Kihyun of MONSTA X is no stranger to dazzling fans with his powerful vocals and stage charisma—but his latest appearance on E Channel’s variety show Ryu’s Students: The Adventure of Food revealed an entirely different side of him.
On the July 14 episode, the idol showcased not only his palate and passion for food but also his impressive chef-level cooking abilities, capping off his culinary journey through Italy with a heartfelt and flavorful finale.
Final Stop: Sicily
The episode marked the end of Kihyun’s time on the show as he completed his final cooking class in Sicily, Italy, a region known for its rich culinary traditions.
Throughout the season, Kihyun has been dubbed a standout student, actively participating in food adventures and showing a genuine curiosity for Italian cuisine.
His final mission was to create a personal “Ryu-cipes” dish, inspired by the local flavors and experiences he encountered.
Before the final cooking session, Kihyun shared a light-hearted moment with fellow cast members Ryu Soo Young and Yoon Kyung Ho as they exercised together.
During their workout, Kihyun’s solo tracks “Youth” and “Bad Liar” began playing in the background. Proudly acknowledging his music, Kihyun said, “These are my songs,” to which the other cast members warmly responded,
“Right, Kihyun’s the vocalist—he’s the main vocalist.”
The scene struck a balance between humility and pride, reinforcing his reputation as a multitalented artist.
Exploring Mount Etna and Sicilian Cuisine
The next day, the group visited Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, for a unique outdoor class. There, Kihyun attempted to make traditional Sicilian granita, a semi-frozen dessert, using natural snow from the mountain.
The hands-on experience highlighted his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace local traditions.
Later, the group visited a Sicilian home-style cooking expert. During the meal, Kihyun sampled Sicilian-style meatballs paired with pickled tomatoes.
He enthusiastically compared the taste to “sweet and sour pork without the batter, paired with pickled radish,” a description that resonated with Korean viewers for its familiar reference.
His ability to bridge cultural flavors with relatable analogies impressed both the audience and the cast.
When the chef prepared a dish with guanciale, a cured pork cheek often used in Italian pasta, Kihyun immediately recognized the ingredient, saying,
“I’ve had this in aglio e olio.”
His awareness of international cuisine and ingredients surprised the senior cast members, further establishing him as a true food enthusiast.
Cooking with Confidence: “Ryu-cipes” Complete
After absorbing all the inspiration and knowledge, Kihyun returned to the lodge kitchen to recreate his version of sweet and sour Sicilian meatballs.
He meticulously prepared the ingredients, opting for milder red onions to balance the flavor, grated cheese for added umami, and a special personal twist—ground pine nuts, a nod to his self-proclaimed identity as a “nut lover.”
What stood out most was his technique. From his careful measurements to his precise execution, Kihyun showcased the kind of culinary skill that felt more chef-like than idol-like.
Throughout the process, he asked questions and sought feedback from Ryu Soo Young, who praised his sauce by saying,
“This smell is unreal. It’s gourmet-level cooking.”
When it came time for the final tasting, both Ryu Soo Young and Yoon Kyung Ho were blown away by the dish.
Their enthusiastic reactions made it clear that Kihyun’s creation was not only delicious but also professionally crafted. Kihyun, clearly proud of his work, couldn’t hide his satisfied smile.
From Stage to Stove: A Multifaceted Star
While Kihyun has long been celebrated as the powerhouse main vocalist of MONSTA X, his successful culinary turn on Ryu’s Students: The Adventure of Food has added yet another layer to his growing list of talents.
The show allowed fans to see a more grounded, reflective version of the idol—someone willing to learn, make mistakes, and improve with sincerity.
What’s Next for Kihyun and MONSTA X
You can catch more of Kihyun’s food adventures on Ryu’s Students: The Adventure of Food, which airs Mondays at 9 PM KST on E Channel, and is also available on Wavve and Netflix.
Meanwhile, MONSTA X is preparing to celebrate their legacy with the ‘2025 MONSTA X CONNECT X’ 10th anniversary concert, scheduled to take place from July 18 to 20.
With his dual talents in music and now cooking, Kihyun is proving to be a true all-rounder in the entertainment world.
