I cook food for people to eat, not for the camera. Go!
Are you really selling the business?
I want to sell the restaurant to someone truly skilled.
-If you're greedy, don't contact me. -Waste of time.
And what do rich people eat
that can make them so disrespectful?
He's a fan.
Even submitting an application?
I think you're just getting in the way here.
-Oh, Chef. -With your hand swollen like this?
Chef, you don't have to get so close.
Aren't you a fan?
You should be happy, not uncomfortable.
Are you the one Methas sent to compete?
Are you crazy, Chef?
How is this possible? How did you know?
Do I really look like someone Methas would hire?
You've been acting suspicious since you were following me around.
It’s obvious you can’t cook at all.
You even burnt a fried egg.
Just tell me. I won't hold it against you.
Do you really think I’m Methas’s insider, or are you just messing with me?
You kicked me out of the restaurant
when I was just trying to help review and promote the restaurant.
Somehow I ended up getting blamed for it instead.
If you don't like me, just say so.
Don't make excuses.
I don’t trust you. And I don’t like you.
So you’re kicking me out of the competition
because you don't like me?
Is that it?
Wow.
Where’s your sense of fairness, Chef?
I found Methas's insider.
NUB NEUNG
I’ll let this slide for now.
Looking at your condition,
I don't need to kick you out.
You probably won't make it past this round anyway.
Even if the food doesn't look great,
I guarantee the taste will leave you speechless, Chef.
My dish is Basil Stir-fry with Tofu, Chef.
Minced Pork Basil Stir-Fry with Creamy Omelet.
Basil Stir-fry with Crispy Century Egg, Chef.
This?
This would leave me speechless?
I'm presenting the extraordinary in the ordinary basil stir-fry with minced pork.
The flavors and presentation may seem a little complex,
but it definitely won't disappoint.
I'd rather lick the floor.
The chili and garlic are burnt.
The flavors aren't complex,
it’s a mess of spicy, salty, and sweet mixed together.
It's terrible.
Don't take it too hard.
Chef Oab is harsh and serious when it comes to work.
Don't overthink it.
FIRST ROUND
He's so harsh with the scoring.
If Chef’s gonna nitpick every little thing,
we might as well bring in Gordon Ramsay or Jay Fai to compete.
Even if you come in last this round, it’s okay.
There’s still the next one.
If you get full marks,
you’ve still got a shot at the top three.
My name is Kluer. What's your name?
Plawan.
Interesting name. Should I call you Pla or Wan?
Call me whatever you want. It doesn’t matter.
Are you flexing your top score on me?
Everyone,
next is the final test.
But you won't be cooking,
you'll be tasting and critiquing.
Because being a chef isn’t just about making delicious food.
You also need to analyze flavors to improve and create something new.
Are you ready?
Yes, Chef.
That way, please.
1ST ROUND, 2ND ROUND, TOTAL SCORE
Someone like you doesn’t need to try too hard.
Just get ready to pack your bags and go home.
In front of you are basil stir-fry dishes from different restaurants.
What you have to do is to taste each one,
describe the flavors and identify the ingredients.
And most importantly, identify which restaurant each dish came from.
Name the restuarants too?
Isn't that too difficult, Chef?
Yeah, Chef, they all look similar.
Yes, it's difficult.
But if you claim to be basil stir-fry experts,
you should be able to do it.
If anyone thinks they can't,
the door is unlocked.
You can leave anytime.
Any more complaints?
The scores from this round will be combined with the previous one.
Only the top three scorers will move on.
You may start tasting.
May I answer?
Are you sure?
You only get one chance.
If you get it wrong, you get zero points.
The first dish has a mild flavor,
slightly salty from the heavy use of dark soy sauce.
You can tell from the color.
It uses large-leaf basil which isn't very fragrant.
It also has bird's eye chili and Thai garlic,
with a medium level of spiciness.
This dish has the most sauce among the three.
The fried egg is perfectly cooked with a runny yolk.
The rice is fragrant, soft, and well-separated.
I think this is the basil stir-fry from Khun Noo's restaurant in Siam.
Am I correct?
I'll go on.
The second dish uses red basil,
which has a strong basil and spice aroma.
A dry stir-fry, somewhat traditional style.
The egg white is crispy with a runny yolk.
This must be from Jay Aor's place near Ratchawat.
The third dish uses wild white basil,
which has the best aroma for this dish.
It's not too overpowering, and the taste is perfectly balanced.
However, the fried egg is a bit too oily.
Must be from Chao Krueng Basil restaurant,
just two streets away from here.
