Asian dramas like
Midnight Foodstore

In the quiet hours of the evening, a chef at a cozy restaurant provides comfort to patrons with his flavorful creations. As a result, visitors flock to this nighttime spot to enjoy a meal and find solace in having their life challenges eased.

Having spent a year at a local Italian eatery in his hometown of Fukuoka, Ban Shogo, a confident and eager college student, decides to further hone his culinary abilities by venturing to Tokyo to work as a chef specializing in Italian cuisine. Upon his arrival, he realizes the extent of his knowledge gaps and faces the challenge of proving himself to the fast-paced and highly competitive team at the high-end Italian restaurant.

A restaurant that operates late into the night begins service at midnight and shuts its doors at 7 a.m. The proprietor and head chef prepares any dish that patrons request.

Toko operates a cozy eatery called Snack Kizutsuki. The establishment specializes in snacks and does not offer alcoholic beverages. She warmly greets patrons who may be burdened with emotional scars.

The series portrays Oizumi as the supervisor of a yet-to-open diner in Chigasaki, Kanagawa. Different individuals are featured in each episode as they visit the restaurant. This NTV show is a unique joint effort with Japanese rock group, Southern All Stars, and talent agency, Amuse, to commemorate Southern All Stars' 30th anniversary and NTV's 55th anniversary. A total of 33 songs by Southern All Stars serve as the inspiration for each episode in the series.

Kitada Gaku, with a natural talent for mathematics, once aspired to be a mathematician but eventually abandoned his dream. Feeling aimless, he crosses paths with the brilliant chef Asakura Kai, who introduces him to the world of cuisine. Gaku joins Asakura Kai's prestigious two-star restaurant K, where chefs from various backgrounds collaborate and learn together. Immersed in this environment, Gaku not only hones his culinary skills but also creates unique recipes inspired by mathematical concepts.

"Ikkoken" is a unique eatery resembling a Chinese restaurant, discreetly located in a narrow alleyway

French chef Jin Pai partnered with his friend Wu Cheng Xin to open a French eatery. Unfortunately, Wu Cheng Xin abruptly left, leaving Jin Pai struggling with financial difficulties. He was forced to give up half of the restaurant to cover unpaid staff wages and rent. Just as things were starting to look up for the family business, Jin Pai's grandmother fell ill.

Heaven's Door used to be a well-liked upscale dining establishment, but the patronage has dwindled since new management took over. Chie Ariga, a high school student working part-time at the restaurant, finds herself with very few customers to attend to. As the owner contemplates closing down the business, a surprising array of customers start showing up. Oda Nobunaga? Cleopatra? Napoleon? Every week, the staff must cater to a different renowned historical figure.

Yoshimi Iida, a quiet office employee, eagerly anticipates Wednesdays without extra work so she can indulge in ordering gourmet food items from various regions through mail-order services and having them delivered by a courier

This drama is a spin-off from Grand Maison Tokyo, focusing on the story of Hirako Shohei. A 3-minute summary of each episode is shown at the conclusion of every episode of Grand Maison Tokyo. Three years prior, Shohei was an apprentice under Chef Obana Natsuki. Currently, he is employed as a chef at a buffet restaurant within a luxury hotel. Despite his engagement to Ebina Miyu, Shohei's feelings are conflicted by his connection to Patissier Matsui Moe.

Kashiwagi possesses a unique gift of foreseeing the fates of couples. Despite her own struggles in love, she is able to witness the different outcomes of relationships at the cafe where she works alongside Sano and Konno, who specialize in ending relationships. As Kashiwagi observes the varied endings of these relationships, she gains insight into the true meaning of love and learns valuable lessons that contribute to her personal growth.

Bar Lemon Heart is back for another season, with the Master bartender tackling a customer's personal issues each week, all while impressing with his extensive expertise in wine and liquor.

In the series Wakakozake, we meet Murasaki Wakako, a 26-year-old office worker who has a passion for delicious food and beverages. Wakako enjoys unwinding after work by exploring different eateries and bars on her own, seeking out new culinary experiences. When she finds the ideal combination of food and drink, she expresses her satisfaction with a cheerful "Pshuuu." So, where will Wakako be dining tonight?

