Chris Infotainment

Netflix’s first Korean variety show to top the global Top 10 for three consecutive weeks, Culinary Class Wars , has announced an even more star-studded lineup for Season 2. Directors Kim Hak-min and Kim Eun-ji of Culinary Class Wars Season 2 teased on the 24th, “The ‘kick’ of Season 2 is the appearance of participants beyond imagination.” They added, “Chefs who wouldn’t have even dreamed of participating in Season 1 have joined Season 2. Those who would have been ‘white spoons’ in Season 1 will now appear as ‘black spoons.’” This season features pioneers like Lee Jun, a Michelin two-star chef and pioneer of Korean fine dining; Son Jong-won, who holds Michelin one-star accolades in both Korean and Western cuisine; Sunjae, South Korea’s first temple food master and Buddhist monk; and Hudeokjuk, a 57-year career Chinese cuisine master. The production team stated, “Chefs who have no need to compete have decided to participate to support junior chefs and the food industry. We’re also ...

In Vietnam, the act of re-seasoning food—especially noodle soups—has become almost second nature for many diners. It's a common sight in Vietnamese restaurants: a customer sits down, and without even taking a spoonful of broth, reaches for the fish sauce bottle, chili jar, or a wedge of lime. This behavior seems automatic, as if the bowl of pho must be "a bit stronger," "a bit spicier," and eventually, sometimes unbearably salty. A bowl of pho. Photo by Pexels This habit is most prevalent with Vietnamese noodle dishes, and it has become an integral part of the dining culture. Whether it's pho, hu tieu, bun bo, or even broken rice (com tam), every table is typically lined with condiments. It's an unspoken invitation: season your meal however you like. Most people don't trust the chef's palate more than their own. They add fish sauce before tasting, then chili, then a pinch of sugar. The result is often a muddled flavor that overshadows the ch...

A Humanoid Robot's Kitchen Mishap A video showcasing a humanoid robot attempting to cook in a kitchen has recently gone viral, highlighting the challenges of integrating advanced robotics into everyday tasks. The footage, which has sparked both amusement and concern, depicts the robot struggling with basic cooking duties, ultimately spilling food on the floor and even slipping after stepping on it. The video was shared by a YouTuber known as WhistlinDiesel, who assigned the G1 humanoid robot from Chinese robotics company Unitree the task of preparing lunch. In the clip, WhistlinDiesel says, “I’ll be back after playing a game, so cook this,” before leaving the kitchen with the pan containing the stir-fry. However, the robot failed to handle the pan properly, leading to a messy situation that left the floor covered in food. The G1 Robot: Capabilities and Limitations The G1 robot featured in the video is a 35 kg, 1.32-meter-tall machine with 23 degrees of joint freedom. Priced a...

What Makes a Multifunctional Kitchen Appliance Ideal for Modern Cooking? Modern kitchens are continuously evolving, with technology playing a crucial role in making cooking more efficient and enjoyable. One of the most significant advancements is the rise of multifunctional kitchen appliances. These devices combine multiple cooking functions into one compact unit, offering home cooks a versatile solution that simplifies meal preparation. For those who want to cook more at home without cluttering their kitchen with numerous gadgets, these appliances can be a game-changer. Understanding Multifunctional Kitchen Appliances A multifunctional kitchen appliance is designed to perform various culinary tasks simultaneously. Instead of purchasing separate tools for chopping, blending, steaming, kneading, or slow cooking, you can rely on a single device that handles all these steps. Most models come equipped with a powerful motor, adjustable temperature settings, and specialized attachments, a...

A New Challenge for NASA: Space Sushi NASA has achieved remarkable feats in space exploration, from landing humans on the moon to sending rovers to Mars and probes around Saturn's rings. However, it seems that mastering the art of making good sushi in space is still a work in progress. Recently, astronauts aboard the International Space Station shared a photo of their attempt at creating sushi using ingredients like seaweed, tuna, and rice. Despite having access to these key components, the resulting dish looks far from the traditional rolls enjoyed on Earth. The image sparked a wave of reactions from social media users, with one commenting, "This is pretty much fancy prison food." Another added, "3/10 on earth. 10/10 in space," while a third joked, "Are astronauts allergic to spice?" Astronauts face significant challenges when it comes to food in space. Most meals must be sent from Earth and are designed to be shelf-stable and mess-free. However, t...

The Right Way to Use Worcestershire Sauce on Cheese on Toast For many, a classic cheese on toast is the ultimate comfort food. But adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate it to a whole new level. However, according to the iconic brand Lea & Perrins, there's a correct way to do it — and if you're putting the sauce on top, you might be missing out on its full potential. Lea & Perrins has recently shared a surprising tip: the tangy condiment should be applied directly onto the bread before the cheese is added. This technique allows the sauce to caramelize the toast, creating a more flavorful base for the melted cheese. Thiago Rapp, the brand’s ‘director of taste elevation,’ explained that this method has been known for 190 years. “We’ve always known where the sauce belongs — directly on the toast,” he said. To reinforce this advice, the company has launched a limited edition label that reminds consumers to follow the correct order: toast first, then sauce, t...

Understanding the Science Behind Caramelizing Onions Whether you're preparing a comforting stew or a mouthwatering curry, onions are often the first ingredient you reach for. However, recent scientific findings suggest that you might be cooking your onions incorrectly. To achieve the deep, caramelized flavors essential for many dishes, traditional recipes can require up to 30 to 40 minutes of cooking time. But with a bit of scientific knowledge and one simple ingredient, you can cut this time in half. The secret lies in controlling the Maillard reaction, a chemical process responsible for browning and flavor development in food. This reaction is influenced by pH levels, allowing chefs to speed up or slow down the process as needed. To brown onions faster, increasing their pH by adding an alkaline substance like baking soda is effective. The Role of Baking Soda in Accelerating Browning When onions are placed in a hot pan, a series of chemical and physical reactions begin. Initia...

A New Era in Nepali Kitchens In the small village of Birendra Bazar, located in Ganeshman Charnath Municipality of Dhanusha, a quiet transformation is taking place. On a hot afternoon, 28-year-old Archana Kumari Mahara steps into her kitchen, where a shiny new induction stove sits on the counter. The aroma of sizzling potato snacks fills the air as she prepares a meal in just minutes. For her, this is more than just a modern appliance—it’s a symbol of liberation. For years, Archana used a smoky mud stove, which filled her home with harmful fumes and forced her to spend hours collecting firewood. She recalls the constant coughing, the soot-covered walls, and the difficulty of getting meals ready on time. Now, with the induction stove, her life has changed dramatically. Cooking is faster, safer, and more efficient. She no longer has to worry about the dangers of smoke or the hassle of gathering firewood. Despite the benefits, not everyone in the community has embraced the change. Thal...

Tanzania's Clean Cooking Initiative Gains Momentum Tanzania is making significant strides in its clean cooking agenda, with two major developments marking the progress. In Dodoma, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Doto Biteko highlighted the importance of clean energy use in markets, while in Dar es Salaam, ORYX Energies Tanzania launched a groundbreaking bulk LPG distribution system at the Ferry Fish Market. The new system, developed in collaboration with the government and market stakeholders, uses prepaid technology similar to Tanesco’s Luku. This allows traders to pay only for the gas they consume, eliminating the need for large or small cylinders and reducing daily costs. The initiative aims to make clean cooking more accessible and efficient for those who serve large numbers of people. Dr Biteko emphasized that the goal is not to transform livestock markets into restaurants but to encourage the use of clean cooking methods. He noted that Tanzania must lead the continent in this are...