Chef's Go-To
Where do chefs go to eat? Korea's top chefs have their go-to spots, and there's something special about them. Hearty dishes from a no-frills auntie, with words warmer than the food. Stories unfold at her table, from quiet moments to genuine laughter. Chef's Go-To, your next favorite.
Episodes
Even the pickiest chefs have a spot to relax. Our first chef, Kim Miryeong, is the original K-auntie chef with 40 years in Korean cuisine! Where's her secret go-to spot with no sign? Enjoy her 5-course omakase set along with the chefs' flavor combos. Auntie's flavors and memories, now revealed.
Braving the rain comes our second featured chef, the queen of dim sum, Jung Jisun. In party-central Dangsan, she reveals her one and only go-to spot. Savor rich Hanwoo beef tripe and the must-have Korean-style fried rice to finish. Plus, her bold flavor combo is revealed for the first time!
Dessert icon Chef Park Junwoo reveals his go-to spot, but it's a pub?! From crispy yet juicy whole flounder fry with Auntie's flair to yukjeon and leaf mustard kimchi combo that wowed Dujun! Premium flavors and service delight the crew. Namno and Taehoon face off in a flavor battle - who will win?
In timeless Jeonnong-dong, today's guest chef is Korea's teppanyaki master Lee Gyeongjin. First stop, one of Seoul's top three pork gopchang hot pots. The Foodie Brothers face unfamiliar flavors - will they win over the crowd? After 20 years of friendship, Namno and Gyeongjin cross knives!
It's time for the Jeonnong-dong retro food tour, part 2, where a small corner store turns out to be a nostalgic beer diner. From handmade gimbap and pork cutlets to fresh yukhoe, a mom's cooking brings back memories. A sweet cream bread brings the tour to the perfect finish!
It's Sacheon Special Part 1! Chef Kim Minseong, a.k.a. the Dragon King, steps in as guest chef with special guest Heebab. His go-to spot serves only pork belly—precise cuts, perfect thickness, and a golden fat ratio. Add aged kimchi and rich soybean paste stew, and it's Pork Belly 101!
It's Sacheon Special Part 2! Today's spot greets us with a sea breeze. From summer gizzard shad found only in Samcheonpo to a nonstop feast of meat, seafood, and poultry! Come on down to Samcheonpo's local tavern for fresh seasonal seafood and Heebab's expert pairings, packed with flavor and heart.
Chef Kim Taesung, the aglio e olio master, sets Namno straight! What is the secret of this go-to spot that even Namno and Taesung visit? Thick chicken in rich, sweet, and spicy sauce, plus Cheongyang pepper prawn pancakes with a nutty kick! A true favorite that even the pickiest chefs cannot resist.
Today’s go-to spot comes from ex-journalist and food columnist Chef Jang Junwoo. This 45-year-old chicken joint serves golden fried chicken from a pressure cooker, along with Auntie’s yangnyeom and curry chicken. The Foodie Brothers go wild over nostalgic flavors because chicken is always right!
With 600 years of history, Namdaemun Market greets Song Junghun, founder of America's cup-bap craze. The Foodie Brothers tour K-street food gems: 35-year hotteok master, sweet and spicy tteokbokki, and cauldron-fried donuts. Finally, Song reveals his spot, selling 8,000 juicy jumbo dumplings a day!
Buon giorno! Chef's Go-To welcomes Michelin-starred chef Fabri from Italy. His surprising pick is ox blood hangover soup! The broth is slow-simmered to perfection, packed with tender ox blood curd, with unlimited special side dishes. This Korean soul food even makes a foreign chef crave a drink.
Chef Taehoon takes special guest Orbit to his go-to spot in the heart of Korea, Gwanghwamun. From savory pork belly with perfect side dishes to soybean paste stew made from scratch, discover the 50-year secret behind this BBQ spot. Orbit adds a spoonful of science to the taste!
Today's featured chef is Namno's favorite junior, Chef Bae Gyeongjun. His go-to spot amazes fellow chefs with tender boiled octopus, fresh mountain yam and pollack roe pancakes, and flavorful braised butterfish. Here is the spot that had everyone asking for seconds of every single dish.
The Foodie Brothers meet side dish master Chef Song Haseulram at his go-to spot in Jamsil. Korean pride shines through the table with side dishes made with ingredients from all over Korea. Add aromatic pot rice and charcoal-grilled bulgogi to the table, and the chefs cannot get enough of this feast!
Late at night, yakitori master Chef Kim Byoungmook awaits the Foodie Brothers with his bold charm. He reveals his go-to spot for authentic kushikatsu, crafted with care from the batter to the sauce. Crispy outside and juicy inside, the skewers pair perfectly with shochu and wow the chefs.
In trendy Seosulla-gil, "Genius Restaurateur" Chef Jo Seohyung picks a 60-year-old fermented skate spot featured in the comic "Sikgaek." From skate trio with pork and kimchi to steamed skate and skate nose, its addictive aroma and sharp flavor captivate everyone. Can first-timer Dujun handle it?
Back with his love for Korean food, Italian chef Fabri reveals his second go-to spot. Hearty barley rice with six seasoned greens and rich soybean paste set the tone, followed by perfectly grilled makerel that wowed the chefs. A table full of pride in Korean flavors awaits.
The Foodie Brothers visit an upscale Chinese restaurant lit by grand chandeliers. Chef Taehoon introduces his mentor, Chinese cuisine master Chef Yeo Kyungrae. From refreshing cold starters to a showstopping sweet and sour snapper, a full journey of land, sea, and sky unfolds on the spinning table.
At this exotic Itaewon spot, special guest Song Jihyo joins the Foodie Brothers. The barbecue set features long-smoked brisket, baby back ribs, and pulled pork, with volcano ribs and charcoal-grilled vegetables prepared just for Jihyo. A table full of specials brings the year-end party to life!
The Foodie Brothers reunite at Namno's hidden go-to spot. Fresh turban shell and cuttlefish sashimi, steamed fish roe, plus the auntie's potato pancakes and grilled flatfish await. The Brothers revisit their memories to pick their top spots. Join us for laughter and good times at Our Go-To Spot!
