Choi Kang-rok Explains Why He Wants a Noodle Shop After Winning Culinary Class Wars Season 2

Chef Choi Kang-rok, the winner of Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars Season 2,' revealed why he is not currently operating a restaurant despite receiving numerous proposals to start a fine dining establishment following his victory. The core reason was protecting his own heart rather than running a flashy restaurant.

Through a recent appearance and wrap-up interview on MBC's 'Nolleo Coaster,' Choi Kang-rok calmly shared his thoughts on fine dining proposals, the pressure following his win, and his future plans. Instead of recklessly opening a new restaurant to meet public expectations, he expressed his wish to run a humble noodle shop someday.

Fine Dining Dilemmas Revealed on 'Nolleo Coaster' on June 28

On the June 28 broadcast of MBC's 'Nolleo Coaster,' Choi Kang-rok presented customized dishes excluding sardines and spicy food to accommodate the tastes of his younger colleagues. When Noh Hong-chul asked about his future plans to operate a fine dining restaurant, Choi Kang-rok replied, "If you run a restaurant that receives a lot of evaluations, your heart becomes sick."

He stated, "Rather than cooking with all my heart, there are times when I don't even know what my true heart is," emphasizing that taking care of oneself is more important than being buried in the evaluations of others.

13 Years from 'Master Chef Korea 2' to 'Culinary Class Wars 2'

Choi Kang-rok's culinary career began to garner significant attention after winning Olive's 'Master Chef Korea Season 2' in 2013. At that time, he became a hot topic for his 'Sesame Tofu' dessert utilizing gelatin.

Later, in 2024, he appeared in 'Culinary Class Wars Season 1' but failed to win. He confessed that while he reached a position many envy, he felt the pressure that he could quickly fall from it.

He participated in 'Culinary Class Wars Season 2' as a 'Hidden White Spoon' and finally reclaimed a survival competition winner title after 13 years. In an interview immediately after his win, he mentioned, "Due to spoiler clauses, I couldn't even tell my wife about the victory."

Choi Kang-rok also noted, "During 'Master Chef Korea 2,' I was at my peak, but afterward, due to aging and decreased physical strength, I felt like I had become a 'stagnant veteran.'" He added that there were difficulties during this season's competition where he had to adjust menus due to physical limitations.

"If your heart is Fine, everything is Fine Dining"

Choi Kang-rok placed more importance on a chef's internal state than the format of fine dining. He shared that whenever juniors dream of fine dining, he asks back, "Is your heart Fine?"

He continued, "Whether you run a noodle shop or a simple Korean meal restaurant, if your heart is Fine, it can all be fine dining." He explained that the real point lies not in the formality of the restaurant, but in whether the heart of the person making the food is healthy.

He also revealed his dream of using his prize money to grow old while running a modest noodle shop. Furthermore, he made his intention to stay in the food industry clear, stating, "I won't put down my knife just yet."

For juniors preparing for 'Culinary Class Wars' Season 3, he emphasized accumulated experience over special techniques. Choi Kang-rok advised, "It's not something you can achieve just by studying; you must fight with what you have built up over time," and regarding conflicts during competitions, he left his signature relaxed remark, "Hey friend, let's not fight."