Is that correct?
Yeah.
Did I get everything right, Chef?
What's my score for this round?
Ten out of ten.
Well, sorry about that.
Turns out I won't be tossed aside easily,
like the long beans in the basil stir-fry you don't like.
SECOND ROUND
TOTAL SCORE
Oh, just one spot away.
Congratulations to those who made it to the top three.
You have proven to be skilled enough
to train with me for one month.
However, I have an announcement.
One of the finalists has a deal with Mr. Methas, or MT Group.
Will you confess yourself, or should I reveal your name?
I already told you I'm not the insider.
Why are you always picking on me?
Did I say it was you?
It's not me, Chef.
How could I be involved with someone like him?
I'm just a regular cook.
I don't make baseless accusations.
That photo is not me, Chef.
I think you should leave my restaurant before I have to drag you out.
Go!
So does that mean the next person in line moves up?
The rules didn't state
that if someone forfeits, the next in line moves up.
But that’s basically the standard rule, isn’t it?
If there's no third place, the next highest scorer should move up.
But you're not the only one in fourth place.
Punsib also has the same score as you.
If we need to fill the spot,
you and Punsib will have to compete again to decide the winner.
How about that?
Chef,
why don't we let both Punsib and Plawan move on to the next round?
The rules never actually said only three people could advance.
Chef only mentioned the top three rankings.
If there are two people tied for third place,
why not let both advance?
That's right.
The rules aren't explicit, so both of us should have a chance.
Chef, please reconsider.
I've worked really hard for this.
Did I make it?
Yes!
Hey?
I'll remind you again.
Chef, please reconsider.
I've worked really hard for this.
Or…
are you going to swallow your own words?
No sense of fairness,
and he treats competitors unfairly?
I can go to the press and report
that Chef Oab is a fraud and a scammer.
That would be big news.
What's their number?
Fine.
Both of you can go on to train with me.
-Yes! -Oh, yes!
Yes!
The training starts next Monday.
Be prepared.
Yes, Chef.
A fan like you, if you're not serious, just step back.
People like you will never succeed.
Oh come on! Do you think I'm scared?
Chef's mean as hell.
A fan? Who would want to be a fan of yours?
We made it!
Money, here I come.
Hey, that's enough.
Aren't you taking painkillers?
Don't overdo it.
Honestly, you shouldn't even be drinking alcohol.
Come on, it's just once in a while.
I don't celebrate often.
After all this time, I've been auditioning for so long,
and this is the first time in months that I've passed an audition.
Just let me celebrate a little.
But you have to wake up early tomorrow.
You have to deal with that Methas guy.
Are you ready for that?
I've got it all planned out.
I'm going to ask him for a million baht as payment.
A million? That's too little. Ask for one and a half.
What the hell?
One and a half million?
Wow, Mr. JJ,
you're even greedier than I am.
Weren't you the one who told me not to take this job because it's unethical?
I'm not greedy, but you never listen to me.
You insisted on taking this job anyway.
So, you might as well make the most of it.
You need to beat Mr. Methas.
Someone who looks down on others just because he's rich
deserves to get ripped off,
so they'll understand how poor people feel.
It's so frustrating!
But do you think he'll really give me that much money?
What are you scared of?
Look at this.
See?
Mr. Methas is already taking bookings for vendor spaces
even though he hasn't bought the land from Chef Oab yet.
Even if you ask for more money, he'll still hire you.
Trust me.
No way.
I will never pay you that much.
Wait, Mr. Methas. We can negotiate.
Five hundred thousand.
That's all I can give you. Take it or leave it.
How can that be?
This is way less than the amount you first offered.
You were looking for someone to infiltrate the competition.
You were offering a million baht, right?
I'm not a foolish businessman you can squeeze for money.
A deal from before doesn’t mean it stays the same today.
Just 500,000 baht is all I'm offering.
Are you taking it?
That amount of money
is more than enough to keep someone like you going for a long time.
You're not getting many modeling gigs lately, right?
I'm helping you as much as I can.
How about 600,000?
No!
No discounts.
Stop it, Wan.
You don't need to negotiate anything.
Can't you see he's taking advantage of you?
Seeing people struggle and lowering the price even more.
That’s not very gentlemanly of you.
I'm a businessman, not a saint.
JJ, isn't 600,000 still a lot?
I barely have 1,000 in my account right now.
If you don't get 1.5 million, don't take it.
No, if Wan doesn't get two million…
you don't need to hire my friend for this job anymore.
Are you out of your mind?
I wouldn't even pay a million,
and now you're asking for two million?
