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This review may contain spoilers
I had been curious about this drama for a long time, but it somehow kept getting pushed to the back of my mind. Haha…
Anyway…
Story about Ling Xiao Xiao (XX) , a girl who dreams of becoming an imperial chef in the palace. She’s constantly underestimated at home because of her gender. Determined to prove herself to her father—and to challenge the gender bias in the culinary world—she sets her sights on the palace.
XX eventually manages to enter the palace, but instead of being assigned to the imperial kitchen, she ends up in the Crown Prince’s (CP) kitchen. The CP is known to be a very picky eater; many chefs have failed to satisfy his palate. But XX believes his pickiness comes from boredom with the greasy, repetitive dishes usually served.
So, she prepares something simple for him. However, before CP even tries the dish, he feels insulted by its simplicity and has XX kicked out of the palace. But everything changes when he finally smells and tastes her food—he’s completely mesmerized by the flavor and immediately orders for XX to be brought back.
XX agrees to return, but only after striking a deal with the CP—one that he reluctantly accepts.
From that day on, XX becomes CP’s personal chef. As days go by, she slowly grows closer to him. She eventually learns the real reason behind CP’s pickiness — and realizes that beneath his cold exterior lies a kind-hearted man.
Throughout her time at the palace, XX meets many people, including the Emperor and Empress. At first, she faces challenges due to her gender, but she ultimately wins everyone over with her talent and kindness.
As time goes on, the bond between XX and the CP grows stronger, giving rise to romantic tension. At first, XX doesn’t fully understand her own feelings, but moments of jealousy and separation help XX realize what she truly feel for CP.
So the question now is—what will happen to Xiao Xiao? Will she end up joining the Crown Prince’s harem, or does another destiny await her? And when she finally realizes that becoming the Crown Princess means giving up her dream and leaving the kitchen behind? In the end, which path will she choose?
That's pretty much the story without giving the spoiler. Now what I like and don't.
What I Like:
+ The food! It seriously made my mouth water while watching. The way the cast eats — with so much expression and enjoyment — OMG!!!! Feels like they’re teasing us through the screen.
+ The Emperor and Empress are surprisingly kind & reasonable characters. I’m so glad the story didn’t get unnecessarily complicated by having them disapprove of XX.
+ There are many interesting supporting characters , each with their own quirks and charm. Like the imperial consort, when have we ever seen imperial consort this fat but still loved by the Emperor. No offense intended, of course—I just said the fact.
+ The Interesting ending…. Oh I'll not write in here. You have to watch it yourself to know what I mean.
Overall This is such an underrated gem— sweet, heartwarming, and full of great food and romance and not so much drama or palace intrigue. it’s definitely worth watching.
Anyway…
Story about Ling Xiao Xiao (XX) , a girl who dreams of becoming an imperial chef in the palace. She’s constantly underestimated at home because of her gender. Determined to prove herself to her father—and to challenge the gender bias in the culinary world—she sets her sights on the palace.
XX eventually manages to enter the palace, but instead of being assigned to the imperial kitchen, she ends up in the Crown Prince’s (CP) kitchen. The CP is known to be a very picky eater; many chefs have failed to satisfy his palate. But XX believes his pickiness comes from boredom with the greasy, repetitive dishes usually served.
So, she prepares something simple for him. However, before CP even tries the dish, he feels insulted by its simplicity and has XX kicked out of the palace. But everything changes when he finally smells and tastes her food—he’s completely mesmerized by the flavor and immediately orders for XX to be brought back.
XX agrees to return, but only after striking a deal with the CP—one that he reluctantly accepts.
From that day on, XX becomes CP’s personal chef. As days go by, she slowly grows closer to him. She eventually learns the real reason behind CP’s pickiness — and realizes that beneath his cold exterior lies a kind-hearted man.
Throughout her time at the palace, XX meets many people, including the Emperor and Empress. At first, she faces challenges due to her gender, but she ultimately wins everyone over with her talent and kindness.
As time goes on, the bond between XX and the CP grows stronger, giving rise to romantic tension. At first, XX doesn’t fully understand her own feelings, but moments of jealousy and separation help XX realize what she truly feel for CP.
So the question now is—what will happen to Xiao Xiao? Will she end up joining the Crown Prince’s harem, or does another destiny await her? And when she finally realizes that becoming the Crown Princess means giving up her dream and leaving the kitchen behind? In the end, which path will she choose?
That's pretty much the story without giving the spoiler. Now what I like and don't.
What I Like:
+ The food! It seriously made my mouth water while watching. The way the cast eats — with so much expression and enjoyment — OMG!!!! Feels like they’re teasing us through the screen.
+ The Emperor and Empress are surprisingly kind & reasonable characters. I’m so glad the story didn’t get unnecessarily complicated by having them disapprove of XX.
+ There are many interesting supporting characters , each with their own quirks and charm. Like the imperial consort, when have we ever seen imperial consort this fat but still loved by the Emperor. No offense intended, of course—I just said the fact.
+ The Interesting ending…. Oh I'll not write in here. You have to watch it yourself to know what I mean.
Overall This is such an underrated gem— sweet, heartwarming, and full of great food and romance and not so much drama or palace intrigue. it’s definitely worth watching.
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