Asian dramas like
Pleasantly Surprised

The drama follows the journey of Su Xiao Ying, a teenager with exceptional taste buds, as she embarks on a culinary adventure alongside the talented chef, Ji Shi. Together, they chase after their dreams, discover the essence of food, and create a heartfelt love story. (Douban)

Mu Zi Hang, a talented wedding caterer, is shocked to find out that the cake she made for her boyfriend is being used to propose to another woman. Outraged, she destroys the cake and is subsequently let go from her job. In need of work, she takes on a job as a delivery driver. Fate intervenes when she crosses paths with Lin Chen, a respected restaurant owner who is impressed by her cooking skills.

Tells the tale of Han Beom U, the heir to a major food corporation, who manages the top upscale eatery in Seoul without any regard for flavor, and Mo Yeon Ju, a chef obsessed with flavor who operates a tiny restaurant with just one table hidden in a remote countryside location. Their relationship blossoms as they run a modest restaurant in the city of Miraek, Jeonju.

The show follows a group of youthful culinary enthusiasts as they face numerous challenges while exploring the mysteries of the red house kitchen, ultimately triumphing over all obstacles to emerge stronger

Ruan Tang possesses exceptional culinary abilities as a passionate food enthusiast. She has a unique talent for uncovering secret recipes and identifying foods within a ten-mile radius using her sense of smell. While she aspires to pursue a career as a food editor, her father hopes she will take over the family restaurant. Wang Moyu, a skilled and cunning male chef, arrives to apprentice under Ruan Tang's father. Recognizing Moyu's deep passion for food, her father decides to impart his knowledge to him. As Ruan Tang and Moyu clash over their differing Eastern and Western culinary backgrounds, sparks fly between them.

Seo Yu Gyeong persevered through the demanding role of kitchen assistant at the upscale restaurant La Sfera for three years, all in pursuit of a chef position. Her fortunes seem to shift when she encounters an attractive stranger on the street, who turns out to be the new head chef at her workplace. However, on his very first day, he dismisses all the female cooks, including Yu Gyeong. Unwilling to abandon her aspirations, Yu Gyeong is determined to reclaim her position, no matter the cost. As she clashes with the new chef, she also strives to absorb his knowledge, leading to unexpected chemistry between them. Complicating matters is Kim San, an appealing patron who is interested in Yu Gyeong and appears to have enigmatic connections to the restaurant, alongside O Sae Yeong, a celebrated television chef and Hyeon Uk’s former lover, not to mention the kitchen rivalries that hinder their emerging romance.

This is a heartwarming tale about Lin Zeyan, who became withdrawn and introspective following an injury to his eyes, and Xia You, a cheerful and optimistic young woman who worked as his maid. Through their interactions, they both found healing and personal growth. Lin Zeyan, previously pessimistic and distant due to his eye condition, gradually rediscovered his zest for life and career as he was influenced by Xia You's positive outlook. Despite facing challenges in her own family, Xia You remained resilient and determined. As she got to know Lin Zeyan, she felt inspired to pursue her own values and goals. Life has no trial period, so we should never limit our potential. The characters in this story experienced significant personal development and change as they learned from their mistakes.

Endowed with a sharp palate, Lin Ke Song possesses a unique talent for identifying the components of any dish with just a single taste. Despite this special ability, cooking has never been her forte, and she never considered pursuing a career in the culinary field. However, everything changes when she meets Michelin-starred chef Jiang Qian Fan. Infatuated with him, Ke Song follows her unrequited love to Shanghai, hoping to win his heart. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she encounters Qian Fan not long after arriving. Intrigued by her extraordinary gift, the renowned chef decides to mentor Ke Song in the kitchen. As they prepare for a cooking competition together, they face numerous challenges along the way. Ke Song struggles to find her place in the culinary world, enduring Qian Fan's demanding training. Despite the difficulties, she gradually hones her skills, gaining newfound confidence and earning Qian Fan's respect. But will her efforts be enough to fulfill her deepest desires?

