Manly ML and young FL
I would say "age gap" genre is my cup of tea. I have been watching this genre for so long even in ancient dramas. Dating In the kitchen is one of my fav modern drama. I would recommend this to everyone. plus, Zhao Lusi really fits the role of Gu Shengnan, a young and talented chef. As for Lin Shen he also fit the role of Lu Jin too. Yes, for this drama it really focuses on their love story. Y'all gonna love this show, they're really sweet in the story even their chemistry in real life (I would say good friend or co worker). Just WATCH IT, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.Was this review helpful to you?
A Great Watch
I finished this drama even without the subs in the last 4 eps and that says a lot as a watcher: I loved this drama!Why do I like it? Primarily, I'm a sucker for love stories and this show has a beautiful one. Defying the stereotype of big age gap, maybe 15 years, they made it a non issue as he was just totally smitten and treasured her as she adored him. Their chemistry was off the hook; so many tender scenes, he standing up for her in awkward moments, etc. I enjoyed her cooking, and his pleasure of eating. I was also happy that there wasn't a crazy evil antagonist; pretty mild when compared to many other dramas.
What I wasn't too thrilled about: the side stories didn't latch on. They were more irritating to me than being cute. The plot of adding younger brother as an opponent i felt was added too late that when drama about to wrap.
Overall, I would watch again with skips to the main leads. The story was creative, acting especially by main leads was very good. The accompanying song was good. It had a great ending made to have a second season..Haha! I really loved this cdrama and extending my visits to this group besides kdramas.
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Don't pass this show up!!
Oh my goodness gracious, I can't stop smiling! This was an absolutely wonderful show, with so much going for it, I almost can't figure out how to express why I loved it. But here goes...Male lead - Lin Yu Shen (playing Lu Jin). Straight-laced, up-tight businessman. His entire life seems to be all about work. He tells someone that there is no room for emotions in work, but there wasn't room for emotions anywhere, until he met Gu Shengnan. He was able to convey so much emotion with just his facial expressions. One scene in the second to last episode almost broke my heart.
Female lead - Zhao Lu Si (playing Gu Shengnan). Perky, positive, self-taught chef. Her personality was effervescent. Her smile was so bright, she did this squeal/scream thing every so often that just made me laugh, and was anyone else obsessed with her hair? This character was someone you would want to be best friends with, knowing she would always cheer you up and cheer you on.
Lu Jin and Gu Shengnan as a couple - their chemistry was off-the-charts! For me, this was the crux and highlight of the show. There was an obvious age difference which, to me, made this even more cute. I felt like Lu Jin didn't know what life was about until he met Gu Shengnan. I have to give the writers kudos for such a marvelous script for these actors to work with. The dynamic between these two was special - they were both really good at the physical comedy, and the expressions on their faces? She was almost always full of joy, and there were so many times he had a look like he had no idea what to do with her, but was going along for the ride, and actually looking forward to it! Once they opened up to each other and expressed their feelings, each scene was heart-felt and romantic in so many ways.
The script wasn't overly drawn out, and I'm so thankful that the main couple got most of the screen time. It took me twice as long to watch this show, because I kept going back and replaying episodes. The scenarios for the most part seemed believable and I felt that the entire cast was good.
And can we talk about the food orgy?! Oh so many scenes of food preparation and presentation - the colors, the textures, oh my. Her food preparation played a big part in them getting together, and when she cooked for him in her apartment, each scene was funnier than the last.
I only rate a show 10 if it's rewatchable. I'd rate this one higher than 10 if I could. It's a slow (but not dragging), sweet show of discovery and love. If you are in the mood for lovely romance without too terribly much angst, I can't recommend this show highly enough.
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A chill drama for you to enjoy!
I got hooked watching the trailer because Gushengnan sang “Big bowl noodles” by Kris Wu and ya girlie is an EXO-L so i started watching it, i watched all 10 episodes in just 1 day, yes i binge watched it and its really worth it! The story flows really smoothly. Every scene gives me joy and their great chemistry was beyond expectations even with the age gap (21 and 36) being portrayed. Their OST really shocked me because a lot of it is sang in english which is weird since its a chinese drama. Addition to that There’s always humor in every episode!! So i really recommend it if you like story without big problems or just want a smooth going story about how the two got together. Its still on going and I’m every excited to watch the rest !Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Zhang Wuji & Zhao Min!?
I really like Zhao Lusi and after watching the adorable trailers, I decided to give this drama a try and I am so glad I did! I will definitely be checking out Lin Shen’s other works. He’s a very charismatic actor who deserves more opportunities and recognition. Together, they had sizzling chemistry! It’s unfortunate that some people are passing up this drama because of the age gap, but it’s hardly noticeable and there is absolutely no creep factor about it in the drama.Trust me, the romance was sweet and so incredibly funny! Lu Jin wasn’t lying when he said that Zhou Zhiruo didn’t exist in his story. From the moment he fell in love with his Zhao Min i.e, Gu Sheng Nan, his feelings never wavered and he didn’t take any of the nonsense from the people who tried to get in between them. I never thought I would say this, but there is finally a version Zhang Wuji that I approve of! lol
Now, the only reason why this drama isn’t a perfect 10 for me is because I didn’t enjoy the later half of the drama as much as I did the beginning. I wish they didn’t shift the focus away from the cooking aspect of the show. It would’ve been great if we could’ve seen more of Sheng Nan’s growth as a a chef, instead of the fight between the half-brothers. But that’s my only minor gripe. The ending was ultimately satisfying and I’m happy everyone got their own closure in some way (even though a few of them frustrated me to no end at one point in time).
If you are still on the fence about starting this drama, don’t be! “Dating in the Kitchen” has a great CP, the storyline is fun and breezy, your heart will for sure flutter for Lin Shen, and Zhao Lusi will make you laugh and cry with her for 24 episodes. Watch this drama! You will not regret it!
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I fall in love at first sight with Rosy Zhao since early episodes, I can't imagine another actress playing Sheng Nan besides Rosy Zhao.
The male lead Lin Shen as the CEO Lu Jin with prestigious character, I started to fall in love with his acting in the middle of drama when the story becomes more captivating. I never watch his drama before and I found out he is an extraordinary actor, very experienced and has many achievements in the world of drama and film. I love all his suits in this drama, all suits he wears always looks good on him.
In the last few episodes the story is no longer about the allure of cooking/food flavored with romance, but more about hatred between brothers and take a revenge. I wish the writer didn’t put too much drama at the last episodes as this drama is very charming on most of all episodes.
Overall I love the romance between Sheng Nan and Lu Jin, this couple is so sweet, you will keep on smiling to see their silliness in love. Short drama, beautiful cooking/foods, sweet & happy romance, enjoyable to watch.
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PLOT:
Age gap between the leads in dramaland isn't very common. At least not in the way that you'd see the characters ever acknowledging this. I've seen age gaps which were fun or cringe, but this was actually quite nice. The way the drama started off and the interaction between the leads felt like a Western story to me. They form a genuine bond and their love and relationship follows that. I wasn't a fan of the male lead but he was watchable and watching him being in love with the female lead was a lot of fun. The only downsides started after Ep 15 where the good moments were less and secondary melodrama took over. If it weren't for the leads, I wouldn't have watched this nor completed this as none of the secondary characters were interesting. The uncle and the friend were super boring. The drama with the second leads and the mother-in-law didn't go with the plot at all. There were times the drama ignored the cooking aspect and concentrated on some other uninteresting points. I also didn't fully love the food aspect as I am a vegetarian and almost all the dishes had meat in it.
ACTING/CAST:
Zhao Lusi steals the show for me. This role was slightly different from her previous dramas although she always does comedy in all her dramas. She looked fabulous and her playful side always made me smile. I like the fact that she has good chemistry with whoever she acts with. The ML actor was new to me but he did a good job too. He looked older than he was supposed to be, but he never let age get in the way of affecting their chemistry.
OST:
Normally I wouldn't like these kinds of songs, but all of them fit the mood of the drama pretty well.
OVERALL:
If food and romance with a big age gap is your thing, go for it. I would say don't lead the age gap deter you from watching because the leads did a genuinely good job of it. Zhao Lusi is a treat to watch and the food that they show seems delicious. A special mention to the SL because I felt like he matched with the FL better. This drama is a one-time watch and you'll find some delightful moments to watch. If you don't like the leads then don't watch this as the drama doesn't have much else to offer.
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Careful where you watched the last few episodes.
Firstly, a warning... of course due to the fact that I've watched the entire series from improper channel, the last few episodes were voice recorded of playtime and the last few minutes of the ending was cut off. The actors are wonderful, all have great chemistry together. no annoying voices, characters, background music or endless repeated flashbacks. A sweet story made up of parts from other dramas put together. I've found similar situations and scenes that made me think I've seen the drama before but no, it's just a conglomeration of other sweet dramas. Many moments of hilarity that had my stomach straining from laughter. An enjoyable drama worthy of binging and re-watch (although I'll wait awhile.) I usually don't enjoy English songs sang by Asian artists but surprisingly, I like the opening and ending theme songs for this drama. The two main leads were such wonderful actors and I also like the cousin uncle's acting which he didn't go overboard with it. My comment on the age difference between the ML and FL... they worked it together natural that I do not notice the gap; both acted their age and their personality work together very well.Was this review helpful to you?
