Why Bon Appetit, Your Majesty has got everyone hooked - Explained

Bon Appetit, Your Majesty

When I first sat down to watch Bon Appetit – Your Majesty, I thought it would be just another Korean romantic drama. But a few episodes in, I was totally gripped to it and couldn't wait to start watching the next one.

It is at once a romance and a food journey woven into one. For both die-hard romantics and food lovers (and I happen to be both), it’s an irresistible experience.

A fresh lead pair who breathe romance in this show

The charm of Bon Appetit, Your Majesty rests largely on its leads. Lee Chae-min, plays King Yi Heon, and Im Yoon-ah, is seen as chef aka Royal Chief Cook Yeon Ji-young.

Its storyline is Chef Yeon Ji Young from the present times gets transported to the Joseon era on the day of Solar Eclipse. How she meets the tyrant king Yi Heon and their paths get intertwined and she eventually becomes the Royal Chief Cook. He directs her to cook impossible meals to stay alive. The story then shows how cook Yeon navigates palace politics and a dangerous king.

Romance between the king and Cook Yeon, isn’t built on dramatic declarations but on stolen glances, secret smiles, and conversations that unfold in the quiet corners of the palace.

Watching them is like watching a slow-cooked stew: it takes its time, but every spoonful feels worth it. Their chemistry brings an understated warmth that is rare in period dramas, grounding the grandeur with genuine emotion.

Food takes the centre stage

If love is the heart of this drama, food is the soul. Bon Appetit – Your Majesty doesn’t use cuisine as mere background filler; every dish has meaning.

From the delicate royal kimchi mandu (dumplings) to the soothing lotus root porridge, bibimpap and others, the food sequences are shot with such reverence that they feel almost sacred.

A scene where Cook Yeon makes Black Sesame Macarons or when she introduces the king to Pasta for the first time - Doenjang Pasta or the Beef Tartare- these dishes make the viewers take in the artistry of plating and this is a visual treat for all.

The Supporting Cast – The Royal Kitchen Cooks

Beyond the leads, the drama thrives on its ensemble cast, especially those who populate the bustling royal kitchen. Each character feels essential, adding humor, tension, or emotional depth.

Yoon Seo-ah as Seo Gil-geum, who is shown to be by the side of Cook Yeon from the moment she lands in Joseon period. She becomes her assistant in the Royal kitchen too.

Then there is Cook Maeng, Uhm Bong-shik, Min Gae-duk all add some fun moments to the kitchen too.

This ensemble makes the palace kitchen feel alive - it is not just a workplace but a stage where loyalty, rivalry, and camaraderie play out daily.

tvN’s fantasy romance Bon Appetit, Your Majesty recently aired its finale episodes and it had a nationwide average rating of 17.1 percent, according to Nielsen Korea, making it the highest-viewed tvN drama since Queen of Tears peaked at 24.9 percent earlier this year.

For a network that’s had a rough run lately, this was nothing short of a turnaround.

Positive reviews from critics and netizens

The response has been as layered as the dishes on screen. Critics admire the lavish food sequences and the tender romance.

Talking about netizens, social media timelines are also filled with screenshots of food shots and tender romantic moments. Food vloggers are also recreating some of the dishes made in the show, with hashtags like #BonAppetitChallenge trending.

For romance lovers, the slow-burn appeal works beautifully. For food lovers, it’s pure escapism.

The Finale

Without revealing spoilers, the last two episodes end on a sweeter note, which you should watch to know. But the big question in everyone's mind is: Will there be a season two?

And in a recent interview with Allkpop, show's lead actress Im Yoona expressed her surprise and gratitude for the overwhelming reception to her show.

"Since the ratings have been good every episode, I’ve been surprised every day and every week. Ratings feel like something beyond my control, so I didn’t have any specific expectations. I never imagined such a big response and result," she said.

She also said: "I haven’t heard anything about season 2 yet. If the story continues and all the actors can come back together, I would love to do it."

Fans are already writing theories online, some imagining a modern-day spin where the royal recipes return, others hoping for a continuation with the same cast. The creators haven’t confirmed anything yet, which only adds to the intrigue.

As someone who loves both love stories and food shows, this series ticked the check boxes.

The romance is tender without being overblown. The food is sumptuous and treated like heritage. Yes, it has flaws, occasional padding, side plots that could have gone deeper, but the overall experience is unique.