Ryu Soo-young, Yoon Kyung-ho, and Kihyun recently visited a prestigious culinary school in Brunei, known for its rigorous training under the management of the Sultan. The trio faced a culinary challenge alongside talented students, showcasing their cooking skills in a high-pressure environment. Ryu, who married actress Park Ha-sun in 2017 and has a daughter, previously expressed his concerns about the criticism surrounding celebrity cooking shows abroad, stating he feels a sense of responsibility.
On the episode aired on the 30th, the trio was treated to exquisite dishes prepared by Chef Aziz and his students, including a 'Shrimp Ceviche' topped with a traditional Brunei cracker made from 'Ambuyat.'
The students also presented innovative dishes like 'Brunei Fire Ramen' inspired by Korean ramen and a fusion 'Nasi Lemak.' The unexpected sophistication of the students' dishes left the trio, who had prepared simple Korean home-cooked meals, feeling challenged. Yoon Kyung-ho remarked, "This is the moment when all our overnight efforts seem futile."
In the kitchen, Yoon opted to enhance the quality of their dishes rather than improvising. He transformed a dish of stir-fried squid and shrimp with sambal sauce into 'Spicy Squid Bibim Noodles.' Ryu created 'An-Yang-Bak-Hu,' chicken balls wrapped in chicken skin and fried, while Kihyun made 'Ssam-bul,' beef bulgogi wrapped in rice paper.
During the cooking process, Ryu impressed with his strength by crushing garlic with his bare hands, earning the nickname 'Kitchen General.' Kihyun humorously commented, "You're like Jekyll and Hyde." The successful flavors led to a celebratory performance by Ryu and Kihyun, leaving Yoon bewildered but quickly joining in.
As the judging time approached, the trio nervously watched the students' reactions through a small window. Chef Aziz and the students smiled at the familiar flavors, particularly surprised by the garlic seasoning accompanying Ryu's dish.
Before heading to their next destination in Italy, the trio reunited in Rome. In a car ride to a restaurant, Ryu was seen video-calling his daughter, humorously introducing Yoon as a 'proctologist' in a past life. At a popular pizzeria, Kihyun ordered a variety of pizzas, including a rocket-topped pizza, a Capricciosa with mozzarella, mushrooms, and egg, and a Baffetto with artichokes, peppers, and onions. The trio marveled at the familiar yet novel flavors.
The trio also appeared at a Brunei-themed pop-up store at Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo, showcasing their culinary creations like Ryu's 'Hot Sambal Mozzarella Chicken Burger,' Yoon's 'Hot Sambal Squid and Shrimp Capellini,' and Kihyun's 'Savory Pandan Rice Cake.' The pop-up attracted a massive crowd, with each member engaging in sales and fan service. Kihyun was surprised by a visit from a military comrade, warmly welcomed by Ryu, who praised the camaraderie.
In a studio session, Ryu recreated his popular 'Hot Sambal Mozzarella Chicken Burger,' sharing tips on using locally available ingredients and revealing the secret to keeping the burger buns from getting soggy.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr