Asian dramas like
Shinya Shokudo Tokyo Stories

Located in a quaint eatery tucked away in a shopping area, this unique restaurant operates exclusively during the late hours and offers only one dish on its menu. Despite the limited options, patrons are drawn to the establishment for its lively conversations and the owner's eagerness to prepare any meal requested. The show follows the daily lives of various customers, such as a yakuza member, a struggling actor, a group of office workers, a newspaper delivery boy, and a dancer. (Credit: Tokyograph)

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.

Located in a quaint restaurant at the edge of a commercial area, this unique diner operates exclusively during late-night hours and offers a limited menu with only one option available. Despite the lack of variety, patrons are drawn to the establishment for the lively conversations and the owner's eagerness to prepare any dish upon request. Inspired by the manga "Shinya Shokudo" written by Yaro Abe.

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.

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.

Located in a quaint eatery nestled in a shopping area, this unique restaurant operates exclusively during the late hours of the night. Despite offering only one option on the menu, patrons are drawn in by the lively conversations and the chef's eagerness to whip up any dish they desire. The series follows the diverse group of customers frequenting the restaurant, such as a yakuza member, a struggling actor, a clique of office workers, a newspaper delivery boy, and an exotic dancer. (Credit: Tokyograph)

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

The team from the 38th Japanese expedition to the South Pole is currently stationed at the Dome base, which is situated 1,000 km away from the main Showa base at an altitude of 3,800 m. This location is known as one of the most hostile places on earth, with an average temperature of -54 deg Celsius, making it impossible for any living organism or virus to survive. The team consists of seven members, three of whom are researchers and the remaining four are support staff. Despite their different roles, they must coexist in the limited space of the Dome base for a year. The only source of happiness for them is when they gather to enjoy a meal together. Apart from that, they have to endure the starkness, pressure, and anxiety that come with living in such extreme conditions, with no means of escape and only their fellow team members for support.

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.

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.

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?

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.

A tale about four brothers and sisters working together to preserve their mother's traditional recipes.

A young man came back to his native town and decided to open a coffee shop in the historic area. Soon after, the owner of the building where his shop was located returned home with the intention of selling the property to support her boyfriend's business. However, her plan was foiled when the person in charge of her great aunt's will/ property insisted that she complete three tasks with the young man before agreeing to her request. The tasks led them on a journey where they learned about the town's past and its inhabitants. Through this experience, the property owner also developed a fondness for her great aunt's hometown.

Renowned chef An Wen Yu lost his sense of taste following a previous incident. Chef Jin Jin Jin comes into his life with the intention of mastering the An family's recipes. However, wealthy individual Lin Xuan becomes an obstacle for her. Upon returning from studying abroad, Li Xuan is appointed as the senior executive at his father's company, although he is more interested in psychology than his job responsibilities. Lin Xuan plans to utilize his knowledge to assist An Wen Yu in regaining his sense of taste. Despite Wen Yu's aloof demeanor, Lin Xuan's cheerful personality manages to bring a smile to his face.

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?

Hong Na Ri is a dedicated flight attendant who faces a string of unfortunate events following her mother’s death. Soon after, she learns that her long-time fiancé, Jo Dong Jin, is unfaithful, involved with fellow flight attendant Do Yeo Joo. In an attempt to escape her woes, Na Ri decides to return to her mother’s home, where she unexpectedly discovers a charming young man named Go Nan Gil residing there and managing her mother’s dumpling restaurant. To her astonishment, Nan Gil claims to be her father, stating that he married Na Ri’s mother prior to her passing! At the same time, Kwon Duk Bong, a wealthy entrepreneur, seeks to assist Na Ri in reclaiming her mother’s property, which he wishes to develop. Can he aid Na Ri in proving that Nan Gil is a deceitful impostor? (Viki)

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.

Hyun Soo left her job to pursue a career as a television writer, while Jung Sun aspires to be a French cuisine chef and start her own restaurant. As they embark on their journeys to achieve their dreams, they learn that patience, determination, and above all, hope, are essential.

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.

With the slogan "Fast, affordable, and tasty," Tokyo Seimenjo has been offering budget-friendly and delicious udon to patrons since they first opened their doors. Boasting a steady stream of customers and a loyal following, the eatery has become a beloved spot in the community. However, the recent absence of the manager due to maternity leave and the departure of some key staff members has left the remaining team feeling uncertain. Haruto Aoi, Yoshio Midorikawa, Rin Momota, and Setsuko Kimoto are unsure about the next steps without their reliable colleagues. Adding to the challenge, the restaurant's parent company has assigned a new manager, Kotaro Akamatsu, who, although confident in his abilities, lacks experience in the food industry, coming from a background in hotel management.

A comedic story revolves around unmarried middle-aged women known as "sing lui." Heung Gwong Lam is a wealthy bachelor who prides himself on being stylish, attractive, and charming. Working as a creative director at a PR firm, he harbors guilt from past experiences and sympathizes with the "sing lui" who have been left by men and are still searching for love. Determined to transform them from "Left Behind Lady" to "My Prime Lady," he sets out to change their mindset. Things take a turn when Sing Fa Lui, who had a brief encounter with Gwong Lam, shows up at the PR company claiming to be romantically involved with the boss. Using this to her advantage, she rises to a director position, posing a threat to Gwong Lam's career. Just as he's dealing with this situation, another troubled "sing lui" enters the scene, seeking help with her love life. Gwong Lam continues to assist these women in getting their lives back on track. Through twists and turns, Fa Lui realizes Gwong Lam isn't as bad as she thought, while he discovers her genuine nature beneath the facade. Despite his own insecurities, he decides to help Fa Lui become the best version of herself and promote her to others for her happiness.

