Too shallow for me
I dont have too much to say about this drama other than that I think it was really quite underdeveloped, Theres a few plot points that are introduced but never properly expanded upon or neatly tied up. I wont spoil the ending but I will say that it is not very satisying as those plot points simply became plot holes and unanswered questions. I think a lot of this drama was too simple and unnecessarily unrealistic. I understand its a silly drama for the most part, but personally I enjoy realism within the unrealistic. The acting was fine but not anything extraordinary. For the characters, I will say they were all pretty one-dimensional in my opinion. I also thought the chemistry between the leads disappeared after a few episodes as their characters lost their individuality. Overall, it was okay, I wouldnt recommend it unless youre fine with a really shallow drama.Was this review helpful to you?
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Forced ending
Had to force my self to finish it....the whole ming cooking arc was so damn dragged on, it was so obvious that the ming representive will not judge the food fairly...the supposed smart cook one from future could've at least suggested blind tasting or something....he might have still known what his people made so who knows... lacking chemistry between actors, how did she suddenly fall in love....made no sense... it's an average drama by the end even the start was quite interesting. They didn't even show how the king made it in her timeline, how did he adapt to the futureWas this review helpful to you?
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Great Cooking, Weak Drama
I really wanted to enjoy the show since it was listed top 10 on Netflix in my country but unfortunately it fell flat for me overall.The storyline feels poorly developed (even though they already have a source material to work off on), with plot holes and lazy writing that undermine the show’s interesting setup. Characters make decisions that don’t make sense, and the build up to the finale is filled with extremely stale and boring scenes that adds zero value to the overall plot which makes me want to skip the scenes so badly. Most character's acting was incredibly overly exaggerated and lacks genuine emotions which ruins the entire experience for me.
The one genuinely positive aspect is the cooking, the food visuals and recipes are great, and I could see the appeal that it adds to the success of this drama. But if the best part of a drama is the food, you’re better off watching a good cooking show instead of this.
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1This review may contain spoilers
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: Living Around the Table
I never expected that a plot about a chef who travels back to the Joseon era and is challenged to win over the palate of a tyrant would captivate me so deeply! When I saw the first previews, all I could think was how random it seemed yet I couldn’t help but feel curious. It looked fun.I didn’t know I needed a historical time-travel drama just to start following the fearless and talented Yeon Jiyeong, who wisely did what she knew best: winning hearts through flavor. Full of eloquent words and boldness, Chef Yeon Jiyeong is both charming and solitary. She was alone in Paris, about to return to Korea to reunite with her father, when a strange recipe book in her hands transported her to a time that wasn’t hers or was it? I loved the air of mystery the story builds around her connection to the king and the era. The loop effect is so captivating.
In contrast to the chef’s boldness, we have the hot-tempered King Yiheon, a historical figure known for his violent rule and unstable temperament yet with a refined and sensitive palate, fertile ground for a chef brimming with technique.
The plot stayed true to its premise from beginning to end. The story had already happened, so they simply decided: “Then let’s cook!!” And so, the tensions grew around the table rather than through fiery competitions, with mouthwatering dishes. Amid pots and bites, the characters matured and learned from their own mistakes.
I was enchanted by every character and the bonds formed throughout the episodes the warm friendship between Chef Yeon Jiyeong and Gilgeum, the kitchen allies, the court jester (who was no fool), and most of all, the restorative love with His Majesty. It was beautiful, sincere, deeply touching, and the ending was both humorous and heartwarming.
👩🍳💖👑
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Bon Appétit, Your Majesty just saved me from my drama slump!
Do you even know how crazy this is for me?? It has literally been ONE whole year since I properly watched a Kdrama. Like I would start dramas, watch a few episodes, drop them, lose interest instantly 😐 nothing was sticking. I thought I was done with dramas, honestly.But then Bon Appétit, Your Majesty happened. And oh my god. I don’t even have words. I am OBSESSED. I gave it a 10/10 when there are still 8 episodes left and I don’t even care if that sounds too early because that’s how much I love it. I am hooked, like actually on the edge of my seat, counting down days for new episodes. Every single scene, every single detail is just PERFECT.
I swear I’m not exaggerating 😭 this drama singlehandedly dragged me out of the worst slump ever and I am so thankful it exists. It’s been so long since I felt this excitement, this happiness, while watching a kdrama. I’m honestly in love with it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for this masterpiece. 🫶
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1Wherein Coldness Yields to Affection, and Wounds Bloom into Love
It is with a most tender heart that I endeavour to set down my thoughts on ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’. The drama bewitched me entirely: I smiled, I sighed, and I found myself counting the days until Saturday as one might count the hours until a beloved visit.Yeon Jiyeong was presented with a simplicity of truth that won me at once. She is strong, determined, hard-working and responsible — qualities not ostentatious, but admirable all the same. Her amiability, together with a ready humour and the genuine warmth of her friendship, made her magnetically agreeable; she seemed less a stranger upon the screen than a companion I had longed to know.