Bottakuri is a cozy bar situated in the quiet outskirts of Tokyo. Sisters Mine and Kaoru run the establishment, taking over from their deceased parents, serving delicious meals and sake. Along with their loyal patrons, the sisters engage in resolving minor issues and exchanging insights over food and drinks. This story is inspired by the web novel "Izakaya Bottakuri" by Akikawa Takimi.

After a tragic incident, three former classmates from art school come together after a long time. They each have a unique connection to the deceased man, including his ex-girlfriend, the manager of a rugby club he belonged to, and his ex-boyfriend. As they navigate their own struggles, the trio starts meeting up and sharing meals. Oda Chiharu had landed her dream job as a designer but left due to workplace bullying. She now finds joy in cooking for others, while indulging in convenience store meals when alone. Nakamura Seiko works in the PR department of a cosmetics company and feels pressured by her family's belief that marriage is a must. Her engagement is abruptly called off by her fiancé, who also works in the same company. Amagai Eiji, who used to work as a designer in an advertising agency, is now feeling lost after being transferred to the sales department. He grapples with his identity as a gay man, which he has not yet disclosed to his parents.

This tale offers a calming and intellectually stimulating glimpse into the tranquil daily routine of Jun and Yoshio, a married couple who have shared many years together. It showcases their traditional Japanese seasonal cooking and their leisurely strolls to well-known spots in Tokyo.

At 25 years old, Kurumi Ichiki has already experienced living in France during her youth. Upon returning to Japan, she found employment as a waitress at a prestigious traditional restaurant. Known for her culinary skills, Kurumi catches the attention of Prime Minister Ato Ichiro and Executive Secretary Koga Seiji, who are in search of a cook for the prime minister's residence after 70 years. Seiji recognizes Kurumi's natural talent for cooking during an encounter and offers her the position. Despite initial hesitation, Kurumi accepts the job and begins working at the prime minister's residence. However, she faces challenges in a difficult environment with the head chef and his team at the official residence's restaurant.

Children are facing a challenging environment due to the ongoing restrictions in place to limit the spread of the new coronavirus, leading to an increased risk of abuse while spending more time at home. How can we and society support them during this difficult period? Sakura, who grapples with making oyakodon (a dish with chicken and egg), offers us a clue through her alternating acts of kindness and strictness.

Eisuke used to play bass in a rock band before deciding to take over his family's French restaurant. The plot of the show will revolve around a love triangle, with Kuninaka and Takimoto vying for Eisuke's affections. Maris, Eisuke's older girlfriend who works at a bank, is surprised to learn about his career change and feels uncertain about their relationship. Chie, a 20-year-old college student from a farming background, initially had a negative opinion of Eisuke but starts to develop feelings for him after tasting his culinary skills. Tokio, the owner of a rival French restaurant, used to admire Eisuke's mother's restaurant but took advantage of her passing to acquire Eisuke's family business. Aware of Eisuke's talent as a chef, Tokio sees him as a competitor. Eisuke's former bandmates from ROCKHEAD are now assisting him in running the restaurant.

Seino, a manga creator residing in Tokyo, suddenly becomes aware of numerous towns on the map that he has never encountered

Based on the manga "Chocolat" by the author Kubonouchi Eisaku.

The tale commences with the burial of Kazetaro, the spouse of Hanazono Kurumi, who oversees a construction business. Kazetaro struggled with tasks related to the business, leading to failures despite being part of the family trade. However, he excelled in cooking and took on the role of a homemaker. Unfortunately, after a disagreement with Kurumi, he tragically passed away by drowning in the river. Left behind was a hefty debt of 10 million yen. Kurumi decided to open a dining establishment using Kazetaro's cooking tools and seasonings, despite her own lack of culinary skills. Kazetaro's spirit became her guiding force during this challenging time.

