7 Kdramas to watch if you love Korean food

A dream come true for culinary aficionados, this three-part series focuses on Goo Dae Young, an enthusiastic food lover who delights in sharing meals with friends and family. The show portrays everyday life in Korea, with the cuisine reflecting that reality. Each episode highlights a diverse range of Korean dishes including pork belly BBQ (samgyeopsal), kimchi stew, tteokbokki, bulgogi, cold noodles, fried chicken, seafood pancakes (pajeon), jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce), bibimbap, and assorted banchan. What sets this series apart is its exceptional food cinematography, sure to make your stomach rumble during every episode, featuring dishes like japchae (glass noodles) and grilled mackerel.

This touching drama centers on Moon Cha Young, a skilled chef whose culinary path intersects with that of Lee Kang, a stoic neurosurgeon. Taking place partly in a hospice, the series showcases an array of desserts and comfort foods, such as cakes, pastries, oysters, grilled clams, bruschetta, and various elegantly presented dishes, as the chef uses food to provide solace and foster connections with those around her. The intricate cooking scenes are especially engrossing, highlighting the meticulous process behind each dish instead of merely showcasing the end product.

After skilled chef Seo Poong is let go from his esteemed hotel job, he embraces the task of bringing a failing Chinese restaurant back to life. The series features delicious Chinese dishes, especially jjajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce), while also integrating themes of love and camaraderie. Jjajangmyun, a dish that made its way to Korea through immigrant Chinese laborers, exemplifies a distinctive blend of the two Asian culinary traditions.

Set against a charming countryside backdrop, this series centers on Moon Seung Mo, a celebrated chef who has lost his enthusiasm for cooking, and his meeting with a fashion designer suffering from memory loss. It highlights uncomplicated rural meals that evoke a sense of nostalgia, featuring heartwarming dishes like a steaming bowl of white rice paired with soybean paste soup, uniting the characters. The show skillfully contrasts the breathtaking natural landscapes with exquisite culinary masterpieces, creating a visual and imaginative delight.

A staple in its genre, "Pasta" immerses audiences in the competitive realm of Italian culinary arts in Korea. The show chronicles the experiences of an ambitious junior chef striving for success in a professional kitchen, confronting the hurdles of a male-dominated industry. It offers a fascinating exploration of the culture within professional kitchens, and as the protagonists undergo training in Italy, viewers are treated to a delightful array of pasta dishes that will undoubtedly stimulate your appetite.

This highly acclaimed drama centers around Kim Tak Goo, who uncovers his baking talent while on a quest for his true identity. The show not only provides a glimpse into the craft of traditional Korean baking but also delivers ample drama and emotion. The imagery of freshly baked breads and pastries is a delight for food lovers, and viewers also get to explore lesser-known Korean recipes like Bong Bread, a flatbread made from flour and yeast that is crucial in several parts of the series.

This engaging series focuses on an enigmatic restaurant that operates solely from midnight until morning. The chef, referred to only as "Master," prepares whatever dish his patrons desire, making each episode a distinct journey into the relationship between food and memory as well as emotions. Every episode is titled after a specific type of food, predominantly Korean, offering insight into the history of the dishes. From Seasoned Seaweed and Rice Cakes to Stone Pot Jangjorim Bibimbap and more, this series is a fantastic option for anyone looking to delve into the variety of foods Koreans consume regularly and their significance.