8 Culinary Dramas to Explore and Spark Your Appetite!

Some dramas make us swoon with romance. Others make us laugh or cry. Then there are those that not only do all of that but also awaken a delightful hunger, be it for food, affection, or connection.

In this article, we’ve gathered a selection of dramas where cooking isn’t just a backdrop but the main ingredient in the narrative. They are stories in which characters cook to heal emotional wounds, bond with others, or rediscover the flavors of life. Prepare to indulge in an array of delicious dishes, explore traditional Korean recipes, and enjoy scenes that will make your stomach growl and your heart feel warm.

If you love cooking, eating, or simply diving into heartwarming stories rich in culture, emotions, and authentic food, this list is for you!

Oh My Ghost (2015)

Na Bong-sun, a timid kitchen assistant, works in an upscale restaurant under the lead of the charismatic chef Kang Sun-woo. Her uneventful life takes a sudden turn when she becomes possessed by the lively spirit of a young ghost. This newfound confidence captures the attention of the chef, leading to an unexpected relationship between the two.

The series places the kitchen at its heart. Each episode showcases the intricate process of preparing authentic Korean dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients, knife skills, plating artistry, and the bustling energy of a professional kitchen. The passion for food is palpable, making each moment a delightful experience.

With its blend of humor, romance, and heart, Oh My Ghost masterfully transforms food into a tool for self-discovery.

My Secret Romance (2017)

Lee Yoo-mi, a determined young woman, dreams of becoming a nutritionist. After securing a job at a major company, she unexpectedly reconnects with Cha Jin-wook, an heir she once had a brief but passionate encounter with. Their daily interactions, marked by clashes and romantic tension, develop with food as a subtle bridge between their emotions.

Yoo-mi throws herself into crafting healthy and irresistible meals to impress Jin-wook and prove her worth. Scenes of her experimenting with recipes, learning from her mistakes, and perfecting her dishes offer a mix of humor and heartfelt emotion.

The drama beautifully illustrates how food becomes an expression of care and a medium for connection, even in the most complex relationships.

Because This Is My First Life (2017)

Nam Se-hee and Yoon Ji-ho agree to live together under practical circumstances, which evolves into a marriage of convenience. Their journey explores the challenges of cohabitation, growing relationships, and grappling with societal expectations.

Food becomes a silent but essential presence in their lives. Small acts, like sharing a quiet beer or making breakfast, take on deeper emotional significance as their connection deepens. These gestures nurture a bond far beyond their initial agreement.

A memorable element in the drama is the tradition of kimjang, the community-driven preparation of kimchi, demonstrating how Korean cuisine intertwines deeply with culture, memories, and emotional ties.

Link: Eat, Love, Kill (2022)

Eun Gye-hoon, a skilled chef, finds himself inexplicably linked to Noh Da-hyun, a woman he has never met, as he begins experiencing her emotions. As their paths cross, long-buried secrets from the past, including Gye-hoon’s missing sister, resurface. The series intertwines romance, mystery, and fantasy, with food at its emotional core.

Gye-hoon’s restaurant offers a captivating glimpse into professional kitchens, from the precision of meal preparation to the expressive power of each dish.

Ultimately, food serves as a symbolic connection between individuals who unknowingly share similar pains and desires.

Wok of Love (2018)

Formerly a top chef in a luxury hotel, Seo Poong loses everything and begins anew at a humble restaurant called Hungry Wok, owned by ex-gangster Doo Chil-seong. There, he meets Sae-woo, a once-wealthy heiress struggling to rebuild her life. Together, they navigate hardship, uncover companionship, and find solace through culinary passion.

Wok of Love thrives on its dynamic energy and vibrant kitchen scenes. Traditional Chinese dishes like hand-pulled noodles and perfectly fried rice take center stage, showcasing the intricacies and artistry of cooking.

This drama shines as a tale of resilience, with food embodying both survival and rebirth.

Chocolate (2019)

Lee Kang, a neurosurgeon with a painful past, reunites with Moon Cha-young, a warm-hearted chef. Working in a hospice, they discover that food possesses the power to comfort patients and heal deeply entrenched emotional scars.

The drama’s delicately captured cooking sequences erupt with memories and emotions, offering meals as metaphors for life’s bittersweet moments and shared human experiences.

Chocolate is a quiet, poignant story where food becomes the ultimate bridge between souls, even in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Eccentric! Chef Moon (2020)

After facing personal tragedy, Moon Seung-mo, a renowned chef, retreats to a rural village. There, he meets Yoo Yoo-jin, a quirky fashion designer with amnesia. Over time, their growing relationship is nurtured through shared meals and heartfelt experiences.

This light-hearted drama blends romantic comedy with a celebration of traditional Korean dishes, artfully prepared even in the tranquility of the countryside.

The show beautifully portrays how food evokes memories, emotions, and transformative connections.

Mystic Pop-up Bar (2020)

In this unique drama, a centuries-old woman runs an elusive pop-up bar that appears at night to help people confront and resolve their deepest emotional wounds. With her team, she serves comforting meals that act as keys to unlock forgotten memories and reconcile hidden grievances.

Each dish in Mystic Pop-up Bar holds symbolic meaning, offering emotional releases and spiritual solace. This drama is equal parts whimsical, heartfelt, and nourishing for the soul.

These dramas show that cooking is far more than simply preparing food. It’s an act of love, a way to connect with others, a symbol of affection, and a means to rediscover one’s inner self.

If you enjoy stories rich in culture, heartfelt moments, and tantalizing dishes, this list has something for you. Just make sure to grab a snack while you watch!

Which of these dramas caught your attention the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!