King Yiheon was first shown as a young gentleman of sarcastic tongue and frosty manner, a mask of disdain that kept others at bay. Yet, as the tale proceeded, it became apparent that this exterior sheltered a heart sorely scarred. Beneath that guarded bearing there lay nobility and much suffering; and to witness Yeon Jiyeong, by patience and affection, turn those wounds into blooming fragments of love was as touching as any gentle transformation one could desire.
I confess a weakness for romances wrapped in a little fantasy: such things stir within me a delicious, childlike sense of wonder, and I do not demand rigid logic so much as the warmth of a happy ending. This drama obliged me in both delight and consolation. I devoured each episode as one might a birthday cake, replete with whipped cream and strawberries, and often felt the impulse to step through the screen and administer a brisk dose of common sense to certain ill-natured characters.
In brief, ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ has taken up a cosy corner of my affections. It is a story I shall most assuredly revisit, for it leaves the heart light and the imagination a little more willing to believe in gentle miracles.
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It looks good, and taste good!
"Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" is really that Kdrama that doesn't lie to its audience! You know what you'll get on your plate from the first minute. The creators put on a great menu with good script, actors, visuals, soundtrack, and cinematography.There isn't much we could ask for, some may argue, it should've been a bit longer, but if you think about it, 12 episodes were perfect. The writer developed the characters almost perfectly. The main storyline (cook to save your life) didn't have any plot holes. To be fair, it's not the most complex one, but we've seen others fail to deliver with the most simple storylines too. The comedy, the romance, and all the scheming was properly written. All the dishes we've seen throughout the 12 episodes made me hungry, and it was visually pleasing. Not to mention, in some cases they showed food can make you remember your past, heal your soul, and that's what I appreciated the most about this drama. We can talk about the politics or the romance, but overall, the most important part of the show is how these characters connect with each other through food.
We could say, sometimes it was a bit overdramatic, and over the top, especially with the crazy visuals, but I never wanted to skip the reactions, because it was funny, and the VFX were creative.
It's not a perfect show, but just like any decent food you're regularly eating, if it tastes good, you don't need anything else to change it.
As I said already, the actors did everything, the two main lead, Yoona and Chaemin were great together, the connection between the two characters was built up nicely. I loved seeing their bickering in the first half, then the developing romance. Chaemin proved he was the right choice, even tho he wasn't the original actor for the role at first. I never felt he's a rookie actor. As for Yoona, she may be not the best actress, but her charisma and likable persona can compensate even the sloppiest scripts, and no one can take away her hard work that she put in this role. The same can be said about the supporting actors too. I don't think I can name a single actor who didn't have a memorable scene and performance.
The fan favorite is probably Gil Geum played by Yoon Seoah. Her character had some part in my negative list, but not because Seoah or her character wasn't great. It's the opposite. I just wanted more, because one of my favorite part of the series is the friendship between Gil Geum and Ji Yeong. Just like the other, more important side characters, she had an instant impact on me with her first scene. I would've love to see what happened to her and Gong Gil who was also a great character with a well-made side story and Lee Joo Ahn did a great job! He was funny and badass at the same time.
SOME SPOILERS FROM HERE!!!
The other negative is Kang Mokju played by Kang Hanna. She was also amazing, but her character was lacking a bit. Sadly, she was more of a pawn rather than a real antagonist. I think they could've done a bit more with her, but overall, it was good.
The other characters and actors really just did what they had to, so there's nothing I can complain about.
As a hardcore time traveling plot fan, I was expecting some explanation, but we never really got it, but this time, I don't mind, because it was consistent, the writer sticks to their rules, and even in the finale it was obviously how the traveling happened. They hinted the clue in the first episode, and we got an answer in the finale with that one remaining page of the book. The book and that one page was basically a two-way door to the future and back. It's just we don't know how the book turn out to be a time machine. My only real complaint about the traveling is that we've seen in the finale how Ji Yeong came back to her own body, so that means she was always in the future, but we never got an explanation how she can have a body in the past as well.
I always knew we're gonna get a happy ending, and even the fact that almost everyone had a new version in the future as well. So, there's nothing that was surprising in the finale. He kept his promise, he found her and will cook her every day, so it was a good ending in every possible way, and not only, because it's a happy ending.
So, overall, I think we can say, it's another good Kdrama with a well-written script, good acting and characters. It's also a lot of fun and meaningful as well!
There's no leftover here, you just start to watch it, and enjoy!
Bon Appetit!
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MY FAV ABOUT THIS DRAMA IS THE ACTING❤️! BEST KDRAMA 2025!
Character:Yoona did an outstanding job playing a modern girl who suddenly finds herself in the past. I loved how naturally she treated everyone equally, not out of disrespect, but simply because she came from the modern world. Yoona portrayed her role with this innocent charm and pure intentions, which is exactly what drew the king’s attention. Some people question why a so-called tyrant king would be so forgiving when she seems rude. But just look at her character! She’s not being rude; she’s just being sincere, open, and not two-faced. That’s what makes her stand out, and everyone around her loves her. She's the kind of person to turn an enemy into friends.
