The Tender Showdown (2026)

Other name: 开标之战 / Kai Biao Zhi Zhan

Description:

The Tender Showdown is a captivating drama series that masterfully blends sweet romance with intense competition. The story revolves around two highly skilled culinary rivals who find themselves competing in a prestigious national cooking championship. While one is a traditional chef dedicated to preserving classic recipes, the other is a modern culinary artist who embraces innovative fusion techniques. As the high-stakes competition heats up, their fierce professional rivalry begins to clash with their growing personal feelings. Forced to work closely under pressure, they discover that their contrasting styles actually complement each other perfectly. Beyond the kitchen heat, they must navigate family expectations, career-defining choices, and the sweet trials of unexpected love. Ultimately, this delightful drama explores whether their passion for food will drive them apart or bring them together in the final arena. Packed with heartwarming moments and delicious tension, it is a must-watch journey about love, ambition, and finding the perfect recipe for happiness.

Episodes: 12

Airs On: Oct 2, 2026 - Sep 2, 2026

Producer: CCTV, iQiyi, Tencent

Director: Si Cheng

Country: Other Asia

Status: Completed

Released: 2026

Genre: Crime; Investigation