Fang Jia Hua is an aspiring entrepreneur who dreams of opening a chocolate shop and becoming a chocolate expert. In pursuit of his dream, he decides to leave his family and business behind. Hong Xi En, on the other hand, has been working tirelessly and taking on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. Her life takes a turn when she lands a job working for Fang Jia Hua, where she must disguise herself as a man.

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.

Chef Feng Ming, a contemporary culinary expert, finds himself mysteriously transported back in time to the ancient Dazhao Kingdom. There, he becomes entangled in a power struggle between different factions. Utilizing his exceptional cooking abilities, he aids in safeguarding a local restaurant and forms a deep bond with Cui Yue. As they navigate through obstacles such as a high-stakes cooking showdown, concealed truths, and treachery, they strive to remain united against all odds. (TMDb)

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.

The narrative revolves around an enigmatic cook and his after-hours eatery that operates from midnight until dawn. Each night, the diner showcases the mundane tales of its customers as they converse and enjoy the signature dish.

Japanese cuisine chef Chung Lai Wo has harbored feelings for his childhood friend Ko Yau Mei, who has always dreamed of a career in show business. To help Mei achieve her dream, Wo falsely presents her to the media as "an exceptionally skilled chef of the era". With Wo's support, Mei secures a position as the host of a popular food show. Since Mei lacks cooking skills, Wo offers to assist her, much to the displeasure of his mentor Ko Shau, who is also Mei's father. Despite the success of the food program, Mei faces harassment from her stepsister Ko Yim Lai at work. Yim Lai is seeking revenge on behalf of her mother, who was mistreated by Shau. In an attempt to increase her fame and the show's ratings, Mei exposes the private lives of herself and Wo to the media, resulting in Wo's downfall. Overwhelmed by failure in both his career and relationship, Wo decides to start anew in Japan. Shau, determined to teach Mei a lesson, plans to reveal the truth to the press. Meanwhile, Lai exposes a long-hidden secret of Shau, damaging his reputation in the industry overnight.

Asahi Mikuriya is employed at a photography studio situated close to the ocean. While Asahi once aspired to be a renowned photographer, he now works as a cameraman for weddings and school functions. He had previously been in a relationship with a woman who abruptly ended things. Natsuki Chiyohara enters Asahi's life as a manager at a popular Italian restaurant in Tokyo. When Natsuki's boyfriend breaks up with her at a low point in her life, Asahi is there to capture the moment with his camera. Natsuki eventually becomes a chef at the "House of Sea," located in the same coastal town where Asahi resides, under the supervision of Asahi's former high school classmate. Asahi and Natsuki discover they share a common past and grow closer. Meanwhile, Taniyama, Asahi's former underclassman, harbors feelings for him.

Living life to the fullest involves exploring the diverse cuisines of the world. Renowned chef Han Jie, who operates a restaurant in Europe, decides to honor his commitment to his former mentor by returning to Taiwan to teach culinary arts at Si Ping High School. However, Han Jie's arrival sparks immediate tension with Fang Xiao Rou, the mentor's daughter and fellow culinary instructor at the school. Adding to the mix is Han Jie's close friend Wen Zhen Yu, who also teaches at the school and finds himself vying for Xiao Rou's attention. Meanwhile, Jiang Pei Ying, Xiao Rou's best friend and colleague, harbors her own feelings for the other instructors. Can these four passionate chefs set aside their personal differences to inspire their students with their love for cooking?

Li Yu Zhe is a chef specializing in Western cuisine and has a strong passion for gourmet food. His encounter with the playwright-director Song Jia Ming on a television cooking show reveals Jia Ming's exceptional palate. Despite their initial disagreements, the two eventually find themselves drawn to each other. (TVDb) The series is available in two versions: 53 episodes on TV and 56 episodes on DVD and online platforms.

Supper is a modest Korean eatery located in the rural area near a small train station. Young Shin, a high school junior, deviates from her peers by heading to the market after school to purchase inexpensive ingredients for the diner. The loyal customers who purchased daily meal tickets for $4 and enjoyed a hearty, tasty dinner formed a tight-knit group known as the Supper family. From a young age, Young Shin honed her cooking skills under the guidance of Gyung Soo, the diner's owner. She shared her upbringing with Da Jung, Jung Hoon, and Oh Bok. Jung Hoon relocated to the countryside with his father following his parents' divorce, while Oh Bok was cared for by his grandmother and uncle after being abandoned by his parents. Da Jung and her parents frequented Supper due to their busy work schedules, forging a bond closer than most siblings over the span of 12 years. The entrance of four young individuals into Gyung Soo's life sets the stage for a lively tale of love, friendship, ambition, and forgiveness.