Are you crazy?
JJ, all the people you sent in got caught and kicked out, didn’t they?
Even if my friend looks a little clueless,
he's made it through the selection round,
which means he has a chance to win
and become the restaurant's successor.
Your people couldn't do that.
If you don't hire Plawan,
you'll have to negotiate with the other finalists.
And they won't be as accommodating as the two of us.
This is already a very generous price.
Or if you don't want to pay two million,
I can always take this offer to 2B Development instead.
They're your real estate competitors, aren't they?
If I offer them the deal for 1.5 million,
they'd probably take it.
Then you can deal with your competitors yourself.
Alright, but I'm still not confident in your friend.
I'll pay 5% upfront.
If he succeeds, I’ll pay the rest.
Thirty percent upfront,
another thirty after he passes the first test,
and the final forty after securing the restaurant.
How can I be sure your friend will win?
Every investment carries risk.
You're a businessman, you know this is a basic lesson.
What do you say?
Our time is valuable too.
Agreed.
But if your friend doesn't win and can't get me the land,
he will have to return every single baht to me.
Hey, JJ, how can you make such a promise to Mr. Methas?
Once the money's in my pocket, I'm not giving it back!
Can you shut up, Wan?
Can't you see he's writing you a check?
Look over there.
SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND BAHT ONLY
The first payment is 30% of the two million.
Thank you.
Just signing isn't enough.
I don't trust a businessman like you.
Please send over the contract later.
Thanks.
Sure, do as my friend said.
Goodbye, Mr. Methas. See you.
JJ.
-JJ? -What?
How could you make a deal like that with Mr. Methas?
If I don't win, I won't have the money to pay him back.
We're talking hundreds of thousands here.
Then you just have to win.
Oh man, just passing the first round was tough enough.
And the other three who made it through
are incredibly talented.
There's no way I can beat them.
Can you try thinking positively for once? Manifest it.
You passed the first round, didn't you?
If you try hard, you can win.
We're this far in, there's no turning back.
Besides, whether you win or not,
you have no money right now anyway.
So, you have nothing to lose.
At worst, I'll lend you the money to pay back Mr. Methas.
But if it comes to that,
we're done as friends.
Alright, alright. I have to win.
It's almost a million.
But does training to become the successor
mean you have to live at Chef Oab’s restaurant?
Is the chef world really this brutal?
I'll be under Chef Oab's watch 24 hours.
I don't even have personal space.
What if the deal with Methas gets exposed?
You’re scared before anything even happens. Why are you such a coward?
Since when did you become one?
Since I realized that if I lose, I'll have to repay Mr. Methas
hundreds of thousands. I was this close to having it easy.
Unbelievable. You've always been like this.
It's lucky that I sent you the picture in time.
Otherwise,
you'd have one of his insiders as a candidate.
If they get in, I can still kick them out.
Cooking requires real passion.
If you don't truly love it, you can't fake this kind of thing.
I understand, but you still need to be cautious.
I'm not sure if there are more of Methas's insiders left.
My source only gave me one photo,
but that doesn't mean the other four finalists aren't working for him.
We'll find out soon enough.
If Metas's insiders are still here, it won't be hard to catch them.
Have you talked to Khaosuay?
I did.
I just told her to call the professor.
Just that.
Because no matter what,
his surgery is the most important thing.
When is Khaosuay coming back?
I want Professor to get the surgery as soon as possible.
I didn't ask her that directly.
We have to respect Professor's decision.
It's a family matter.
Right.
Over there.
Hey, Wan, are you taking all of this?
Yeah, I'm going to be there for a whole month.
Do you know what laundry means?
Doing laundry?
You're going to be a chef, not walking in a fashion week.
Or maybe this one? Hey!
You shouldn’t be wearing clothes this fancy.
Give it to me.
No, no, none of these.
If I dress like this,
Chef Oab will definitely know.
Because my model aura is gonna shine through.
-Fine, not these. -So,
if you get the money, will you still do modeling?
Well,
I don't know yet.
Then after this gig, you need to find a real job.
Running around casting for modeling gigs isn't working out.
You know you don't get big jobs often.
You need to think about your future.
You told me to get a job
and I've been thinking.
But I can't think of anything.
If you can think of any, let me know.
Alright, alright. We'll figure it out together.
Some people start their businesses in their 40s or 50s.
You'll have your time, too.
But whatever business I do has to involve my looks somehow, right?
I'm so handsome,
it would be a waste not to use it.
Damn right.
-So stylish. -I really do
waste my time worrying about you.
