Tastefully Yours (당신의 맛), ENA’s 2025 romantic comedy starring Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si, serves up a delectable mix of kitchen rivalries, slow-burn love, and the transformative power of food. Directed by Park Dan-hee (Work Later, Drink Now) and written by Jung Soo-yoon (The Devil Judge), this 10-episode series transforms Jeonju’s rustic charm into a backdrop for a story about finding flavor in life’s unexpected recipes.
Plot & Themes
The drama follows Han Beom-woo (Kang Ha-neul), a chaebol heir to Korea’s top food conglomerate, who operates a Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant with clinical precision but no passion for taste. To outmaneuver his older brother in a corporate succession battle, he embarks on a quest to uncover unique recipes—a journey that leads him to Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si), a fiercely independent chef running a one-table eatery in Jeonju. Yeon-joo’s philosophy—using only the finest ingredients and serving meals with emotional care—clashes with Beom-woo’s profit-driven mindset, sparking a rivalry that simmers into mutual respect and romance.
Themes of authenticity versus ambition permeate the narrative. Beom-woo’s arc—from a man who “throws money at problems” to one who discovers the soul behind cooking—mirrors Yeon-joo’s struggle to balance her ideals with the realities of running a struggling business. Their growth is framed through food metaphors, with dishes like gukbap (soupy rice) and handmade noodles becoming symbols of heritage and healing.
Performances
Kang Ha-neul shines as the arrogant yet vulnerable Beom-woo, his comedic timing sharp in scenes where his character’s materialism collides with rural simplicity. A standout moment involves his futile attempt to bribe a local farmer for a secret recipe, only to be met with a bemused refusal. Go Min-si, meanwhile, delivers a grounded performance as Yeon-joo, her expressive eyes conveying both stubbornness and quiet longing. Their chemistry peaks in Episode 5’s late-night cooking duel, where a spilled jar of gochujang becomes an accidental metaphor for melting defenses.
The supporting cast adds depth: Kim Shin-rok steals scenes as Kim Myeong-sook, a gukbap restaurant owner whose tough-love wisdom anchors the community, while Yoo Soo-bin provides levity as her quirky son, Shin Chun-seung. A surprise cameo by Yoo Yeon-seok in the finale adds a dash of star power.
Direction & Aesthetic
Director Park Dan-hee crafts a visual feast, contrasting Seoul’s sterile high-rises with Jeonju’s sun-drenched markets and cobblestone alleys. Food close-ups are shot with sensuous detail—steam rising from a clay pot, hands kneading dough—reminiscent of Little Forest or Midnight Diner. The soundtrack, blending acoustic guitar with traditional Korean instruments, mirrors the story’s balance of modernity and tradition.
While the pacing lags in Episode 7 (focused on corporate subplots), the series regains momentum with a heartwarming third act set during Jeonju’s bibimbap festival. A montage of Beom-woo and Yeon-joo cooking side-by-side, scored to a playful indie track, epitomizes the drama’s charm.
Adaptation & Cultural Nuance
Though not based on existing IP, Tastefully Yours pays homage to Korea’s culinary heritage. Scenes filmed at Jeonju Hanok Village highlight regional specialties like kongnamul gukbap (bean sprout soup) and makgeolli (rice wine), appealing to food tourism enthusiasts. The writers cleverly weave in critiques of fast-food globalization, as when Beom-woo scoffs at instant noodles, only to later appreciate their nostalgic value.
Verdict
Tastefully Yours doesn’t reinvent the rom-com wheel, but its earnest performances and food-centric storytelling make it a standout in 2025’s K-drama lineup. While the corporate rivalry subplot feels undercooked, the central romance—a simmering pot of banter, shared dreams, and hand-chopped kimchi—leaves a satisfying aftertaste.
Where To Watch:
- Netflix