Chef Edward Lee's new cooking show, 'Ed's Country Cook', premiered on TVN on February 14, 2025, and is already capturing hearts with its warm and engaging approach to Korean cuisine. Focusing on the blend of family and cooking, this show features Lee traveling throughout South Korea with his wife and 11-year-old daughter, Arden, who he hopes to introduce to her Korean heritage.
The engaging format involves Lee exploring traditional markets, noting, "I want to show Arden Korean flavors because she is of Korean descent." The show's first episode, set against the backdrop of Gangwon Province's stunning landscapes, sees the family sampling local delicacies, including Lee's favorite, jajangmyeon, which is also Arden's preferred dish as she stated, "Dad’s jajangmyeon is the best." This adorable moment highlights their close-knit family dynamic and brings light-hearted charm to the show.
Lee’s personality shines as he acknowledges the importance of family and traditional recipes, stating, "Cooking has always been about the hands, not the recipe." This philosophy reflects his desire to connect with his cultural roots, enhanced by his visit to Korea's vibrant food markets. The episode also features memorable scenes where Lee encourages his daughter to try different foods; at one point, he lovingly insists, "Try tteokbokki just once!" But to the amusement of both, Arden sharply declines.
The response from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive, with the show's inaugural episode achieving viewership ratings of 2.1% on average, peaking at 3.3%. This puts 'Ed's Country Cook' at the forefront of cable ratings among those aged 20 to 49, showcasing its appeal to younger audiences and food enthusiasts alike. Byun Yo-han and fellow co-stars Go Ah-sung and Sin Chia add depth and character to the show, with Yo-han exclaiming, "Seeing the warm welcome at the airport was amazing," as he greeted Lee and his family upon their arrival.
Throughout the episode, Lee not only emphasizes the beauty of tasting and cooking food but also dives deep, mentioning his ambition to learn from local culinary masters about the 'hand taste' prevalent among grandmothers who seem to cook without following written recipes. "Today has changed my life," he remarked after one particularly enlightening cooking session, reflecting the transformative power of the culinary arts.
The show's innovative concept, alongside its focus on family and teaching cultural appreciation, distinguishes 'Ed's Country Cook' from other cooking shows currently airing. It isn’t just about the food; it's about the love and tradition infused within each dish. Lee's pursuit of savoring and sharing these flavors with his daughter introduces viewers to the richness of Korean cooking, fostering curiosity and explorative joy among its audience.
"Ed’s Country Cook" promises to be more than just another culinary show. It's about family, culture, and the delightful mastery of food. With the engaging personalities of Edward Lee and his friends, viewers can anticipate more flavorsome adventures and cultural insights as the series progresses. With its first taste making such waves, the culinary exploration is sure to excite viewers week after week.
Looking to future episodes, fans seem eager to join Edward Lee and his crew on their winter food adventure, anticipating innovative recipes and heartwarming family moments. For those who appreciate the blend of food, culture, and heartfelt storytelling, 'Ed’s Country Cook' is the show to watch this season.