Tastefully Yours

Starts Off Delicious, Then Overcooks the Drama

Tastefully Yours kicks off on solid ground, introducing a compelling opposites-attract dynamic between its two leads. Beom-woo, a sharp-edged corporate shark, and Yeon-joo, a sincere and grounded chef, are as different as they come. Their clash and eventual chemistry form the emotional heart of the story.

Thematically, the show sets up a solid foundation. Yeon-joo’s reverence for food, sustainability, and community adds depth to what could easily be a typical "girl with a dream" storyline. Beom-woo’s journey from privileged arrogance to humbled self-awareness is predictable but still emotionally satisfying in parts. However, the rest of the plot often drags.

The food scenes are probably the best part: the traditional cooking, the contests, and the found-family vibe at Jungjae bring some genuine warmth and authenticity. That said, the rest of the plot often drags or feels rushed, especially the Japan storyline. It’s cluttered with pointless drama that adds nothing, like the love triangle with Yeon-joo’s ex, Min. That subplot is weak, feels shoehorned in, and actually undermines Yeon-joo’s character by turning her into a passive figure caught between two men.

The corporate sabotage and power plays get ridiculous at times, with predictable twists and thinly explained actions. Min’s “redemption” is unconvincing, and the repeated attempts to force drama around stolen recipes and arson stretch credibility. The pacing is uneven, where some episodes feel cluttered, while others rush through important developments.

In the end, Tastefully Yours is a cozy rom-com meal, but one that eventually overindulges in side dishes. Its first half is brisk, sweet, and full of flavor, but the second half meanders.

Still, there’s no denying the aesthetic appeal. The food sequences are beautifully shot, almost distractingly so. The visual language of food and care is a strength that the drama returns to again and again.

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We Had Everything Before Us.. We Had Nothing Before Us..

Tastefully Yours started off like a drama that would easily reach the top charts.. I mean they were hitting it off right from the beginning.. Both the leads with their characters and mannerism were just pure fun to watch.. They really were like an old married couple right from the get go..

That said, despite the fresh setting the core narrative isn’t innovative.. And also couldn't help but feel that the side characters were underused.. Especially the ML's brother..

Han Beom Woo’s character development from a Soulless Corporate Executive and Chaebol to someone who starts valuing real emotions and human connection was one thing the show really nailed.. A big reason for that is Kang Ha Neul and his performance.. Another highlight for me was the food cinematography and atmosphere of Jeonju.. It gave the drama a vivid quality that was soothing..

After the first four episodes they followed the " How to ruin a drama after a promising start 101 " rulebook to perfection.. Was it even the same writer?? How could they spoil something so good.. The return of her ex and that entire arc was painfully unnecessary... I didnt just hate it because it dragged on but because it took up time that could have been spent exploring other stories.. Stories that could have made this drama so much better.. They could have easily given us more of the main leads, their story and their romance.. That’s what most of us were here for.. And also they could have used that screen time to add more emotional depth to the story.. Han Beom Woo’s relationship with his brother had so much potential.. There was clear unspoken resentment and a complicated dynamic between them that was barely touched.. Exploring that more would have added more emotional weight to his growth.. I also wish they had spent more time highlighting the FL’s strengths..

Something about ep 7 just didn’t sit right with me.. There were so many unnecessary scenes.. But the cooking scene with the ex and the ML and FL in Sopporo?? What was the point of that?? What purpose did it serve??
They dragged out the ex's storyline for so long only for him to turn out to be a selfish self serving prick.. And then there’s the part where he hits the ML in front of the FL and she doesn’t even flinch.. No reaction, nothing.. I just couldn’t understand how that made sense for her character.. Honestly all things considered, the ex ended up with a better closure than he deserved..

Once we got back to the main story, it started to feel like the drama I enjoyed at the beginning.. The last three episodes were good.. Not rushed but not satisfying either.. This is where the drama’s short length really hit the hardest..

Broken children raised by a broken mother.. I genuinely felt bad for both the ML and his brother.. It was clear that their true personalities weren’t what we saw on the surface.. They were good people shaped by a toxic environment.. Their mother didn’t raise sons.. She raised successors to protect and continue her business and legacy.. Nothing more.. Both of them deserved better.. A better life and most of all, A better mother..

Overall, while the drama was comforting the stakes were never really high.. Conflicts were resolved quickly and there was rarely a moment where it felt like something could truly go wrong.. It’s an easy, feel good binge watch.. I just wish it had a bit more substance..

I have to mention that I absolutely loved the fun crossover cameo with Weak Hero Class 2..

P.S.. Rating a drama low just because you don’t like an actor.. Especially when they only appear in a guest role is just unfair...

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