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.

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.

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.

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nobu is a bar owned by former head chef Yazawa Nobuyuki and his partner Senke Shinobu. This unique establishment is somehow linked to Aiteria, a parallel universe resembling medieval Europe. Nobu has gained popularity for its delicious food and famous Toriaezu Nama beer, attracting customers from different parts of this alternate world. When Ingrid, a witch-like woman with a fondness for alcohol and sweets, arrives at Nobu, she quickly becomes the focus of attention and gossip. Archbishop Rodrigo discovers her presence and plans to capture her and her companions. Nobuyuki and Shinobu, who have narrowly avoided legal issues in the past, now face a difficult choice: protect Ingrid or risk a confrontation with influential authorities.

"Nobu" is a quaint bar situated on a quiet street in Kyoto, offering a unique entrance to the fantasy world of "Aiteria," resembling medieval Europe. Nobuyuki Yazawa, a former chef turned owner of the bar, welcomes visitors from Aiteria, including Shinobu Senke, a charming and intelligent waitress. The bar's signature cold beer "Toriaezu Nama" gains popularity, attracting a diverse clientele from Aiteria such as soldiers, merchants, and nobility, creating a bustling atmosphere at Nobu.

Xia Bing, a 26-year-old woman, lived by the motto "No marriage or children until reaching the age of 30." However, her life takes a surprising twist when she discovers she is pregnant and must confront the prospect of motherhood and marriage with her boyfriend. (TMDb)

Following her graduation from college, Sai Xiao Hua is resolute in her decision to remain in Beijing. Despite securing a job, she experiences a complicated relationship with her employer, Qiao Ma, leading to her dismissal. Subsequently, she opts to launch a small grocery store specializing in organic produce alongside her old classmate, You Liang. (Viki)

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 family's wish on a wishing tree to stay together forever comes true as they journey through different dynasties and historical events, eventually settling in the modern world. Yau Nim Chi now owns a HK style cafe named "Tung Mut Yuen" (which sounds like "Zoo" in Cantonese). Chi, a former police officer, married cafe owner Kam Wah and took on the role of caring for his three children from a previous marriage. Despite not being their biological mother, the children - Kam Nin, Kam Yuet, and Kam Yat - consider Chi as their own and the family lives harmoniously. Following Wah's passing, Chi assumes the role of both mother and father alongside Wah's sister Kam Sa Sa, continuing to run the cafe and enjoying a comfortable life. Eighteen years later, the children have grown up and achieved success in their own endeavors.

This is a tale about individuals with diverse aspirations, dreams, and strategies to accomplish their goals. Each person possesses unique perspectives on life, career, and relationships. Lok Tien Sung is the offspring of the affluent Ko Hung, while Seung Hei is a regular office worker who coincidentally moves into Tien Sung's residence. Lam Oi Mei and Hong Ching hold leadership positions in large companies. Tien Sung and Seung Hei later join the same firm and develop a close friendship. Amy faced the loss of both her parents at a young age, teaching her the value of money and leading her to resort to deceit and deception for financial gain. Despite Hong Ching's deep affection for her, Amy considers him insufficiently wealthy. Upon discovering Tien Sung's affluent background, Amy employs various tactics to win his love.

What happens to men when they reach the age of forty? What goes through their minds? How does their lifestyle evolve? Their relationships, concerns, challenges, and hidden truths... This story follows three men in their forties as they navigate the complexities of life: struggles with romantic relationships, career aspirations, and various other aspects of their lives. Each man has a unique narrative that intertwines with the others, leading to an unexpected conclusion.

Mung Ka Ka, Cho Mei Ngoh, and Hilary Ding Mui Hong are close friends who have a deep understanding of parenting. They offer guidance to Ko Wing Kuen on raising his daughter, emphasizing the importance of actions over mere words. As they navigate through this journey, they uncover potential hidden activities by their spouses.

According to popular belief, having an older family member at home is considered a valuable asset. However, in reality, many seniors often experience discrimination. The five main elderly characters in this show exemplify this, as they are frequently underestimated by their relatives, friends, and colleagues. After a chance meeting, they band together and form The Wicked League to seek revenge on those who have mistreated them. Through light-hearted dark humor, this series sheds light on the challenges faced by elderly individuals in today's society, aiming to encourage viewers to show more compassion and respect towards the elderly in their own lives.

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

Life is frequently compared to a theatrical production, with individuals as the leading actors in their own stories. It is important for everyone to have their own unique experiences to share. However, some individuals fail to recognize this and end up living in the shadows, much like our protagonist. Orphaned at a young age, she has simply accepted whatever life has thrown her way. This changes when she crosses paths with a veteran Shakespearean actor who is facing personal challenges in his role as a manager. A special bond forms between them, resembling that of a family. This heartwarming comedy is filled with struggles, humor, witty exchanges, and love.

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.

Misako Yoneda, a 56-year-old mother-in-law, continues to behave like a daughter-in-law despite her age. When her son reveals his plans to marry Natsuko Fujisaki, a 35-year-old woman who enters their family through marriage, the dynamics of the well-known rice cracker shop change. This is a tale of the joyous and emotional moments shared between the two women - the mother and her daughter-in-law.

Kurosaki Yoriko, aged 32, finds herself without a partner, without companions, and without employment. As she embarks on living independently for the first time, she discovers a whole new world around her. Follow along as this story unfolds, showcasing the minor events that take place within a 7-minute stroll from her apartment.