Good Watch!
It's perfect chill drama, I mean light, sweet, without so much dragging it's good watch. There's huge age gap between main lead but I like their screen chemistry, I also liked the part that their misunderstandings resolved in less time comparing to other dramas, if you want a light rom com without so many twist or headache it's good for you.I loved food haha.. it was one of the things I liked in the drama to see main leads cooking she was definitely immersed in the character so I was enjoying to see her cook.
Overall it was good drama!
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This review may contain spoilers
A perfect drama that will be a part of ones memory
This time, the protagonist was found well, and completely defeated "The Rumored Chen Qianqian". The ending is not bad, and the tempo is well controlled. If you are in a bad mood, you can watch it again, and eat even if you are happy. Especially remember one of the lines "There are only three things in this world, which can cross time, space and language to achieve barrier-free communication and communication between people". The answer is "music, food, and love." The director and screenwriter control the characters to the point. The male lead's mother seems unreasonable, but she has infinite thoughts in her heart. And the male lead's younger brother is also white to black, black to white, the male lead's approach is very appropriate, but almost I lost my wife, and the male lead is tyrant but not oily, and the female lead is sweet but not greasy. It is true that this drama really finds the right person. I think it is the best one this year for a Romcom drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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WATCH IT NOW!!!
Beautiful everything!! Beautiful storyline, beautiful acting (especially ML and FL), beautiful visual, JUST BEAUTIFUL!!I loved everything about the FL. How she acts around the ML was extremely adorable. Their chemistry was off the charts!! I already want a remake ?.
The ML was uhhhmazing!! You could tell from the jump that he loved the FL. He was patient, understanding, caring, passionate, and loving. He was very mature when it came to any misunderstanding between him and the FL, he trusted her with everything in him. My fav scene was when Li Man asked him to come over to get her the towel and bring it in the shower to her. His response was ???? he handled it like a boss!! Now that’s what you call LOYALTY and LOVE.
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Divided Halves
This is my first review. ...**I did not complete this drama. I dropped it at Episode 20 and there is a very slim chance i will actually finish it**
First Half (Episodes 1 - 12):
In the first half of the drama, I quite enjoyed it. I thought it was hilarious and entertaining. The leads acting was very fluid and even though at times it was over the top it kept me engaged. I liked all the characters present. The main reason why I chose to watch this was because of the title, "Dating in the Kitchen." I love a great cooking drama, and this sure started as one. The Female lead, Sheng Nan being the chef and paving her way through a typically male dominated career was nice... even though it was from the help of a rich CEO, but it still was nice to see some female power in a Chinese drama. Her best friend, Zhao di, however, did not shine. I found her character to be quite unlikeable and not much of a friend. During this half, I really felt the chemistry between the leads, the age gap didn't feel so present and watching their romance bloom was fun and exciting.
Second Half (12- 24):
Even though I couldn't finish the last four episodes I think I have a pretty good idea of how they would've went. Boring, irrelevant, business chaos. I truly love business dramas and I don't mind issues sprouting up in one that is primarily set in a desk job office setting. However, the viewer is following Sheng Nan, she's the main main character, we are with her the most, we know all her friends and background from the beginning. This begs the question: why are we now following Lu Jin and his CEO antics? It's called "Dating in the Kitchen", but at a certain point cooking scenes stop, the kitchen is barely showed, why is Sheng Nan now following Lu Jin around all the time when I thought she would be busy in her field. It was incredibly disappointing to see the once-strong Sheng Nan turn into a puppy following its owner aimlessly. The business drama was boring and uninteresting, the cliche in-law hating felt drawn out and redundant. I honestly wished this drama ended early instead of dragging in and stuffing this show with filler. This half of the drama made the actors once bubbly chemistry vanish. It instead started to feel like more of a questionable Father-Daughter relationship. What I mean by this is that you could really feel the gap between these characters at two different stages in life. One freshly starting her youth and career and the other drained by his career. In the business drama you feel more of his age, and his once youthful glow and innocent in the first half has vanished.
Should You Watch This?
Well maybe. I really loved the first half. However, I would recommend you watch the movie "This is Not What I Expected" instead. I feel as if they acting was better, I felt the age gap didn't feel so large due to their appearances, and the premise is exactly the same just concise and not packed with useless filler that was only added to get to the 24 episode mark. They tried making this a good drama, but like most Chinese dramas, they all fizzle out with a lackluster ending and you are left feeling disappointed that they tarnished a good start.
Thank You.
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