

538: New York in the ‘90s and Inside Culinary Class Wars with Edward Lee
Feb 5, 2025
Chef Edward Lee, a renowned chef and restaurateur known for his innovative American cuisine, shares insights from his time in the culinary trenches of 90s New York and the production of Culinary Class Wars on Netflix. He reflects on the transformative experience of opening his restaurant, Shia, and the blend of traditional and modern techniques in his cooking. Lee also dives into the nostalgic culinary delights of pastrami and iconic delis, while exploring the vibrant food cultures of Taiwan and Thailand, emphasizing the simplicity and complexity of their flavors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Filming in Korea
- Edward Lee recalls filming a Korean food show with Audrina Patridge.
- The trip involved diving with Hanyo divers and exploring Korean cuisine.
Culinary Class Wars Experience
- Edward Lee discusses his experience on "Culinary Class Wars," a Korean cooking show.
- Initially hesitant, he joined to represent Korean cuisine and unexpectedly gained popularity.
Challenges and Adaptation
- Edward Lee faced challenges on "Culinary Class Wars" due to the language barrier and unfamiliar ingredients.
- He turned his hotel room into a test kitchen, focusing on Korean flavors for the competition.