Skilled and mysterious chef Gu Xiao Su competes solo in the prestigious chef tournament held in the imperial city. Along the way, she teams up with restaurant proprietor Qiao Ru Yu to face various culinary tests in different settings like the sea, forests, and a grand exhibition. As they move closer to winning, Xiao Su's undisclosed history starts to come to light, unveiling new discoveries and strengthening their connection.

Li An An, the current proprietor of Golden Chicken, is determined to find a new owner for her family restaurant. Despite her efforts, no suitable buyer has emerged, leaving her with no choice but to revitalize the restaurant herself. Legend has it that a century ago, the restaurant gained fame for a special chicken recipe created by a pair of ill-fated lovers. Over time, the recipe was lost, causing the restaurant to lose its former charm. Now, Li An An must uncover the lost recipe and restore the restaurant to its former glory. (DramaWiki) Ten episodes, each lasting 98 minutes (Taiwan) || Thirteen episodes, each lasting 45 minutes (Mainland China)

Jiang Jie, a skilled young chef, has reached the highest level of traditional Chinese cuisine with his impressive knife skills and cooking talent. He has earned the prestigious Five-Star Kitchen Knife, the most sought-after award in the country for chefs. Currently working at a luxury hotel, Jiang Jie secretly desires a culinary showdown with an older chef known for his legendary skills. On the other hand, the older chef's apprentice, Li Nai, aims to restore her master's reputation by devising a plan to join the hotel's kitchen staff and infiltrate Jiang Jie's inner circle. Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Jie also has a clever strategy to demonstrate his unrivaled expertise in Chinese cuisine. The stage is set for a battle of intellect, emotions, and culinary mastery - who will emerge victorious in this clash?

After the passing of her foster 'grandmother', Yeo Bong Soon leaves her rural mountain village and heads to Seoul in search of her parents. She secures a position as an assistant cook at the canteen of the President's Blue House and later moves to the kitchen there. Bong Soon develops feelings for Jang Joon Won, the highly intelligent son of the President, who is also a doctor; however, he is already married and has a five-year-old daughter. His wife is battling dementia. As Bong Soon finds herself drawn to Joon Won, a love triangle begins to form when Bong Ki, the bodyguard of the President's family, starts to develop feelings for the down-to-earth Bong Soon. The drama delves into Bong Ki's journey of self-discovery regarding his emotions and how Bong Soon's kind nature attracts both men to her.

Orphan girl Fang Yi Shao, known for her culinary talents, is unexpectedly thrust into a marriage with the notorious young master Shen Yong as a replacement bride. Shen Yong had previously rescued her from a kidnapping, earning her gratitude. Using her cooking and martial arts abilities, Yi Shao impresses her new family and eventually wins over Shen Yong. Despite rumors, she firmly believes in Shen Yong's inherent goodness. Through her positive influence, Shen Yong transforms his reckless behavior and strives to establish himself in this charming and humorous tale.

Love exists in various forms. Secret Ingredient narrates the journey of a Korean man who decides to leave behind his opulent lifestyle in Seoul to find his long-lost childhood sweetheart. His ultimate goal is for them to love each other not based on their past or present selves, but on the potential for a joyous, satisfying, and deeply loving future together. (Viu PH)

Yoon Do Gun, a skilled chef, is the mastermind behind Laura Dining, a highly regarded restaurant in South Korea. Despite Yoon Do Gun's efforts in elevating the restaurant's reputation, conflicts arise between him and the restaurant's owner. While the owner prefers crowd-pleasing dishes on the menu, Yoon Do Gun aims to challenge diners with innovative creations. Tensions escalate when Choi Jung Woo, a chef known for replicating successful recipes rather than creating his own, joins the kitchen. Initially at odds, the two chefs eventually develop an unexpected romantic connection as they navigate the pressures of the culinary world.

