“Comic Book Chef” From Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars

Prepare for an unforgettable culinary event where Japanese, Korean and Chinese flavours collide! Honjokko proudly welcomes Chef Cho Kwang-hyo from Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars for a limited engagement, followed by a monthlong menu listing of selected dishes.

Chef Kwang-hyo made his mark on the show – which was Netflix’s most watched foreign language series on its first week of release – earning the moniker, Comic Book Chef, from creating innovative dishes inspired by Japanese manga. His two restaurants, Kwang Hyo 001 and Cho Kwang 102, are perpetually packed with diners looking to enjoy his often-experimental take on Korean and Chinese cuisines – a culinary alchemy he’s now set to bring to Honjokko.

Joining forces with our talented Korean-born Executive Chef Kyle Lee, this collaboration kicks off on 4 July with a special dinner service followed by brunch and dinner on 5 July. Guests across both days will have the chance to meet both master chefs in person, enjoy live demonstrations, and savour exquisite dishes – no need to travel to Korea or face long reservation waits!

Meet the Netflix Star

Chef Cho Kwang-hyo has become a household name through his appearances on Netflix’s hit show Culinary Class Wars, captivating audiences around the globe. The competition featured 20 established “white spoon” chefs facing off against 80 talented “black spoon” chefs, with Chef Kwang-hyo emerging as a standout. Known as the Comic Book Chef, he draws inspiration from comic books to create his unique culinary masterpieces. With two consecutive wins at the prestigious “Blue Ribbon Survey”, Chef Kwang-hyo has solidified his status in the culinary world. He has also made memorable appearances on national broadcasts, including Baekban Journey with Huh Young Man and Dining Out Day.

Exclusive Dinners on 4 & 5 July

Join us for the kickoff dinners on 4 & 5 July, where you’ll be among the first to indulge in a harmonious fusion of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese flavours for HKD580 per person. The evening begins with a stunning amuse bouche of oysters, enhanced with a spicy Korean sauce and topped with onion salsa and tobiko, setting the stage for an extraordinary culinary journey.

Each dish tells a story: vibrant pan-fried edamame is marinated in a secret Korean sauce and delicate perilla leaf tempura bring fresh textures, while bold Korean beef tartare is beautifully contrasted by a refreshing cold chicken salad and Sichuan cucumber salad, all in banchan style.

As the meal progresses, be surprised by Chef Kyle’s Korean take on Uni hot stone rice, capturing the essence of Korean and Japanese traditions at just one bite, alongside Korean Soybean MacJeok Seabass, the pure freshness elevated by sweet soybean sauce, fried kimchi, and sesame soy dipping.

Finally, indulge in Chef Kwang-hyo’s signature Dongpo Pork – the very creation that has guests fighting to get a table at his restaurants. This dish is complemented by the rich and spicy mapo tofu with fried rice, the way Koreans usually enjoy Chinese cuisines, leading to a sweet finale with a playful flower bun with tofu cream invites you to explore the chefs’ creativity. This exuberant menu not only showcases the chefs’ skills but also pays homage to their roots, promising an evening of unforgettable flavours and culinary artistry.

Unique Brunch Menu on 5 July

On 5 July, we invite you to experience the ultimate comfort brunch crafted by both chefs for HKD438 per person. This exclusive menu artfully combines Chef Kwang-hyo’s expertise in Chinese cuisine with Chef Kyle’s Japanese flair, all while honouring their Korean heritage. The brunch begins with enticing starters, including pan-fried edamame and Korean fried chicken glazed in soy garlic. A nourishing soybean paste soup and a refreshing cold chicken salad awaken the palate, while sweet and sour pork gyoza adds a delightful crunch.

As you move to the second course, enjoy triple flavour kimbap, a playful take on the traditional dish, complemented by a refreshing cold fish salad. The third course features the beloved Dongpo Pork, alongside mapo tofu and a mushroom hot stone dish that encapsulates rich, earthy flavours. To conclude this extraordinary brunch, indulge in a banana dessert where sugar glazed fried banana paired with homemade salted caramel icecream, providing a sweet and satisfying finish. This unique experience is not to be missed, as both chefs unite to create culinary masterpieces guests will remember for years to come.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet the viral chef from your screen! Enjoy the feast paired with Perrier-Jouët Champagne for HKD348 per person or opt for a traditional Soju pairing for HKD298 per person. As a special surprise, Chef Kwang-hyo and Chef Kyle have prepared a secret gift for all guests attending on 4 & 5 July.

Following this two-day engagement, guests can continue to savour select dishes from this special collaboration, including Sichuan Cucumber, Cold Chicken Salad, Cold Fish Salad, Uni Hot Stone Rice and, of course, Chef Kwang-ho’s signatures: Dongpo Pork and Mapo Tofu. These delectable offerings will be available until 3 August, with reservations open for weekday lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Additionally, these dishes will be highlighted on our exciting “Summer Spectacular” menu throughout July, allowing guests to relive the unforgettable flavors and memories.