It may not serve the perfect ending, but still a dish worth tasting at least once
Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is a drama that left me with mixed but memorable feelings. At its core, it’s an enjoyable story with beautifully presented cooking scenes that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally engaging. The way characters respond to food in the beginning was one of the highlights for me—fun, warm, and very entertaining.The pacing of the story starts off well, making it easy to follow and enjoyable, but somewhere past the halfway point it begins to feel rushed. While the plot was intriguing, something seemed missing, especially in the romance. The female lead’s feelings toward the male lead never felt fully convincing or deeply developed, which made their sudden love story less impactful. Instead, the drama often felt more like a slice-of-life journey through the Joseon dynasty, with romance added in a way that didn’t fully bloom.
The biggest letdown for me was the ending. Rather than giving a satisfying or emotional conclusion, it leaned toward an avoidant type of closure. Since this is a time-travel drama, I expected at least a clearer explanation or emotional closure of how the male lead could reunite with the female lead. Instead, the finale felt incomplete, leaving me wishing for either a truly happy ending or even a bittersweet, sad ending—anything more conclusive than what we got.
Despite its flaws, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty is still worth watching if you enjoy historical settings with a touch of fantasy and food-centered storytelling. It’s a good drama with beautiful visuals and charming moments, though you might find yourself craving a more satisfying conclusion.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Deliciously Dangerous
This drama was so much better than I had imagined!!!!I had only ever seen Yoon A in King the Land which was a very cringey show for me and I didn’t enjoy watching it at all, so before starting this drama I was doubting Yoon A’s performance but she was amazing! Hilarious in funny scenes and cute in some as well. Lee Chae Min was a new actor for me but I think his acting was phenomenal. My highlight in terms of acting was Kang Han Na as Mokju!!! Her acting was top-notch!!!
So far for the plot, I liked it. The end felt a bit rushed. Although I did enjoy the cooking battle, they could have shortened the scenes there a bit and added one more episode in the end, when the main leads meet again in the modern times.
I had the same questions as everyone else for the end about how he managed to get to modern times (I assume it was the one page that fell on him), and did he have money? (Maybe he sold his sword 😂). I would have loved to see his journey. I am sure it would have been very entertaining to watch 😂😂😂
I guess my theories for the end came true! I rather thought they would go back together instead of seperately and then meeting by surprise. But eventually he came as himself and not as a descendant like all the other characters 😍☺️☺️
Now I want a season 2 showing their lifes in modern day Seoul
Was this review helpful to you?
A MICHELIN STAR IN JOSEON
The drama follows Yeon Ji-yeong, a world-class chef specializing in French cuisine, who, after a solar eclipse during a flight, finds herself transported back to the Joseon Dynasty. She lands right in the middle of the forest, where King Lee Heon, a brooding, volatile monarch inspired by the real-life historical tyrant, King Yeonhuigun. To survive, Ji-yeong must do what she does best: cook. She uses her modern culinary techniques and 'fusion' ideas to captivate the King, all while trying to prevent him from becoming the monster history remembers.Furthermore, as the 'Rom-com Queen', YoonA carries the show with her wit and resilience. Her character Ji-yeong isn't just a 'damsel in the kitchen', she's a professional who uses her skills as a political tool. Lee Chae-min brings a chilling yet vulnerable edge to King Lee Heon. The tension comes from the fact that we know his historical counterpart was a villain, making the stakes feel much higher than your average time-travel romance. Directed by Jang Tae-yoo( My Love from the Star), the visuals are stunning. The 'culinary battles' against the Ming Dynasty are particularly thrilling and emotional.
However, like many high-concept K-dramas, the finale has been polarizing. Some viewers felt the time-slip mechanics were left a bit too ambiguous, and the 'CGI letters' in the final field scene felt a little out of place compared to the grounded Production of the rest of the show. Also, because it uses a real tyrant as a template, the show occasionally struggles to balance lighthearted 'mukbang' scenes with the very real, dark history of that era (like the suppression of free speech).
In conclusion, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is a feast for the eyes and the heart. It successfully reinvents the historical ( sageuk) rom-com by adding a high-stakes 'save the villain' mission to the recipe. It's perfect for fans of Mr.Queen who want something a bit more atmospheric and emotionally resonant. And this is my second time watching drama, so this review is my honest feelings towards this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Maybe I just hate romcoms.