Ando Natsu, with aspirations of becoming a pastry chef, faces unemployment when the shop owner unexpectedly passes away. She travels to Tokyo in hopes of finding a job at a bakery, but discovers that the hiring period has already ended with no vacancies. It is during this time that she meets the renowned Japanese bakery "Mangetsudo" for the first time. The bakery is managed by the experienced pastry chefs Umekichi, Takezo, and Mitsuko, who are in need of a part-time employee. Through a series of fortunate events, Natsu secures a position at Mangetsudo. While her initial role is to assist customers, Natsu becomes intrigued by the world of Japanese sweets. Accustomed to working in cake shops, she finds everything at Mangetsudo to be fresh and captivating, gradually immersing herself in the intricacies of Japanese confectionery.

The series follows the journey of Ritsu, a young boy who takes on the responsibility of looking after his two younger siblings while their mother is in the hospital. As he cares for them, Ritsu explores his talent for cooking and becomes enamored with the art of culinary creation. However, his life takes a turn when he learns that he is not biologically related to his family. (

TV series based on the popular manga created by Mitsutoshi Furuya.

Wada Masao is employed by a division of a technology company and spends his weekends playing the bass guitar. He is described as earnest and awkward in his interactions with others, particularly with girls, as he has not had a girlfriend for over 3000 days. Masao's typical day involves cooking tasty meals in the kitchen while engaging in conversations with his imaginary partner. (Japan Program Catalog)

Mendo Tsuyu, an office worker known for her aversion to cooking, relies on a magical all-purpose seasoning to create quick and tasty noodle soup dishes effortlessly. Follow her journey as she whips up delicious meals with minimal effort using the versatile "menu" seasoning. This delightful tale is inspired by the manga series "Mentsuyu Hitori Meshi" by Setoguchi Mizuki.

The taste of food can vary depending on the company, location, and emotions involved. An elegant food stall, featuring three colors, operates exclusively on weekday evenings within the temple premises. A new store, set to open this spring, promises a captivating experience for visitors. The stall is managed by Shota, a skilled French chef who has mysteriously lost his ability to taste and smell, and Terumoto, a former monk with a refined palate but lacking cooking skills. Struggling in their respective careers and facing pivotal moments in their lives, the two men unexpectedly join forces.

The narrative follows a dry goods merchant who enjoys sampling different restaurant dishes during his breaks from work.

The manga depicts a touching tale of the relationship between dietary assistance robots and the individuals they serve. Customers at the Food Company franchise can redeem points for a 25-centimeter robot at the chain store to help them with their dietary requirements.

Haru is employed at a university library and has a casual approach to meals, preferring to stay updated on her favorite manga using her smartphone. Feeling disheartened by the constant expressions of sympathy she receives, Haru seeks solace at her usual drinking spot one evening. There, she meets Ao-kun, a gender-neutral individual, and they quickly form a strong connection. Spontaneously, they decide to live together, but the condition is that they must prepare lunch boxes for each other.

Mei Benikawa, aged 28, is employed in the public relations sector of a beauty company. She is not only attractive but also excels in her role, leading to her promotion as the head of the public relations team at a young age. Mei's colleagues sometimes envy her, spreading rumors that she strictly adheres to a healthy diet to maintain her looks. However, in reality, Mei indulges in alcohol alone at a budget-friendly chain eatery on her way home from work as a way to reward herself for her hard work. This solitary indulgence serves as motivation for Mei to face the challenges of the next day.

In a hidden corner of a bustling street lies a cozy diner called Meshiya, operated solely by its proprietor. Known as the "late-night diner," it serves customers from midnight until 7 am the next morning. The menu features a simple selection of miso soup with pork and vegetables, along with beer, sake, and shochu. Embracing a philosophy of "doing what can be done," a diverse array of patrons frequent the establishment. The interactions between the owner, cuisine, and clientele are both lighthearted and poignant.

After retiring, Kasumi Takeshi is slowly adjusting to his new lifestyle

Fuji Yu, a skilled internal medicine physician working at a university hospital in Tokyo, once believed that medical care was solely about advanced equipment and technology due to the challenges of university hospital environments. However, a reunion with her former mentor reignited her passion for helping others overcome illness. Feeling uncertain about her identity, Yu made the bold decision to leave everything behind and join a clinic on Teuri Island, Hokkaido, recommended by her mentor. This story is based on the manga series "Aozora Clinic" by Karube Junko.

