Korean films and dramas have long celebrated meal scenes, showcasing the deep cultural significance of food. In Korea, sharing a meal is more than just eating—it’s a way to connect, communicate, and express warmth. A simple phrase like "Let's have a meal" holds layers of meaning, symbolizing familiarity and care.
One
film that beautifully captures this essence is Le Grand Chef (2007), a movie
that immerses viewers in the rich world of Korean cuisine. If you’re a fan of
food-centric films like Chef (2014), Julie & Julia (2009), or Kamome
Shokudo (2006), this movie will be a delightful watch.
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| Le Grand Chef (2007) |
Le
Grand Chef (식객, 2007) – A Story of Culinary Passion
Le
Grand Chef, directed by Jeon Yoon-soo, is based on the popular comic
series by Huh Young-man. Released on November 1, 2007, the film
stars Kim Kang-woo as Seong-chan, Im Won-hee as Bong-joo, and Lee
Ha-na as Jin-soo.
The
story revolves around a prestigious cooking competition at Unamjeong (우남정), a
renowned Korean restaurant. Seong-chan, a gifted chef who values sincerity
in cooking, faces off against Bong-joo, a ruthless competitor who
prioritizes success above all else.
The
movie attracted nearly 3 million viewers in Korea and was so well
received that it later inspired a TV adaptation in 2010.
A Meal Scene to Remember
One
of the film’s most iconic scenes features Seong-chan preparing a meal for journalist
Jin-soo and her boss. Instead of presenting elaborate gourmet dishes, he serves
a simple yet thoughtfully prepared spread made with fresh, locally sourced
ingredients.
Dishes
Featured in the Scene
-
Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개, Soybean Paste Stew)
-
Geotjeori (겉절이, Fresh Kimchi)
-
Oiji (오이지, Korean Pickled Cucumbers)
-
Kkaennip Jangajji (깻잎장아찌, Pickled Perilla Leaves)
-
Gyeran Mari (계란말이, Korean Rolled Omelet)
-
Nurungji (누룽지, Crispy Rice Crust)
Each
dish embodies the humble yet hearty flavors of everyday Korean
cuisine, perfectly capturing the essence of the summer season.
During
the meal, Jin-soo’s boss asks Seong-chan whether he plans to enter an upcoming
cooking competition. However, Seong-chan, still scarred by a previous
experience, replies:
💬 "I'm
tired of competing with other chefs to be the best. I'm just happy when people
enjoy my food."
This
moment encapsulates his philosophy—cooking isn’t about winning but sharing joy
through food.
Exploring the Dishes from Le Grand Chef
1.
Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개) – Korean Soybean Paste Stew
 |
| Doenjang Jjigae [Photo Credit] KTO, Torai Republic |
A
staple in Korean households, doenjang jjigae is a savory, slightly
earthy stew made with fermented soybean paste (doenjang). It typically
includes tofu, zucchini, onions, potatoes, and sometimes meat or
seafood. Served bubbling hot, it pairs beautifully with kimchi and
rice.
📌 Try
it at home! I’ve included a recipe link to experience this
comforting stew yourself.
2. Geotjeori (겉절이) – Fresh Kimchi
 |
| Spicy Napa Cabbage Geotjeori [Photo Credit] Cloudpic |
Unlike traditional kimchi, which is aged for months, geotjeori is a lightly seasoned, fresh napa cabbage salad. It's quick to prepare and delivers a crisp texture with a spicy, tangy flavor.
🌟 Best
paired with Korean BBQ, warm rice, or a steaming bowl of soup.
3.
Oiji (오이지) – Korean Pickled Cucumbers
 |
| Spicy Seasoned Cucumber Pickle [Photo Credit] Cloudpic |
A
refreshing, crunchy side dish made by fermenting cucumbers in salt water
without vinegar, it has a slightly salty-tangy taste and is often
served in the summer alongside rice.
🥒 Serving
tip: Enjoy as is, or mix with red pepper flakes, garlic, and sesame
oil for added spice.
4.
Kkaennip Jangajji (깻잎장아찌) – Pickled Perilla Leaves
 |
| Perilla Leaf Pickle [Photo Credit] Flickr Hwang Younggil |
Perilla
leaves, known for their unique herbal aroma, are pickled in soy
sauce, garlic, and vinegar. This dish provides an umami-packed punch to
a simple bowl of rice.
🍚 Best
enjoyed with Steamed rice and a variety of banchan (side dishes).
5.
Gyeran Mari (계란말이) – Korean Rolled Omelet
 |
| Rolled Omelette [Photo Credit] Flickr Changouck Hong |
A
visually appealing, fluffy omelet rolled with carrots, scallions, ham, or
seaweed. This mildly sweet and savory dish is a lunchbox (dosirak, 도시락)
favorite.
🥚 Pro
tip: Serve with ketchup for extra flavor!
6.
Nurungji (누룽지) – Crispy Rice Crust
 |
| Crispy Rice Nurungji [Photo Credit] Flickr Hyeon Jeong Suk |
The golden,
crunchy layer of rice at the bottom of a pot is often enjoyed as a snack
or porridge. Its nutty aroma and slightly smoky flavor evoke nostalgic
memories of home-cooked meals.
🔥 Try
this: Add hot water to nurungji for a soothing tea-like drink
called sungnyung (숭늉).
The Heart of Le Grand Chef – A Story Beyond Cooking
As
the film progresses, Seong-chan enters Unamjeong to hone
his culinary skills. However, his ideals clash with Bong-joo, who
prioritizes profit over authenticity. Their rivalry peaks during a cooking
competition, where Bong-joo sabotages Seong-chan by falsely accusing
him of serving poisonous pufferfish.
Humiliated
and heartbroken, Seong-chan leaves Unamjeong and starts a new chapter—traveling
across Korea, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and selling them from his
truck.
Later,
when an ancient chef’s knife is discovered, a new contest emerges to find
the true successor of the royal chef. Through this journey, Bong-joo
learns about his grandfather’s betrayal, transforming his character.
Ultimately, Seong-chan and Bong-joo reconcile, choosing different paths—one
dedicated to authentic cooking and the other to promoting Korean
cuisine worldwide.
🥢 More
than just a cooking film, Le Grand Chef explores themes of honor, personal
growth, and the deep meaning behind food.
Where to Watch Le Grand Chef
If
you love culinary films, check your favorite streaming platform for Le
Grand Chef (2007) and immerse yourself in Korean cuisine.
After
watching the movie, why not make doenjang
jjigae and geotjeori at home? It’s the perfect way to bring the
movie's flavors to your table!
🍽 What’s
your favorite Korean dish? Let me know in the comments!
[Appendix] Links to Find Doenjang Jjigae and Geotjeori Recipes
🍜 Doenjang Jjigae
- English: 🔗 YouTuber Mangchi
- Korean: 🔗 Blogger Wildflower Fragrance
🥢 Geotjeori
- English: 🔗 YouTuber Mangchi
- Korean:
🔗 YouTuber Baek Jong-won
🦋 Seasonings and Ingredients
- seasonings: 🔖 The Ultimate Guide to KoreanSeasonings and Sauces for Home Cooks
-
ingredients: All the ingredients can be found at a
Korean market.
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