Either I hate rom-coms or Korea has lost its touch because wtf was this?! First of all, what a weird choice to pick the creepy pervert from Trecherous and try to make him the main character of your "history misunderstood this monster" narrative. I may excuse the trick for Wang So because there is evidence to support his not-awfulness abolishing slavery, hello?!) or making the puppet king Cheol Jung into a tragic rebel but this one just makes no sense! The show just gives up trying to be even slightly respectful to facts about two episodes into the show. Because there are honestly way too many corrupted officials in this story that they have to whitewash so they just go for silly buffoonery and don't even try to make this a respectable narrative.Next thing, why did they cast a 12-year-old to play the king?! At no point in the show does it ever work to suspend the disbelief that this child is a formidable, dangerous king with immense power and bloodthirst... that's literally a teenager throwing a temper tantrum! And yes. I could TELL both women in his life had like...a decade on him! Those actresses just carry themselves with the wisdom and confidence that comes with age and this kid was in the kiddy pool beside them. Was there not one actor in his 40s who was willing to take this role?!
But I guess if Oppa doesn't have that kpop idol glow, the romcom charade won't sell, then, would it?!
Then you have...the plot. First of all, this was not romantic. At all. Why is this woman interested in the king?! He has no depth of personality to make him attractive. He is either threatening to kill her or throwing a temper tantrum over his mom, or putting her in situations that are life threatening. None of this was remotely romantic. Even him falling for her makes no sense. A dude known for his perversion and debased behavior, blusing like the actual teenage virgin that he is over a woman who is literally just doing her job...I have never been this angry being fed cliche kdrama rom-com moves. I swear if I was richer I would have thrown my slipper at my TV (but I can't afford breaking my TV!).
Someone needs to stop. Either the drama writers. The producers. The directors...someone needs to stop. This is garbage. How many times are you going to reuse a grown woman going noodle leg and falling on top of a giant man who should be strong enough to hold his footing when a feather-weight woman trips into his chest!
LIKE AT LEAST TRY TO NOT BE SO CLICHE!
It's been two weeks and I'm still mad.
This was not dark enough for the character it was trying to redeem. It was also not light enough to be treated as substance-less fluff like something like First night with the duke. At least that was is so silly and stupid that it can't be held responsible! This show was stuck somewhere between being a serious historical romance and being extremely stupid fluff.
Also, I don't like Yoona. She isn't bad in any visible or obvious way but she gives me bad vibes and no matter what she does, I'm annoyed. Not her fault. (Maybe a little her fault) I just don't vibe with her.
The show fairs slightly better on the food front though the over the top reactions are so silly!
I didn't like this. I do not recommend this and I want to yell at everyone who hyped this up. What is wrong with you?!
Was this review helpful to you?
Popular but forgetful
This series feels like it recycled all the different series that had come before: such as the basic story from Mr. Queen, actors and characters from The Moon Embracing The Sun, The Crowned Clown, etc... The whole thing feels like a constant water down deja vu. Not to mention the repetition of certain food ingesting orgasms and funny faces. Overall, it lacks originality.I could see it being done as a spoof of all the series of the same genre that have come before, in the vain of the Scary Movies making fun of the horror genre. But no, Bon Appetit takes itself too seriously with a weak story plot and even weaker main actors. I agree that it is light and popular right now, but I doubt that this series will remain liked in the years, even months, to come.
Was this review helpful to you?
The best kdrama 2025 !
This whole year I have been in a drama slump for so long until this drama came out and OH GOD I WAS HOOKED!Since the beginning, the storyline and plot were so engaging to watch, not to mention our visual couple with insane chemistry! Yoona and Lee Chaemin’s acting and performance throughout this whole drama was AMAZING, they deserves all the love they got from this drama! No episode was boring for me as I love cooking and romance, this was a perfect combination imo.
Now that I finished it, I was just left in awe of how beautiful it ended. I was worried it might have been rushed but it was not, they concluded it very well. THANK YOU TVN !! This whole 6 weeks of this drama journey was so amazing, I cant describe how empty I am now that it ended. I’m not gonna spoil anything more and if you havent watched it, what are you doinggg?? Just go watch it nowww !!