This romantic comedy for teenagers revolves around a talented chef named Sung Jun, who is regarded as perfect by everyone around him, yet he struggles with matters of the heart. However, his life takes a turn when he encounters a girl who savors every bite of food delightfully, leading him to experience love at first sight.

A man, stripped of his identity and existence, is on a quest for vengeance. To achieve this, he must strive to become an expert in noodle preparation, or a deity in the art of noodles.

Daeryeong Suksu (Eun U), a chef serving the royal family during the Joseon Dynasty, stumbles upon a mysterious doorway one day and decides to step through it out of curiosity. To her surprise, she awakens in the heart of modern Seoul, with no recollection of how she got there. After a period of wandering, she collapses in front of 'Mokojji Kitchen'. Daeryeong Suksu (Eun U) impresses everyone with her exceptional cooking abilities and is eventually hired at Mokojji Kitchen, which quickly gains popularity and attracts a large number of customers. What lies ahead for Daeryeong Suksu (Eun U)? (mokkojikorea.com)

Inspired by the novel of the same title by author Qing Shan Luo Tuo (青衫落拓), the narrative follows a young couple whose love is reignited after a decade apart. In *Flowers Shall Send Us on Our Way*, Wallace plays Lu Fei, an apparent ideal Prince Charming, who unexpectedly meets the headstrong and defiant Xin Chen, portrayed by Jiang Shuying. Despite their differing temperaments, they are irresistibly drawn to each other and eventually fall in love. However, circumstances lead to their separation. It is not until ten years later, when Lu Fei decides to leave his burgeoning overseas business and returns to find Xin Chen, that they reconnect and rediscover the essence of their love.

Yan Xiao Mi, a 26-year-old woman who has been single her whole life, embarks on a journey from her hometown of Weifang to Paris in search of the famous French cuisine celebrity, Shang Dongfang. Along the way, she comes across a quirky culinary school with a long history and eccentric teachers. Among the characters she meets are Oscar, the landlord who is a struggling director, Da Fan Shu, a skilled ramen chef with a pure heart, Su Xiaoyao, a rebellious individual linked to the triads, and, of course, Shang Dongfang. Despite being inexperienced in the culinary world, Yan Xiao Mi receives special attention from her teachers and classmates. However, a sinister plot threatens to ruin the school and everything it represents.

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.

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)

The setting of the drama takes place in the 1970s, a time dominated by poverty but also filled with hope and happiness within families. The main characters are Suk Jin and Chul Jin, two brothers full of youth and spirit, along with Min Joo, Yun Shil's love interest, who face various challenges in life. As they navigate through these obstacles, the drama explores the endless potential of youth, considered the most beautiful phase of life. (SBS)

The head chef Xia Qing You at the stir-fry restaurant has always been inspired by the delicious fried rice her father used to make. She decided to pursue her passion for cooking by learning from Fu Zai Yu, a renowned chef at "Hana's Top Teppanyaki". Xia Qing You is known for her resilience and determination, but her encounter with Fu Zai Yu ends up changing both of their lives in unexpected ways. Each dish they create together holds a special significance, with hidden secrets from two generations waiting to be uncovered.

The story follows the journey of the head chef at the royal palace during the rule of Emperor Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty. Beginning as an unskilled cook with exceptional knife skills, he rises to become the top chef in the palace.

Jun Sakurazawa, aged 27, is highly skilled in her profession, stylish, and enjoys various hobbies, leading a fulfilling life. Her guiding principle is "love is a mere distraction," and she lacks any romantic or male relationship experience. Enter Shuma Nagamine, a strikingly handsome aspiring chef who possesses a deep understanding of women's desires and emotions. Living in the present moment, Shuma is laid-back and nonchalant about love. Despite this, he finds himself drawn to Jun for reasons unknown and decides to approach her. (FujiTV)

Xiao Ju, a cheerful and hardworking young woman, decides to leave her hometown to get married and move to the city. However, upon arriving at her fianc 's house, she is shocked to learn that he has passed away. Despite facing numerous challenges, Xiao Ju perseveres and eventually finds work to support herself. She lands a job at a company where the CEO is known for being cold and distant. Through her kindness and positive attitude, Xiao Ju is able to warm the CEO's heart. While Xiao Ju's main goal is to earn money for her family, complications arise when her late fianc 's nephew develops feelings for her.