Having you around is like having a kid, you know?
You idiot!
You're such a strict dad.
I humbly ask the spirits of this place to watch over me
and move Chef Oab’s heart…
so I can win this competition.
If I manage to sell the restaurant,
you’ll live with someone richer, younger, more handsome,
and ten times kinder than Chef Oab.
They have acknowledged it.
Hey, what are you shooting?
Who told you to film? Delete it!
You guys are here.
Welcome.
You talk like you own the place.
This outfit is quite expensive.
I usually dress like this. I forgot others might not.
It's okay, it adds some flair.
But it's expensive. If it gets dirty, you'll regret it.
Next time, dress simpler. Trust me.
Alright, thanks.
Welcome, everyone.
Let me go over the rules again in case anyone wants to back out.
This training isn't child's play.
You'll be doing real work and rotating through all tasks,
from buying and prepping ingredients
to cooking, serving, and cleaning the kitchen.
Every week, someone will be eliminated.
Everything you do will count toward your total score.
From now on, you're all competitors.
The last person standing will be the winner.
Kluer, you used to work here, so you handle the room arrangements.
Yes, Chef.
Every minute counts.
Go unpack and meet me in the kitchen in ten minutes.
-Yes, Chef. -Yes, Chef.
Yes, Chef.
Follow me.
I'll give you a quick tour.
The second floor is the staff living area. There are two rooms
and one bathroom.
One bathroom? A shared one?
Yes, it is.
So we have to share a bathroom and take turns showering?
It's not that bad.
We just take turns showering.
Let's hurry and unpack so we can head to the kitchen.
Punsib, you're sharing a room with Auto.
This is your room.
Plawan, you're with me. This way.
Alright, I'll quickly unpack before we run out of time.
You got a lot of stuff.
Keep it organized. Don’t let it get in my way.
Okay, you pick your bed first.
Oh, and one more thing.
The number one rule here is absolutely no going up to the third floor.
Why not?
The third floor is off-limits.
Only Chef Oab is allowed up there.
If there are any other rules, send them in the chat.
We have less than five minutes.
Shouldn't we hurry up.
See you downstairs.
Are you an actor?
You look familiar, like I've seen you on TV.
You know, I do watch some TV commercials.
It's kind of exciting being around someone famous.
Hey, come on, I'm not that famous.
You’re exaggerating.
Don't stress too much.
Even though Chef seems to be hard on you,
he's actually very kind.
You'll see in time.
Just don't make him angry and avoid mentioning a certain thing, uh…
One minute left.
Damn it.
Can you stop rushing for once?
Let's go.
Quick!
Enough with sharpening.
-Start chopping already. -Yeah, Chef.
How can you slice with a dull knife?
Sharpen it again or get a new one.
-Hurry up, Kluer. -Yeah, Chef.
What are you doing?
I'm chopping carrots, Chef.
To make the stock, right?
When making stock, focus on speed.
No need to be so meticulous.
It's not for cooking nor offerings.
What should I do?
Get your posture right.
How?
Keep standing like that and you'll wreck your back.
The orthopedist is waiting for you.
Spread your legs more.
Just tell me, Chef.
Hey!
Adjust yourself to the height of the counter.
Hold the knife.
Chop.
Chop like this into three chunks.
Stock needs to be made every day
and must be the first thing done in the morning.
If you're this slow, customers won't get to eat.
Get another carrot.
Chop.
The aroma of basil smells great.
-What's this? -Yes, Chef?
I'm not letting you stir-fry anytime soon.
Just prep the ingredients properly first.
Got it, Chef.
Hurry up, there's more to be done.
Yeah, Chef.
Why does someone so harsh have to smell so good?
I want to eat, Chef.
Oh no, I want to eat basil stir-fry.
Why is just prepping ingredients so exhausting?
And I have to wake up early tomorrow too.
With such a meticulous chef,
it's five times as tiring compared to other restaurants.
Where did you train as a chef before this?
I never trained seriously. I just wanted to give it a try.
Then why choose this restaurant?
Anyone who’s seen Chef Oab on TV would be scared of him.
He criticizes harshly on the show.
I came here once and liked the food.
I see.
A fan, huh?
Working with your idol can be disappointing.
Don't get too upset.
Hey, Auto, want to take a picture?
Auto, can I get your IG?
I don't have an IG.
Found it.
Auto with five O's, right?
I sent you a request, accept it please.
Do we have to be friends?
What the hell is this?
Fine, accepted.
Thanks.
You usually cook Chinese food?
I saw it all over your feed.
Just trained a bit, I don’t cook it often.
