainer. Known for his studio’s YouTube channel, “FEATR,” his deep love for Filipino food and ingredients is indisputable. Erwan is also a James Beard Awardee in 2023 under the Social Media Category, highlighting his contributions to the Philippines’ F&B industry.

As a Black Spoon chef, we can imagine Erwan being like “Genius Restauranteur,” bringing to the table his knowledge of local ingredients and modern take on regional Filipino cuisine.

Ninong Ry – Black Spoon

Who doesn’t know Ninong Ry? His humor and over-the-top cooking videos have made him a social media sensation with a cult following. But people like his content, not just because of the obvious panache, but also because of his unapologetically indulgent dishes. While his persona might suggest he’s all show, Ninong Ry’s appreciation for comfort Filipino flavors is undeniable. He’d bring unfiltered energy to the competition, rivaling that of “Cooking Maniac,” and perhaps outrageous takes on classic dishes.

Chef Margarita Forés – White Spoon

Chef Margarita Forés was nothing short of a legend. Recognized as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, she proved that there’s nothing wrong with bringing global culinary influences to the Philippines – as long as you do it right. Her establishments, including the much-loved CIBO and Lusso, continue to showcase her wide range of talent and enduring gastronomical influence. Like Chef Jung Ji-sun, a Korean chef who specializes in Chinese cuisine, Chef Margarita would have put her training in Italy to work – who knows what pasta dish she would've brought to the table? While we would've loved to know, we can only dream as we join the rest of the culinary world in celebrating Chef Gaita's legacy.

Chef Chele Gonzales – White Spoon

As a Spanish native who fell in love with the Philippines, Chef Chele Gonzales has redefined the way we view Filipino ingredients. In his award-winning restaurant, Gallery by Chele, he is known for his inventive use of indigenous ingredients and for incorporating local techniques into their dishes. We can see Chef Chele being like Chef Joseph Lidgerwood, an Australian chef who constantly challenges people’s perceptions of Korean cuisine with his Michelin-star restaurant Evett.

Vanjo Merano – Black Spoon

Here’s a wild take – Vanjo Merano of Panlasang Pinoy may just shake things up with his knowledge and passion for Filipino food and making it accessible. He has become a virtual mentor for countless Filipino home cooks with his website’s no-frills, easy-to-follow recipes that celebrate Filipino cuisine.

Much like “Seung-woo’s Dad,” who has 1.4 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, Vanjo boasts a following of a whopping 7 million on his channel. Can the champion of everyday Filipino food go up against culinary titans? We are dying to find out!

Judy Ann Santos – Black Spoon

Though she’s best known as a celebrated actress, Judy Ann Santos has made waves in the culinary world thanks to her cooking show YouTube channel – which has over 1.8 million subscribers by the way! Her passion for cooking eventually led her to transition from the entertainment industry to the kitchen as she took up a culinary course in 2006. Judy Ann is our country’s “Master of School Meals,” ready to bring comfort meals to all diners – young or old.

Chef Jordy Navarra – White Spoon

Helming Toyo Eatery (#24 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024) is Chef Jordy Navarra, known for his explorative take on Filipino ingredients. He often experiments with fermentation, preservation, and other similar techniques that take a dish to the next level. As the chef-owner of “The Best Restaurant in the Philippines,” Chef Jordy can be likened to Chef Kim Do-yoon who owns Yun Seoul and Myeon Seoul – as both are also eager to play with aging, fermenting, and drying ingredients.

Chef Cristeta Comerford – White Spoon

As the Executive Chef of the White House for almost 20 years, Chef Cristeta Comerford proudly raises the flag of the Philippines in the global setting. Managing state dinners and high-pressure kitchens, she has more than what it takes to win this whole competition. While some would say she has the credentials to be a judge and not a contestant, we hope to see her culinary skills in action much like how we were amazed by Chef Edward Lee’s skills, another Asian-American whose culinary career has thrived in the United States. For an even more on-the-nose reference, Chef Edward also cooked in the White House as a guest chef for the State Dinner with the South Korean President.

Abi Marquez – Black Spoon

Known as TikTok’s “Lumpia Queen,” Abi Marquez has successfully managed to emerge as a bright star in the Philippines’ digital culinary space. While she started her channel making various kinds of lumpia, she has since branched off to create and experiment with other Filipino dishes. She bagged the “People’s Voice Award” in the General Social: Food and Drink Category at this year’s Webby Awards, highlighting her impact on the online community. There isn’t a Season 1 Culinary Class Wars contestant that can quite match her infectious energy – which makes it all the more exciting!

Marvin Agustin – Black Spoon

Another celebrity-turned-chef-restaurateur, Marvin Agustinis the brain behind several restaurants and bars around Metro Manila: SumoSam, Kondwi, COCHI, etc. If his growing culinary empire proves anything, it’s that he understands what the Filipino palate craves – and he’s ready to deliver it. His business acumen could prove useful in some games and, if anything, it would make him an underdog worth watching – like “Yakitori King” whose restaurant chain, “Yakitori Mook,” is featured in Seoul’s Michelin Guide.

Chef Boy Logro – White Spoon

His larger-than-life personality is sure to capture everyone’s attention once he shows up on screen. While Chef Boy Logro rose to fame as a TV host and culinary educator for the average home cook, behind his humor is a chef with a serious CV to match. After all, who could forget that Chef Boy was the personal chef to Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said in Oman? His humble beginnings made us immediately think of “Self-Made Chef,” who rose through the ranks through sheer resilience and grit.

Chef JR Royol – White Spoon

After becoming the first-ever winner of MasterChef Pinoy Edition, Chef JR Royol has become the host of his own food exploration show, “Farm to Table.” He is also the proud chef-owner of Anihan Sustainable Gastronomy where he showcases his roots, culinary skills, as well as the fresh produce of the Philippines. We could see a fellow reality show cooking competition winner in him, Chef Choi Kang-rokwho is the winner of MasterChef Korea Season 2.

Wildcard Contestants

Of course, the list doesn’t end here. Within the vast expanse of the Filipino culinary world, there are dozens of talented chefs who could easily bring home the grand prize. We’ve got a couple more ideas, let your imagination run wild:

• Chef Miko Calo, formerly of Metronome
• Chef JP Anglo of Sarsa
• Chef Stephan Duhesme of Metiz
• Chef Johanne Siy of Lolla, Singapore
• Chef Rob Pengson
• Chef Rolando Laudico
• Chef Carlo Miguel of Burger Beast
• Food influencer Juri Imao

How do you think these chefs would fare in a Philippine edition of Culinary Class Wars?