REVIEW: Bon Appetit, Your Majesty Serves Up Romance, Food, and Pure K-Drama Comfort

Going into this series, I was a little apprehensive. A lot of the period dramas I’ve seen over the years (especially the ones I’ve watched with my mom) have been pretty hit or miss, often failing to live up to the hype they build during their run.

Thankfully, this one hooked me almost immediately. The premise was interesting enough on paper, but the execution is what really won me over — and it’s as carefully crafted as the exquisite cuisine featured throughout the show. Every meal looks mouthwatering, and I genuinely loved the playful visual effects that pop up as characters dig into their food. Just when I thought that gag might start wearing thin, I found myself laughing even harder. There’s a strong sense of whimsy and charm running through the entire series, and it’s incredibly infectious. Even with all the political maneuvering, backstabbing, and palace intrigue, there’s still this comforting, feel-good tone that adds a welcome layer of levity.

Chae-min and Yoon-ah are fantastic together, with chemistry that’s honestly off the charts. The show sticks closely to rom-com conventions, but as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Individually, they’re just as good: he plays the stubborn, grumpy “tyrant” type perfectly, while she brings a joyful, carefree energy that instantly lights up every scene she’s in. I’ve loved both actors in previous projects (Crash Course in Romance and King the Land / EXIT), and it was genuinely satisfying to see that their appeal wasn’t a one-time thing. This definitely made me want to dig deeper into their filmographies.

What really impressed me is how well the show balances its tones. It never loses sight of its romantic comedy roots, but it also doesn’t shy away from leaning into the political intrigue when needed. That combination keeps things lively and prevents the story from ever feeling stagnant or overly fluffy.

All in all, this is a delightful — and often downright hysterical — period rom-com that delivers big on charm while still offering enough intrigue to keep things interesting. Anchored by strong writing and excellent performances across the board, it’s one of those shows that’s just easy to fall in love with.