Picture this: a talented chef from the modern world suddenly catapulted into the opulent yet treacherous courts of ancient Korea, where her culinary genius sparks a forbidden romance with a brooding king. That's the irresistible allure of Netflix's 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' a show that's been captivating viewers worldwide and reminding us why K-dramas keep conquering global streaming charts, even after the massive buzz from 'Squid Game.' But here's where it gets controversial – is this blend of time travel, romance, and royal drama just a fresh twist on familiar tropes, or does it risk feeling clichéd in a genre overflowing with similar stories? Stick around, because we're diving into five other K-dramas that echo its themes, from class-crossing love affairs to the power of food, and we'll explore why they might just become your next binge-watch obsession.
South Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have been making waves internationally for years, and 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' is no exception. Released in 2025, this time-bending romantic series has topped Netflix charts globally, drawing in audiences with its unique mix of history, heart, and haute cuisine. At its core, the story follows Yeon Ji-yeong, a skilled South Korean chef specializing in French dishes, who mysteriously finds herself transported to the Joseon Dynasty – a period in Korean history from 1392 to 1910, known for its strict social hierarchies and royal intrigues. In this new world, her cooking talents land her the prestigious role of palace chef, where she navigates deadly court politics and falls for King Yi Heon, a cold-hearted ruler fueled by vengeance. It's a tale that masterfully weaves together romance across social divides, the classic enemies-to-lovers arc, and a deep focus on food as a symbol of power and connection. For beginners dipping into K-dramas, think of it as a Korean version of 'Outlander' meets 'The Great British Bake Off,' but with more emotional stakes and fewer kilts.
Fortunately, if 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' has you hooked, there are plenty of similar shows that capture its essence – from revenge-fueled plots to fish-out-of-water comedies. These K-dramas share narrative elements like love stories that bridge class gaps, protagonists who start as adversaries but evolve into lovers, and food playing a starring role in driving the plot. And this is the part most people miss: how these shows often use food not just as a backdrop, but as a metaphor for healing, ambition, and human connection. Let's break down five must-watch recommendations, each with its own spin on these themes.
First up is 'Itaewon Class,' a 2020 JTBC series adapted from a popular webtoon. While 'Bon Appétit' uses food to elevate its heroine to royal status, this drama flips the script by turning cuisine into a weapon of revenge. The story kicks off with high school student Park Seo-ro-yi, played by Park Seo-joon, whose father dies in an accident caused by his arch-nemesis, the ruthless businessman Jang Geun-won (Ahn Bo-hyun). After serving time in prison for a failed attempt on Geun-won's life, Seo-ro-yi channels his rage into a calculated plan: he opens a humble restaurant in Seoul's vibrant Itaewon district, a hub of international culture, to outshine Geun-won's corporate empire. But Geun-won and his father are relentless, scheming to shut him down at every turn.
What makes 'Itaewon Class' so addictive is its seamless blend of culinary rivalries, corporate espionage, and a tangled web of romances that goes beyond the typical love triangle – think of it as a K-drama version of 'Succession' with a side of spicy ramen. Like King Yi Heon in 'Bon Appétit,' Seo-ro-yi begins as an emotionally guarded avenger, blinded by his quest for justice. Yet, through his growing relationships and the success of his eatery, he learns to build a fuller life, transforming the show from a gritty revenge saga into a feel-good mix of comedy and romance. But here's where it gets controversial: does glorifying revenge as a path to redemption send the wrong message, or is it a cathartic way to explore themes of resilience? Fans often debate this, with some praising its empowerment angle and others questioning if it romanticizes violence.
Next, if you're intrigued by time travel and body-swapping antics, 'Mr. Queen' from 2020 on tvN is as close as it gets to 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' – but with a hilarious twist. The plot centers on Jang Bong-hwan, a charming yet reckless chef and playboy, who nearly dies in the present day and wakes up in the body of Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) during the Joseon era. Armed with his modern cooking know-how, Bong-hwan navigates the royal court, using his skills to gain favor while desperately seeking a way back to his own time and body. Along the way, he gets entangled in lethal political schemes, adding layers of suspense to the comedy.
