In this week’s drama review, we’re diving into tvN’s latest hit, where time travel, romance, and mouth-watering food come together in one fantastic storyline. Let’s talk about ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’.
Based on ‘Surviving as Yeonsan-gun’s Chef‘ by Park Kook-jae and directed by Jang Tae-yoo, with creators Jang Kyung-ik, Yoo Sang-won, and Jang Hyuk-jae, this drama follows an award-winning chef who unexpectedly finds herself in the Joseon Dynasty, forced to survive, and thrive, through her culinary skills.
Travelling Back in Time
Yeong Ji-young (played by Lim Yoon-A) is a talented French-trained chef known for her determination and precision. After years of hard work, she wins a prestigious culinary award and boards a flight back to Korea, only to experience something extraordinary. When she opens her eyes, she realizes she has somehow been transported back in time to the Joseon era, where she crosses paths with King Yi Heon (Lee Cha-min).
Their first encounter is far from ideal. Believing she’s in the middle of a bizarre reenactment or being pranked, Ji-young mistakes the King for a burglar pretending to be a Joseon nobleman, and hilariously ties him up before realizing the shocking truth.
Stranded in a time she doesn’t understand, Ji-young soon discovers she has landed in the reign of one of Korea’s most feared rulers, a man infamous for his temper but also renowned for his exceptional sense of taste. Determined to survive, she decides to use the one skill she knows best, cooking, to earn a place in the royal palace and win his trust, one dish at a time.
From Food to the Heart
As Ji-young continues to cook for King Yi Heon, her creativity and sincerity begin to melt his icy demeanor. However, not everyone in the court is pleased with the growing connection between the King and his mysterious chef. Concubine Kang Mok-ju (Kang Han-na) starts plotting against Ji-young as she realizes her influence over the King is fading.
While political intrigue brews in the palace, Yi Heon finds himself torn between his duties as a ruler and his growing affection for Ji-young, who challenges his worldview and reminds him of his humanity. What begins as a relationship built on flavour and trust slowly evolves into something far deeper, a love that defies class, time, and fate itself.
History, Heart, and Humor
‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ is one of the most delightful Joseon-inspired dramas we’ve seen in a while. It blends romance, humor, political tension, and stunningly shot food scenes into a well-balanced and addictive story.
Yoon-A and Lee Cha-min deliver exceptional performances, perfectly portraying the evolution of their characters and their undeniable chemistry. Their emotional depth and natural connection make this historical rom-com both heartfelt and entertaining.
If you’re craving a drama that serves up a mix of history, love, friendship, and delicious-looking meals, ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ is the perfect binge. The series is available on Netflix, and you can watch the trailer below.