What are you waiting for? Just go already.
So annoying.
What's wrong with him?
Let’s check out Kluer’s profile.
Wow, he's famous in Khon Kaen
and owns a gold shop.
Let's see Plawan’s profile.
I'm starving.
Why would a celebrity want to be a chef?
He's not that famous.
If he were, he'd be on TV like Chef Oab.
MODEL - YOUTUBER - BASIL CONNOISSEURE
But Plawan is a real basil stir-fry expert.
Aren’t you curious why Plawan has nothing related to cooking on his profile
and barely has any kitchen skills?
Just sleep.
Investigate the restaurant's income and expenses.
I want to know how bad things really are financially.
METHAS
What are you doing?
Uh…
What are you doing here so late?
Well, I…
What are you doing?
I'm hungry, so I came down to find something to eat.
Hungry?
What are you doing here?
Why didn't you go to the kitchen?
I didn't want to use the gas stove and make a mess in the kitchen.
So I thought I'd order something instead.
Look, here's my order.
Let me see.
Plawan,
still haven't found anything to eat?
Not yet.
I just opened the app to order.
and Chef happened to walk in right then.
Want anything? I can order for you.
Chef, do you want anything?
No, but clean up after you're done.
What are you going to eat?
You're hungry, right?
I heard your stomach growling from upstairs.
You don't have to order. I'll cook for you.
Come on.
What do you want to eat? I'll cook something for you.
MAMA
Minced pork basil instant noodles, maybe?
Okay, got it.
Do you need any help?
Can you prep chilis and garlic?
Alright.
Done.
Let’s see how it tastes.
It smells amazing.
Okay, I'm going to eat now.
You must be really hungry.
Eat slowly, you might choke.
It's very rich in flavor.
You've had a grumpy face because you don't like me, or because
you were hungry?
I know you see me as a competitor,
but isn't it better to have friends than enemies?
Just so you know,
I don't see you as a competitor or enemy.
A restaurant can't be run by one person alone.
We have to work together.
I see.
Alright. Let's be friends then.
Consider it a thank you for making me this delicious meal tonight.
Just like that?
Alright, I'll keep eating.
Finish it all.
No problem, I can handle it.
NO LONG BEANS BASIL HOUSE
This is a chef's table restaurant,
serving customers in two rounds a day.
The first round is arriving soon.
Today’s stations are
dishwashing, stir-frying, frying, and customer service.
Who's doing what?
-Stir-frying. -Frying.
I'll handle customer service.
Wan, you'll be washing dishes.
Like I said, everything is scored.
If anyone makes a mistake,
don’t expect to work in this kitchen again.
-Yeah, Chef. -Yeah, Chef.
Let's start.
Doesn't seem hard.
Why are the others fighting over stations?
Washing dishes is easy.
It's because everyone wants to show their skills to Chef.
If Chef sees your skills, you might get extra points.
Oh, I see.
I read somewhere
that Chef specially orders custom plates for every dish, and there are no extras.
If you break one, he’ll lose it.
Is this time for chit-chat?
Sorry, Chef.
Damn, I thought it would be an easy job.
What are you doing?
Careful with those plates.
The aroma of basil from him smells so good.
Let go.
It makes me hungry.
Let go of me!
How can you work in a kitchen being this clumsy?
This kitchen isn't just for you, remember?
I'm warning you again,
if you mess up, you won't be allowed back in my kitchen.
Yes, Chef. Sorry.
Right this way, please.
This table.
SOY SAUCE
Excuse me,
our restaurant serves a course with five dishes.
Are there any foods you're allergic to?
Is this okay, Chef?
Too burnt. Fry it again.
Excuse me, sir and madam.
Customers pay thousands per meal.
Are you going to serve this half-heartedly?
If you're here to play around, go home.
-Yeah, Chef. -Yeah, Chef.
Like that.
Scoop it up,
plate it.
Yeah, Chef.
What are you doing?
What's your job?
Even washing dishes takes you this long?
Yeah, Chef.
Ouch!
Sorry, Chef.
Get out.
But I…
Get out!
I said, get out of my kitchen!
Whenever I'm not in the kitchen,
I can still smell basil from Chef Oab all the time.
When I get close to him, I feel weird.
Don't tell me you have a crush on him.
What? No way!
Next time, if my physical therapist isn't available,
let me know so I can get a replacement.
Did you do something to make him dislike you?
Or he hates me because I criticize him?
Someone in the restaurant?
Smells so good.
Does talking like that mean you want to eat me
as much as you want to eat basil stir-fry? me