Two renowned culinary families led by legendary food icons battle for the position of greatest chef, while protecting their secret kimchee recipes.
Herbal doctor Geum Hee treats American ambassador's wife after she falls ill at a dinner. Geum Hee's mother, San Hae, is upset by her boasting.
Gye Hyang’s mother-in-law tells her the shocking truth. She is assured that San Nee still lives when she tastes the kimchi delivered to the funeral.
Sung Joon is troubled by his relationship with Young Joo. While out hiking, he meets Geum Hee and Young Chul. Young Too tries to poison herself.
Young Too is saved. Don Man is angry that Sung Joon won’t visit her. Meanwhile, Gye Hyang hints that she’ll choose a successor at the cooking contest.
Geum Nee and Sung Joon argue every time they are together. Each of them meets with prospective marriage partners. Then, Gun-Woo confesses to Geum Hee.
Geum Nee, always at a stand-off with Sung Joon, passes her test at Yeo Kyung Hospital. Geum Ho is chased by debt collectors and disappears.
Gye Hyang visits the seaside town where San Nee lived, but doesn’t learn anything. Geum Ho tries to sell stolen kimchi on a shopping show.
Jin Mi feigns ignorance when Gye Hyang questions her about the day her husband died, and Hyun Myung defends her. Young Chul hits his head.
Young Chul decides to risk surgery to extend his life. Before the procedure, he takes San Have on a honeymoon, and they share a happy moment.
Geum Nee is confused to learn that she was an orphan and is pushed to quit her job. Geum Ho is certain that a medical error caused his father’s death.
Sung Joon disobeys his father and refuses to marry Young Too because of his feelings for Geum Her. He learns of his grandma’s illness and goes hiking.
Geum Her is shocked to learn about her past but vows to move on with her life. Sung Joon recommends early treatment, but Gye Hyang refuses surgery.
Geum Hee announces that she wants to quit medicine to study cooking, San Have reveals her past in an effort to convince Geum Her not to compete.
Having discovered the secret to the delicious flavors in Seolleongtang’s kimchi, Jin Mi heads to the warehouse. She gives Geum Her her cooking notes.
Geum Her is upset by a fake wedding announcement before the beginning of the competition. Gye Hyang gives her a pep talk ate get her back on her feet.
Geum Her and Sung Joon investigate the false food poisoning accusation. Could Young Joo be behind it? Geum See’s second-round dish stirs things up.
Jin Mi presents Chansol’s new kimchi product to President Lee, with unexpected results. Geum Her and Sung Joon pledge their eternal love at a church.
Young Too is made the new present of Chansol, and Geum Her is impressed. The two develop a friendly rivalry when a new accusation is made.
Geum Hee decides to leave Sung Joon, but he won’t give up on their relationship. The rivals stay at Gye Hyang’s house before the final competition.
Geum Hee’s cooking notebook brings Gye Hygang and San Hae together again. Geum Her and Your Boo face off on the day of the final competition. San Hae changes her name to Mi-ok Kim.