7 K-dramas brimming with the aroma of food and culture, watch now

Food, restaurants, and cooking play a major role in many K-dramas, whether it’s setting the scene or bringing characters closer together.  The profusion of food-themed K-dramas, some with food as the main theme and others with food as a side plot, is indicative of the culture’s love of eating and interacting with others.

1. Mr. Queen

A head chef named Jang Bong Hwa (Choi Jin Hyuk) is mysteriously sent back in time after a near-fatal accident. He awakens in the body of a Korean queen named Kim So Yong (Shin Hye Sun). The strong rules and expectations of the palace contrast comically with Bong Hwa’s audacious personality.

Cooking has a big part in Mr. Queen, but the mystery of how he got into So Yong’s body and his journey back to his own are the main plot points.

2. Wok of Love

Skilled chef Seo Poong (Lee Junho) finds himself working at a struggling Chinese restaurant across the street after losing his prestigious position at a hotel. Seo Poong takes on the task of reviving the restaurant in spite of its precarious financial condition and dearth of patrons.

Doo Chil Seong (Jang Hyuk) employs him, and he takes on the position of manager. He hires Dan Sae Woo (Jung Ryeo Won) as a server along the way, and their working relationship quickly develops into a romantic one. For Chil Seong, who has feelings for Sae Woo of his own, this makes things more difficult.

3. Let’s Eat

Let’s Eat ceters on the basic joy of characters savoring their meals, as the title would imply. The three-part series centers on Lee Soo Kyung (played by Lee Soo Kyung), an independent woman who loves gourmet food and lives alone. Her story will resonate with a wide audience.

The fact that this series showcases various characters enjoying their preferred Korean cuisine makes it an obvious favorite.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate, starring Yoon Kye Sang as Lee Kang and Ha Ji Won as Moon Cha Young, is the tale of childhood friends who are split up by unfortunate circumstances but eventually get back together as adults. Moon Cha Young follows her dream of becoming a chef, while Lee Kang succeeds as a brain surgeon. When they cross paths again, Cha Young recognizes Kang right away, but he has trouble recalling her, which puts her in an uncomfortable and upsetting situation.

The series gains a flavorful depth as IHa Ji Won’s character prepares delectable meals.

5. Link: Eat Love Kill

The drama delves into the special bond that exists between Noh Da Hyun (Moon Ga Young), an employee, and executive chef Eun Gye Hoon (Yeo Jin Goo). In the show, a gifted chef named Eun Gye Hoon settles back in his hometown to launch a new eatery that ushers in fresh starts. Gye Hoon and Da Hyun’s hearts enlarge as they become closer over food.

Throughout the series, Da Hyun’s love of food lends a relatable charm; we frequently see her hankering after Gye Hoon’s delectable creations.

6. Pasta

Pasta, a well-liked 2010 Korean drama, focuses on the world of pasta and the art of pasta making, true to its title.As the head chef of a pasta restaurant, Lee Sun Kyun initially writes off Seo Yoo Kyung (Gong Hyo Jin) for her lack of culinary expertise. Although they don’t get along at first, their working together in the kitchen leads to a romantic journey for them both.

Lee Sun Kyun’s ability to make pasta is still impressive; he showcased this talent when he made a guest appearance on a variety show.

7. Oh My Ghost

The main character of Oh My Ghost is Na Bong Sun (Park Bo Young), a shy employee of a restaurant where she regularly has disagreements with the head chef. She inherited her grandmother’s gift of being able to see ghosts. When she suddenly becomes possessed by Shin Soon Ae’s (Kim Seul Gi) ghost, everything changes.

Bong Sun’s personality completely changes as a result of this transition, becoming someone who exudes extreme confidence. Her boss, Kang Sun Woo (Jo Jung Suk), notices her newly acquired confidence, which complicates the love triangle.