Highly recommended, 10/10 for me !
Was this review helpful to you?
A light hearted comedy-romance
Watch this for :- the food preparation scenes (if you are a k-food lover, must watch!)
- comedy gold (jokes and extra over-acting food reaction scenes. Seriously funny af 🤣)
- Yonna fan! (her acting in comedy genre always delivers. Remember Exit movie?)
Most memorable scene
- Food cooking competition between Joseon & Ming (love the all chefs and the food selection!)
- Ep 1. Start with a fish out of water scenario between the leads.
Lacking
- A solid plot. (Forgivable because it is a comedy dud.)
- The King is written as a stupid king. The way he govern the kingdom is more like governing a kindergarten than a country.
I watched for Yoona. Love her. But the food scenes and the kitchen cast also really good. Watch it in a light hearted mood and don't expect a serious plot. Enjoy the cooking scenes!
Was this review helpful to you?
relaxing the mind with a drama that has the lightness and charm
I've already mentioned that I'm not an active consumer of Korean productions, but I watched the drama "Bon Appetit" encouraged by the excellent reviews from audiences around the world.I have to admit that I've joined the ranks of viewers who also praise the drama's use of cooking, time travel, and historical romance.
In my opinion, the excellence of the production and the performance of the actress who plays the lead role are quite captivating.
Despite the use of the time travel cliché, the production is very well done and engaging. The presentation of Korean cuisine and the Korean humor strengthened my motivation to continue the drama until the end.
And watching the drama until the end was well worth it.
The quality of the cinematography and editing justify the production values, which must have been exceptional for a drama commissioned by an international platform.
Korean cuisine and the humor, often lighthearted and with fish-out-of-water elements, were among the series' greatest attractions.
Actress Im Yoona's performance is particularly notable for her characteristic charisma and the way she conveys the character's anguish as she faces challenges.
The journey of the protagonist, a talented cook, and the way she transforms palace life with her cooking are highlights.
Although romance is integral to the plot, I felt the producers and directors focused on conveying the drama's historical legacy.
The premise of time travel in Asian dramas is nothing new; however, in my opinion, this drama managed to deliver a production with a distinctive identity.
I recommend this drama as a great option for those who enjoy historical romances because it has a suitable dose of humor and because it ends with a thrilling cliffhanger that makes us long for a second season.
For me, this is an especially important detail because it leaves us with the feeling that the time invested in this entertainment was not time wasted, but time dedicated to relaxing the mind with a super production that has the lightness and charm characteristic of the South Korean dramas that I have had the opportunity to watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
yoona lee chae-min chemistry ??
the ending was perfect AAA!!! lee chae-min was perfect for his role. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the majesty. Mangunrok scene was a masterpieceeeeee I almost cried 😭😭🫶🏻 I’m so in love 🥺🫶🏻.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” – A Beautiful Story That Deserves So Much More Love
I have read so many recent reviews calling this drama disappointing, shallow, or lacking in story, and honestly, I could not disagree more. “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is not meant to be realistic. It is meant to be heartfelt, imaginative, and full of warmth. Was it dramatic? Yes. Were the food reactions exaggerated? Definitely. But that is part of its charm. This is not a history lecture or documentary. It is a fantasy that uses food as a language for healing, memory, and love.Beneath the grand dishes and royal politics lies a powerful, emotional story. It is about a woman whose strength comes not from rebellion but from grace. She leads with empathy, patience, and intelligence, and she communicates with honesty and warmth. Her words and actions carry the quiet confidence of someone who listens as much as she speaks. Though she faints when overwhelmed and appears fragile, she never surrenders to weakness. She uses what she has, and her greatest tool of all, her love for cooking, to change the course of history. She embodies the truest strengths of being a woman: understanding, compassion, and the ability to connect and heal even in a world ruled by power and pride.
The relationship between the leads was simply beautiful. Yes, it mirrored a traditional setup, a woman who cooks and a man who eats, but it was never about submission. It was about respect, devotion, and shared purpose. He adored her not for what she did for him, but for who she was. He documented every meal she created, treated her art with reverence, and kept every promise he made, even when it cost him everything. Together they built a love that was selfless, timeless, and painfully human.
