Actors Im Yoon-ah and Jo Jae-yoon put on a spectacular show that tantalized both the visual and palate senses in a culinary contest where pride is at stake.
The latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'The Tyrant's Chef', aired on the 14th, showcased bizarre dishes presented by the reigning chef Yeon Ji-young (played by Im Yoon-ah) and Dang Baek-ryong (played by Jo Jae-yoon), making viewers' mouths water. The series, renowned as a gourmet fantasy romantic comedy captivating audiences worldwide, delivered the tension of a dramatic and savory competition in this episode.
As the curtain rises on the cooking competition that holds the fate of both nations, the chefs from the Suragan led by Yeon Ji-young and those from the Ming Dynasty led by Dang Baek-ryong quickly dove into their respective creations. The heated exchange between Yeon Ji-young, who showcased her signature flambé, and the fiery display of Abisu (played by Moon Seung-yu) escalated the excitement at the competition venue like a raging flame.
Yeon Ji-young's fusion dish, combining galbijjim (braised short ribs) with boeuf bourguignon, dazzled the eyes of judges King Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) and Ming Dynasty eunuch Woo Gon (played by Kim Hyung-mook). The sweet aroma and flavor of glutinous rice and tender short ribs provided indeed the 'heavenly flavor' (天下一味). Moreover, Yeon Ji-young's storytelling, where she imagined what it would be like if her deceased mother made boeuf bourguignon for her, moved everyone at the competition venue to tears.
On the other hand, Abisu showcased a dish using chili oil, presenting an intense flavor experience to Lee Heon and Woo Gon. However, as chili oil can only be made using chili powder, Yeon Ji-young raised questions about the ingredients, causing a stir in the venue. It was even revealed that the person who passed the chili powder was Jaisan Daegun (played by Choi Gwi-hwa), the manufacturing chief of the Suragan, which intensified the shock.
Observing the situation, Lee Heon declared a draw, considering the circumstances of the two chefs, while also placing an advantage that if three contests ended in draws, the Ming Dynasty would emerge as the winner, raising the tension of the competition. Furthermore, Kang Mok-ju (played by Kang Han-na), ahead of the second contest, called in Suragan chef Maeng Man-su (played by Hong Jin-ki) and pressured him to deliberately lose, hinting at the daunting competition ahead.
However, Maeng Man-su, being a chef from Suragan, could not give up the competition. Having subjected Seo Gil-geum (played by Yoon Seo-a) to intense training, Maeng Man-su passed the knife to Seo Gil-geum under the pretext of an injury, and thanks to the teamwork of the Suragan chefs, the second dish, Peking duck roll, was born. Facing Suragan's bold and sharp dish, the Ming Dynasty presented a refreshing and deep-tasting temple food.
The final result of the tight cooking battle, where the pride of chefs from both nations is at stake, will be revealed in the ninth episode airing on the 20th.