Two brothers, raised in different environments, find their lives intertwined when they switch roles - one as a student and the other as a working professional who encounters office lady Tang Shi, leading to a series of unfortunate events. Lu Xiang and Lu Yin are siblings who were brought up separately by their grandmothers due to their parents' circumstances. While Lu Xiang struggles in college, Lu Yin returns as a successful executive from overseas. Unfamiliar with each other's lives, the brothers decide to swap identities briefly. However, a mishap leaves Lu Yin with amnesia, believing he is a physical education student. To save his brother's business, Lu Xiang poses as an executive while Lu Yin experiences the challenges and joys of college life. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Lu Xiang eventually finds love with Tang Shi from the Human Resources department.

A mysterious organization suddenly appeared on the phone application of a regular girl named Chi Xiao Yu who struggles with social anxiety. This agency allows users to easily order a new identity, similar to ordering food for takeout. Chi Xiao Yu decided to use this service to help with her work responsibilities, but ended up unintentionally summoning a demanding CEO who becomes infatuated with her. As Chi Xiao Yu was on the verge of leaving her single life behind, the CEO's carefully crafted persona begins to unravel.

Shokudo Megumi is an oden eatery managed by Megumi, a well-liked ex-clairvoyant who no longer possesses her abilities. Despite this, she continues to assist her regular patrons by offering guidance on their marital issues. Through this support, the clientele of Shokudo Megumi are able to discover contentment.

Yamanaka Konoha, an 18-year-old girl from the rural Kumano area of Wakayama prefecture, comes from a family that relies on forestry for their livelihood. Konoha's mother, Senri, is a teacher of traditional farming methods and local history to tourists, while her father, Ichiro, dreams of opening a restaurant in Osaka. Konoha was raised in the forested hills by her grandfather, Sadamichi, who taught her ranger skills and meditation techniques. With a natural talent for tasting food, Konoha decides to pursue a career as a chef after her grandmother's passing. She joins her father in leaving Kumano for Osaka, where she plans to learn the art of cooking while Ichiro works towards opening his own restaurant.

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

Located in a classic royal dining establishment called Arirang, two women develop their culinary skills by competing against one another.

Set in a rundown, vintage shop known as Old Noodles, this narrative revolves around a family that has operated a noodle factory for three generations. Focused on the world of noodles and the web of relationships tied to it, the tale captures the zest of radish water noodles along with the depth of chopped noodles prepared with chicken broth. This drama seeks to reinforce the family values of a wayward clan that remains united solely for financial gain. (MBC)

“Jo Mi Ryo” is a television series focusing on Mi Ryo, who leaves behind urban life to spend a month on Anbin Island in search of solace from her reality. While on the island, she establishes a restaurant named Mi Ryo’s Kitchen. The series will showcase various aspects of island living, which are not entirely carefree and laid-back. (Soompi)

Qiao Zhi established a dining establishment named "Canteen," drawing on the culinary techniques passed down from his grandfather. With great care, he prepares each dish, infusing it with cultural and historical significance through ancient cooking methods. This approach not only rekindles the nostalgia for traditional cuisine in diners but also aids his family in overcoming challenges repeatedly.

Yeo Gook Dae is a skilled chef known for his cheeky charm, yet he carries the emotional scars of a past divorce. Beneath his bold demeanor and passion for cooking lies a hidden sorrow. However, his heart begins to mend as he starts to experience love once more. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Park Song Ah finds herself at home without a job, feeling lost. At her brother's urging, she visits a homemade dosirak (lunchbox) shop and encounters three appealing men. The beautiful and delicious meals they prepare captivate her, and she finds herself drawn to one of them. This is a delightful and humorous tale of a couple who frequently argue, yet as time passes, their relationship evolves into a sweet, innocent love.