The chemistry between the leads, the humour and camaraderie among the palace staff, the sincerity in every performance, it all worked in perfect harmony. The acting was phenomenal. Considering the male lead had less than a month to prepare for this role, his performance was nothing short of remarkable. He completely embodied the character. His portrayal of a man torn between vengeance and virtue felt effortless yet deeply layered. The way he balanced power with tenderness, and restraint with emotion, made the story feel alive. That level of transformation in such a short time is a testament to just how skilled and instinctive his acting truly is.
“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is not just about food. It is about love as nourishment. It is about choosing kindness in a world that rewards cruelty. It is about holding onto your humanity even when surrounded by power and pain.
So yes, it was unrealistic. But so what? It was also breathtakingly sincere. And in a world where cynicism is easy and beauty is rare, sincerity is exactly what makes this drama worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great start, rushed ending
A fantasy drama that blends comedy, history, romance and most importantly, food into a 12 episodes joint.The story centers around chef Ji Yeong, who is thrown into the past by some unusual circumstances, and is seeking to make her way back to the modern world from the Joseon Era she stucked upon.
The first half of the drama progresses steadily, with a ton of delicious food thrown in the front of viewers. The camera follows Ji-young through the process, focusing on the ingredient selection and the process of cooking as much as the final dish. The production was quite vibrant. Both the ML and FL had a great chemistry.
The political aspect had a lesser establishment in the first half, while it's focus shifted heavily towards the ending episodes, leaving us with many plot points unexplained. As with most of the drama, the palace politics come with a fairly simple narrative that splits characters into those who support the ML and those who don't. That's it, the political narrative.
The FL Im Yoon-a plays her with fantastic range, with an adequately hammy performance for the comic scenes and a heartfelt portrayal during the more emotional ones. While the ML doesn’t have the same range as Yoon-a, Chae-min offers an entertaining transformation from a tyrant to a soft-hearted king.
Overall, Bon Appetit is a lighthearted show to enjoy, even though the finale might pull down the overall satisfaction, due to rushed ending and unexplained plot points.
My Rating : 7.5/10
Was this review helpful to you?
Where food, love and loyalty rule the royal kitchen.
First off, the actor who played Jesan, absolutely incredible performance. I have to commend him because I hated his guts from the start (in the best way possible). His acting was so convincing and added real depth to the story.The male lead was a great addition as well. The way he showcased his emotions and expressed different layers of feeling so subtly through his eyes was just incredible. I also loved how the drama centered around food, with layers of betrayal and treason woven into the plot. The storytelling was captivating with every episode, you get dragged deeper into the world of the palace.
The ending had a nice emotional touch, though it did feel a bit rushed if you look closely. But honestly, for those few moments, it didn’t even matter.
The side characters were also very entertaining, the jester, the chief royal secretary, the royal kitchen crew, and the fourth royal consort all gave the show a good balance of humor and seriousness.
I liked how it began with a time travel premise, a lost and confused female lead and a mean, heartless king. Over time, as they spent time together, you could really see the king’s transformation from cold and cruel to reasonable and caring, even when everyone was against him.
I really admire how this K-drama blended its plot and comedic moments with such rich food storytelling. The directors did an excellent job showcasing a variety of dishes from different cultures and highlighting unique cooking styles and equipment. I especially loved the episode where they explained the engineering behind the pressure cooker and how it speeds up cooking, that was such a nice touch!
Throughout the series, they showed characters bonding over food, using it as a bridge for connection and memory. I loved how it portrayed the idea that a single taste of a dish can bring back deep emotions or remind you of a loved one. There were beautiful moments featuring dishes influenced by French, Korean, and Italian cuisine, and even discussions about herbs and their role in health, all of which made the culinary aspect even more meaningful.
Overall, it’s a shorter drama compared to the usual 16 episodes, but it’s packed with emotion, comedy, and solid storytelling. The acting was spectacular, the soundtrack amazing, and once the story settled into the Joseon era, it flowed so well that you almost forget it started as a time-travel story, until that twist returns later on.
A great drama for a relaxing watch, heartfelt, funny, and engaging from start to finish. Definitely worth checking out!
Was this review helpful to you?
