K-Food Challenge 2026
From Workshop to Table-Learned at KCCNY & Reimagined by You.
“Calling All K-Food Lovers and Home Cooks!”
Presented by the Korean Cultural Center New York.
Round 1: Video Submission — Preliminary Competition
Round 2: Live Cooking Competition — The Final Challenge
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Korean Cultural Center New York
BU-EOK (4th Floor)
K-Food Challenge 2026
From Workshop to Table-Learned at KCCNY & Reimagined by You.
Are you ready to bring your Korean cooking skills to the next level?
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is excited to present K-Food Challenge 2026: From Workshop to Table, a special cooking competition celebrating creativity, culinary passion, and the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine.
Throughout 2026, KCCNY has introduced New York audiences to the richness and diversity of Korean food through a series of hands-on cooking workshops, culinary demonstrations, and cultural experiences.
Now, it's your turn to take the spotlight!
Inspired by dishes featured in KCCNY's 2026 Korean cooking programs, this exciting competition invites home cooks and Korean food enthusiasts to put their own creative spin on traditional and contemporary Korean dishes.
Whether you participated in one of our workshops or simply love cooking Korean food, we invite you to show us what Korean cuisine means to you!
How to Participate
Participation is free, but advance registration and video submission are required.
Applicants must complete the official online application form and submit their cooking video and required information by the announced deadline.
Application Link: HERE
Official Challenge Menu List (Choose One)
Participants must select one dish from the following five Korean dishes featured in KCCNY's 2026 culinary workshops:
Kimchi Mandu — Korean Kimchi Dumplings
Bibimbap — Korean Mixed Rice Bowl
Oi Sobagi — Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi
Jeyuk Bokkeum — Korean Spicy Stir-Fried Pork
Tteokbokki — Korean Spicy Rice Cakes
Participants are encouraged to bring their own creativity and personal interpretation to their chosen dish while preserving its essential Korean flavors and characteristics.
Additional competition guidelines, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions will be provided with the application.
Your video should include:
A brief introduction of yourself and your chosen dish
Highlights of your cooking process
Your unique approach or creative twist
Your finished dish and a brief explanation of your inspiration
No professional video production skills are required! Videos will be evaluated based on culinary merit, not filming or editing techniques.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated based on understanding of Korean cuisine, creativity, cooking techniques, presentation, and the inspiration behind each dish.
A panel of judges will review all eligible submissions and select six finalists to advance to the live cooking competition on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
Round 2: Live Cooking Competition — The Final Challenge
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Korean Cultural Center New York — BU-EOK (4th Floor)
The six selected finalists will compete in a 60-minute live cooking challenge at KCCNY, preparing and presenting their chosen dishes within the allotted time.
Basic ingredients and cooking equipment will be provided. Detailed competition guidelines will be shared with the selected finalists in advance.
A panel of culinary experts will evaluate each dish based on taste, creativity, cooking techniques, presentation, and its connection to Korean cuisine.
The competition will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding culinary talent and creativity.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is designed for amateur cooks, home cooks, and Korean food enthusiasts who enjoy exploring Korean cuisine.
Previous participation in KCCNY cooking workshops is not required.
Professional chefs and culinary industry professionals may be subject to eligibility restrictions.
Competition Awards
Outstanding finalists will be recognized with special awards, including:
Grand Prize — K-Food Challenge 2026 Winner
Excellence Award
Creativity Award
Awards and prize details will be announced soon.
Important Dates
Video Submission Opens: Friday, November 13, 2026
Video Submission Deadline: Monday, November 23, 2026
Finalists Announcement: Monday, November 30, 2026
Live Final Competition: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Learn It. Cook It. Make It Your Own.
Whether you're recreating a beloved Korean dish or adding your own creative touch, K-Food Challenge 2026 is your opportunity to celebrate Korean cuisine, share your culinary passion, and bring your creativity from the workshop to the table.
We can't wait to see what you create!