Based on the manga released by Futabasha Publishers, Ltd.

Akari's biological mother hails from Osaka. In order to delve deeper into her roots, she relocates to Osaka to reside with her grandmother. It is revealed that Akari's grandmother shut down the okonomiyaki eatery following the departure of Akari's adolescent mother. Subsequently, Akari takes it upon herself to revive the okonomiyaki restaurant and launch the business independently.

Taking place in the early 1980s, Moyuru is a student attending an art school in Osaka. Fueled by passion and ambition, he dreams of becoming a manga artist and is filled with confidence in his talents. Morinaga Tonko, a senior at the school and manager of the badminton team that Moyuru is a part of, watches over him. As summer vacation approaches, Moyuru makes a bold choice to bring his manga creations to a publishing house in Tokyo.

Ametani Kantarou is a good-looking, glasses-wearing single man employed at a publishing firm. Despite being viewed by his coworkers as a reliable and efficient employee, he actually often skips work to indulge in eating desserts. (mangaupdates) Derived from the manga "Saboriman Ametani Kantarou" written by Tensei Hagiwara and illustrated by Abidi Inoue.

Usui Sachi, an office worker, seems to attract misfortune just like her name suggests. She is constantly busy with odd tasks at the events company where she is employed, leading her to rely on convenience store meals as a daily routine. One day, while at the convenience store, Sachi accidentally bumps into Karamaru Atsushi who takes her to a temple to make amends by treating her. Karamaru is in training to eventually run the temple. At the temple, Sachi meets the head priest Gendo and university student Ogi Takenori, who is there to learn about the temple's shojin cuisine. Through the meal, she learns about the importance of having proper meals. Inspired, Sachi attempts to cook at home for the first time in a long time, which leads to subtle changes in her daily life. This story is based on the manga by Kanemori Ayami.

Amamiya, Nakauchi, and Kobayashi were former classmates in high school. Amamiya was the class president and excelled academically, while Nakauchi was known for his love of cooking and reserved nature. Kobayashi, on the other hand, was a charming ladies' man. A decade later, fate brings them back together. Nakauchi, now a promising chef, had to leave his job due to losing his sense of taste. He meets Amamiya, who now works as a bartender at the Three Star Bar in Tokyo's Nishi Ogikubo District. Kobayashi, who initially found success as a writer but is now struggling, inherited the bar from his grandfather under the condition that he and Amamiya finish all the canned food in the pantry. Together, they convince Nakauchi to join them as their chef. The trio proves to be a hit with customers, with Amamiya mixing cocktails, Kobayashi offering advice, and Nakauchi showcasing his culinary skills. As the stocked canned food starts to dwindle, what challenges will they face?

Ikeda Sakiko, a newcomer in the professional world, is finding it challenging to stay on top of her workload. To treat herself for her efforts throughout the week, Sakiko enjoys preparing intricate meals at home or dining at unique restaurants. (DoramaWorld.blogspot.com)

Ikeda Yoshimi, a 28-year-old editor of a literary publication with a passion for otome games and attractive men, finds herself tasked with overseeing a gourmet magazine despite her struggle with consuming very small meals. Surprisingly, she discovers that her appetite increases when dining with handsome men, leading her to seek out "handsome rice" to enhance her dining experience. (Oricon)

Jun and Yoriko, who reside in the same apartment, are a couple with hectic work schedules. They cherish Sundays as the only day they can be together. Yoriko surprised Jun by deciding to try "smoke" cooking one day. The couple enjoyed preparing the food together, eagerly waiting for it to be ready, and happily eating together, relishing every moment they spend in each other's presence.

The story revolves around the connection between Enomura Haruka, a blunt and cruel writer of erotic novels, and Nakata Miruku, a lively and submissive manga artist, who admire each other's creations. Their relationship develops as they share a love for ordering tasty food through mail delivery. (News Yahoo)

The dilemma lies between choosing to work or to dine. The narrative revolves around Kiyomi, a young woman in college, who joins the staff of a cozy, family-run eatery and contributes to creating dishes tailored to each customer's taste. (tvtime.com) Based on the manga "Atari no Kitchen!" by Shirono Yuki.