NYT and Forbes Praise ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’: ‘The Real Star Is the Food’



Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has become a global late-night companion drama, dazzling viewers with a feast of culinary artistry. Featuring actress Im Yoon-ah and a team of passionate chefs, the drama’s spectacular dishes are spreading the prestige of K-food worldwide — drawing comparisons to the impact of Dae Jang Geum.

The tvN weekend drama (directed by Jang Tae-yoo, written by fGRD, produced by Film Geurida and Jung Universe, planned by Studio Dragon) showcases a wide range of fusion dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From the grand palace chef selection contest to high-stakes cooking battles tied to the nation’s fate, audiences are treated to creations that combine traditional ingredients and royal cuisine with modern techniques — such as sous-vide steak, doenjang pasta, schnitzel, and Peking duck rolls.


The drama also captivates with its creative use of traditional tools in place of modern equipment — like bamboo molds for beef tartare and noodle presses for doenjang pasta — and with table-side service scenes where chefs prepare dishes in real time, heightening appetite and visual appeal. While chef Yeon Ji-young’s dishes are highlighted with artistic sauce plating, Ming dynasty chefs contrast with elaborate carvings, adding a unique flair of opulence.


International media have taken notice. Forbes praised the show, declaring, “The true star of this drama is the meticulously crafted food.” The New York Times added, “Although the drama blends multiple genres, at its core it is a romantic comedy that conveys love through the language of food.” Both outlets spotlighted the culinary brilliance that anchors the series.





The drama’s global appeal owes much to the synergy of Im Yoon-ah’s dedication, the expert guidance of star chefs, and director Jang Tae-yoo’s attention to detail. Playing palace chef Yeon Ji-young, Im Yoon-ah prepared by attending cooking classes and training with consulting chefs for three months prior to filming. She performed nearly all cooking scenes without a stand-in, replicating precise techniques and sequences with passion that deeply impressed the production team.


Director Jang Tae-yoo emphasized, “The food itself is the protagonist,” crafting each cooking sequence as a story of its own. The production team explained, “We researched historical records to identify available ingredients and dishes, and sought harmony with elements like tableware. Though the dishes — pasta, steak, schnitzel — are modern, they prominently feature Korean ingredients such as doenjang, jaecheop clams, ginseng, and misutgaru. We wanted global audiences to see Ji-young elevate familiar methods with Korean flavors.”




Blending modern cooking techniques with royal traditions, The Tyrant’s Chef continues to delight viewers’ palates. Episode 9 will air on Saturday the 20th at 9:10 p.m. on tvN."




Written by Kim Su Jin
Translated by Lee So Yun