Lee Chae Min is doing a great job portraying a young king. Historically, kings, even at a young age, were expected to be mature, and I think he captures that really well. The way he speaks and carries himself feels calm and wise. On top of that, his visuals are really charming and suit this role perfectly. He truly looks the part and brings a quiet strength to the character.
Acting:
Yoona's acting is superb!! This is actually the first time I have really liked her performance out of all her dramas.
But Lee Chae Min’s acting? My absolute favorite. You can literally feel all the bitterness, frustration, and sadness just from his expressions all at once. And don’t even get me started on the way he looks at Ji Young, full of love. That whole “you can tell a man is in love by the way he looks at you” thing? Yeah, exactly that. I’ve honestly never seen someone act so much with just their eyes. I seriously can’t wait to see more of his projects in the future!
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A comfort watch
Can we first talk a moment to appreciate a korean drama about food actually takes time to talk and showcase the food not just in a quick way but a feel good way that allows the viewers to crave what they see on screen. Now for the story it was an interesting premises as someone who hasn't read the manga i enjoyed some parts of the drama other parts where lackluster and honestly no point. Maybe because it was short i felt like their romance was only showcased in 2 episodes the rest of the episodes where them falling in love and the ending i was confused by alot but honestly it's not a bad drama it's fun easy and relaxing to binge watch i would say its one of the best dramas of 2025 but not one of the best korean dramas of all timeWas this review helpful to you?
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Strong Start - Weak Middle - Strong End
I wrote this review when we were in the middle of the Ming cook-off and I wasn't sure if they could redeem it. But quite honestly, the last few episodes were perfect! They wrapped up the story line well and I love a happy ending. Bit confused though how he is in the future. Like was he reincarnated with his memories? Or was he sent to the future with her? If so, how did he adjust on his own so quickly and so well that he was dressed in fancy clothes? I guess we'll leave it to the imagination.Original rating 8/12 episodes watched: 6.5/10
New rating FINISHED: 8/10
The good:
- It's really funny and quite clever as well. Obviously the writers know a lot about cooking and the Joseon period to know what recipes she would be able to make and how she would need to change them
- The romance in the first few episodes were so cute
- The acting is great
- Love the side characters and in the first few episodes it really felt like they were adding a lot to the plot
The bad:
- Genuinely... what is with this 4 episode long cooking battle. When I finished the most recent episode (episode 8) I genuinely needed to remind myself how we got here. What is happening to the King's revenge plot? We haven't seen FL and her bestie talk at all recently and we keep getting like 2 second clips on what the evil queen is plotting but really it's not anything, she's just seething about what they're doing. This wouldn't matter if it was one or two episodes, BUT 4 out of 12?!?!
- Kind of feels like the writers wanted to show off how much they know about cooking??
The confusing:
- I get that they are trying to make cooking a central point in the plot but it's kind of unconvincing how they're going about it. Sorry but who has ever had a cook off to decide which nation would be providing more in a trade agreement.
- Why are the Ming chefs also martial artists? Who has the time to perfect cooking and also perfect their fighting?
I really think I could have just ignored the bad and confusing parts if this damn cooking battle didn't take over the entire show but alas, here we are.
They're going to need a miracle for me to bring my rating up.
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A fantasy show that doesn't take itself too seriously while making you hungry, angry and laugh.
Bon appétit, Your Majesty was, for me, one of those limited series that made me disappointed at episode 10. Not because of its content; it was because, sadly, there were only 2 shows remaining.Yes, it reminds you a little of "Mr. Queen," but if you are a "Mr. Queen" fan, then that is a good thing! Many who have watched more than 5 K-dramas should know that "Mr. Queen" is by far not the first Joseon time travel series and surely, its not the last. So let's move on and just enjoy.
I enjoyed the production. It really seemed as if the writer(s), director, and cast had a blast making this. Strong emphasis was placed on food and cooking. It was as if food itself was a very important part of the cast. I found all of those scenes interesting, inviting, and sometimes funny with the addition of special effects. I give many props not only to Lim Yoon A's performance (as I did in King the Land) but also to Lee Chae Min's portrayal as King Yi Heon. Honorable mention should go to Yeon Seo Ah as Ji Yeon's sidekick Seo Geum. I thought she provided a nice balance of comic relief and glue as her adorable bestie (for lack of a better word).
The seriousness blended with spots of humor was enjoyable. The villains were convincing. Credit to the writing and pacing for the execution of all of these elements. If you enjoy fantasy themes with great acting and elements of humor and tense moments, you will enjoy "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty."
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Lee Chaemin may be a rookie, but he delivered a sincere and heartfelt performance, bringing boyish charm and vulnerability that made his character so relatable, while Im YoonA shined as always with her elegance, versatility, and emotional depth. Their chemistry was natural and heart-fluttering, slowly growing in a way that felt genuine rather than forced. The cinematography and OST elevated the story even more, with the food scenes shot so beautifully that they almost felt poetic.
Finally, I got my revenge — when Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo didn’t give me the happy ending I desperately wanted, Bon Appétite Your Majesty gave it to me in the sweetest and most healing way possible. It left me smiling, tearing up at times, and ultimately feeling comforted, just like finishing a delicious home-cooked meal made with love.
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