**NEW** Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (2025)
Welcome back to Hallyu Reviews! We hope you enjoyed Sabrina’s review of Dynamite Kiss. If you missed it, be sure to go back and have a read!
This week, we take a look at Bon Appetit, Your Majesty.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Final Verdict: WATCH
Synopsis
The title of this Korean drama correctly implies that a culinary-themed thread is woven through each episode of an engaging, romantic tapestry, making it an especially "delicious" experience for those who savor the art of cooking or fine cuisine. The drama begins in Paris, France, where Yeon Ji Yeong (Lim Yoon-a), an accomplished Paris-trained chef, is crowned champion of a prestigious gastronomical competition before returning home to Korea. During her flight, heavenly forces, a solar eclipse, and the powers of a very special book transport her through time to the 1500s Joseon Dynasty, where she soon comes face-to-face with the aggressive, despotic King Yi Heon (Lee Chae Min), known as "Joseon's worst tyrant." Forced into survival mode, Ji Yeong realizes she has truly traveled to an ancient society and, separated from her father in the 21st century, becomes determined to return to her life, as she knows it, while navigating palace politics, tradition-steeped protocols, and life-threatening culinary challenges. Although King Yi Heon is narcissistic, arrogant, and both feared and loathed by his court, he is also a knowledgeable gourmet with a discriminating palate whose wounded heart and painful past leave him restless beneath his intimidating exterior. As Ji Yeong relies on her skills and wit to avoid the schemes of a greedy Royal Uncle, treacherous Palace Ministers, and a conniving Royal Consort determined to dethrone the King, she begins to wonder if she can accomplish more than simply returning home. Can she also alter disturbing historical events by changing the wounded heart of a vengeful King? Bitter partings and sweet reunions round out this delicious drama as we can't help falling in love with our main characters while they sweetly fall in love with each other.
While not a MUST WATCH, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is definitely a WATCH.
THE GOOD
(+) A nice flow – Being only 12 episodes, the story moves along at a good pace, with no lagging or drawn-out scenes where you're tempted to fast forward. Every minute of each episode is filled with key storyline elements that keep you engaged.
(+) Character development – Although at first, our two protagonists seem like a mismatched pair, the evolution of King Yi Heon's personality and character, and the steadying, tempering effect that Chef Ji Yeong has on his impulsive nature is a delightful process to watch. As the king's heart softens and feels love working its magic, our driven and focused chef can't help but gradually reciprocate as she relents, and also allows herself to love, despite knowing that she must one day return to the dimension from which she came.
(+) An added bonus – Throughout the scenes of cooking competitions, that result in potential life-altering (and even life-threatening) prizes and penalties for the winners and losers, we are treated to informative morsels of culinary science, history, and technique by our dear Chef Ji Yeong. With so much on the line, the elements of these Joseon culinary competitions give a whole new meaning to the term, "Iron Chef!"
THE BAD
(-) The use of fantasy in this drama – If you're like me, and tend to avoid dramas that list "fantasy" in their genre description, this may feature may somewhat challenge your ability to enjoy Bon Appetit, Your Majesty. However, the modest use of fantasy is "tastefully" done and is, in fact, critical to the plot. So, depending on your tolerance level for the use of fantasy in a drama, this element may or may not dissuade you.
(-) Questionable beginning – The initial episodes had me doubting if the storyline would keep my attention. I've noticed that often, I need to get past the first few episodes of a drama before realizing that it is one that I enjoy and can commit to watching through to the end. Such was the case with Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, and my patience paid off, because this drama ended up being so much better than I expected.
Courtesy of TIME
So, there it is, our review of Bon Appetit, Your Majesty. What did you think of this K-drama? Be sure to leave your thoughts down below!
Up next, “The King’s Affection”