The genius of 'Mr. Queen' lies in its lighthearted take on a fish-out-of-water scenario, poking fun at historical dramas while delivering genuine emotional depth – imagine 'Bon Appétit' crossed with the time-jumping chaos of 'Quantum Leap,' but with more laughs and fewer quantum physics lectures. For newcomers, it's a great entry point because it explains Joseon-era customs in an accessible way, like how court etiquette could be a matter of life or death. The show balances humor from the body-swap premise with heartfelt moments, keeping viewers guessing with its mysteries and plot twists. And this is the part most people miss: how it subverts traditional K-drama gender roles, letting a male character experience life as a queen, which sparks discussions on identity and power dynamics.
Shifting gears to a more grounded romance, 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' (2021, tvN/Studio Dragon) offers a cozy, modern love story with a similar out-of-place vibe. It follows Yoon Hye-jin, a busy city dentist portrayed by Shin Min-a, who visits a picturesque coastal village to honor her late mother's birthday. Enchanted by the serene charm, she impulsively sets up her own dental clinic there, where she meets Hong Du-sik, the affable local handyman played by Kim Seon-ho. As Hye-jin adapts to rural life, their friendship blossoms into romance, complete with the warmth of small-town community.
On the surface, this feels like a Korean riff on feel-good films like 'Sweet Home Alabama' or classic Hallmark romances, but it digs deeper, exploring the joys and challenges of leaving urban hustle for a simpler existence. While the stakes are lower than the high-drama intrigue of 'Bon Appétit,' the core idea of a professional woman finding love and purpose outside her comfort zone remains a strong parallel. With its delightful ensemble cast and heartwarming vibes, it's perfect for a relaxing watch – think of it as comfort food for the soul, much like how food ties people together in these stories. But here's where it gets controversial: in a world obsessed with city life, does glorifying rural escapes idealize small-town living, or does it overlook real issues like limited opportunities? It's a debate that resonates with viewers torn between nostalgia and practicality.
For a Cinderella tale set in the glittering world of luxury hotels, check out 'King the Land' (2023, JTBC). This romantic comedy dives into the corporate battles of the King Group, a massive hotel empire, where Gu Won (Lee Jun-ho), the heir apparent, fights to secure his inheritance amid family feuds. Enter Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), the perpetually upbeat hotel employee who works for the company, and their paths cross in a whirlwind of workplace drama and budding attraction.
Gu Won echoes the emotionally distant King Yi Heon from 'Bon Appétit,' acting like a modern-day prince without the crown, while Sa-rang mirrors Ji-yeong's vibrant energy, helping him thaw and stand his ground. The chemistry between the leads is electric, making Gu Won's personal growth feel authentic and touching. Set against lavish hotel backdrops, it's a sumptuous escape that highlights themes of love transcending social and professional barriers. For beginners, it's an easy way to understand K-drama romance tropes, like how initial clashes often lead to deeper connections – similar to how enemies become lovers in many shows.
Finally, rounding out our list is 'Tastefully Yours' (2024, ENA), another food-focused romantic comedy that's been gaining traction on Netflix. It stars Kang Ha-neul as Han Beom-woo, a cutthroat corporate restaurateur who builds his empire by pilfering recipes from small, independent eateries. His world turns upside down when he ventures to a quaint town and clashes with Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si), the owner of a tiny restaurant that seats just one table. What starts as bitter rivalry evolves into collaboration and romance, as they navigate their differences.
Created by the mind behind the intense action drama 'Weak Hero,' 'Tastefully Yours' brings that same high production quality to a lighter genre, infusing the enemies-to-lovers formula with added emotional complexity. Beom-woo's shady past and the close-knit community around Yeon-joo's spot add fresh layers, making it more than just a standard rom-com. It's a celebration of food's ability to bridge divides, much like in 'Bon Appétit,' but with a focus on redemption and small-town charm. And this is the part most people miss: how it subtly critiques corporate greed while delivering feel-good moments, prompting viewers to ponder if love can truly reform a flawed character.
There you have it – five K-dramas that capture the spirit of 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' each offering a unique lens on romance, food, and personal transformation. Whether you're drawn to revenge plots, time-travel hijinks, or cozy village tales, these shows promise hours of entertainment. But let's stir the pot: Do you agree that food-centric dramas like these are the secret sauce of K-dramas, or do you find them overhyped? Is revenge a justifiable plot device, or does it cross into problematic territory? And what about the prevalence of time-travel romances – are they timeless classics or tired clichés? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear if these recommendations hit the spot or if you've got your own favorites to suggest!
