Sam Kim's Japchae Wows Colleagues, Elevates Korean Cuisine Standard

Chef Sam Kim surprised his colleagues at an overseas restaurant with a traditional Korean dish, Japchae, on the tvN show 'Undercover Chef.' The program features top chefs working incognito in foreign kitchens, starting from the bottom as kitchen assistants.

Kim prepared Japchae as a meal for the staff. Although his method differed from conventional recipes, particularly in ingredient preparation and sauce, the dish garnered unexpected acclaim. MC Kim Poong and fellow chefs were astonished by the positive reception.

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It's incredibly delicious.

After tasting the Japchae, the main chef, Gianpietro, declared it "incredibly delicious." Simone also enthusiastically enjoyed the dish, with all of them agreeing it was "very good" and "well-balanced." This praise came as a relief to Kim, who had anticipated that the texture of the glass noodles might not appeal to Italian diners.

Kim later revealed his strategy: he intentionally cut the other ingredients into larger pieces to mask the slippery texture of the noodles, a move that impressed everyone. The restaurant owner was particularly effusive, stating that Kim's cooking had set a new, high standard for Korean food. "My expectations for Korean cuisine have become so high now," the owner remarked.

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My expectations for Korean cuisine have become so high now.