Asian dramas like
The Baking Challenge

On the seventh day of the seventh month each year, a special event takes place at Youlan Lake where the deceased have a chance to come back to life. A eunuch who used to cook for the royal family is transported to the present day and becomes wealthy. Xiao Hao Zi, who comes from a family of royal chefs, is disowned after an accident that leaves him disabled. He is sent to the palace to work as a eunuch and impresses the head chef with his skills, much to the dismay of Da Hu Zi. When Da Hu Zi discovers Xiao Hao Zi's feelings for Concubine Yi, he plots against her, leading to a unexpected turn of events where all three end up in the mystical thousand-year lake. Xiao Hao Zi is saved by a woman resembling Concubine Yi and wakes up in the modern era in the body of Duan Ming Tian. However, complications arise as Duan Ming Tian, the newly appointed heir of a food business, is targeted by his own family members. With his return to the present, Xiao Hao Zi's enemies are bound to cause trouble once again.

In her role as the head of her father's advertising firm, Ma Yoo Hee has earned the reputation of a "witch" due to her relentless and pragmatic demeanor. Following several unsuccessful attempts to find a housekeeper, she unexpectedly collides with Chae Moo Ryong, a former medical student who aspires to be a chef. To repay his debt for damaging her vehicle, he agrees to serve as her housekeeper and personal relationship advisor for a month. Enthusiastically, he revamps her appearance, catching the attention of both her childhood friend, Johnny Kruger, and her first love, Joon Ha. Although he is in a relationship with Sung Mi, Moo Ryong gradually discovers his growing feelings for Yoo Hee.

In the face of life's challenges and unsuccessful relationships, a man and a woman discover comfort on Jeju Island. The woman is in search of healing for her emotional and professional scars, while the man is cautious about opening his heart due to past experiences. Together, they begin to reclaim their warmth and friendliness, striking a balance between intimacy and distance. Their narrative focuses on tackling life's adversities to bring back joy and affection into their lives. Inspired by the selfless love of Gatsby for Daisy, Kun Woo faces hurdles in his quest for his own romantic interest. With a strong desire to help Daisy through her difficulties, he unexpectedly bonds with a straightforward and rough-around-the-edges woman who is unfamiliar with genuine love. Throughout their adventure, Kun Woo's heart begins to soften, infusing their lives with warmth and tenderness.

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.

Upon encountering the talented food journalist Xia Zhi He, Lu Tian Zuo, the proprietor of Zhi Wei Xuan restaurant, mysteriously loses his ability to sense. To unravel this mystery, they agree to a contract marriage. As they grow closer, Xia Zhi He learns that Lu Tian Zuo is already in a relationship. At the same time, Lu Tian Zuo suspects his wife of being involved in a robbery at the restaurant. Will their love withstand these challenges?

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.

Lee Da Hae portrays Wang Xiao Xia, a gifted chef who juggles multiple part-time jobs to support her nephew Yang Guang. When a mistake by real estate agent Chen Hao Jie leaves Xiao Xia homeless after being swindled by her landlord, Hao Jie offers her temporary shelter at his home. Unbeknownst to Xiao Xia, the Chen family owns a prestigious restaurant chain. Misunderstandings lead to Xiao Xia being mistaken as Hao Jie's girlfriend, leading to suspicions from Chen's other son, Hao Feng, about their true relationship.

Happy Noodle follows the story of En Ying, a talented noodle chef, and Zhang Lin, a skilled Chinese fencer. Despite a major misunderstanding, they find themselves falling in love while pursuing their dreams of culinary excellence.

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

The story focuses on the bond between Tsukuyomi, a food enthusiast and skilled chef, and Soyogi, a 27-year-old personal trainer. They have regular meetings where Soyogi rejuvenates herself with Tsukuyomi's dishes, but they have mutually agreed to keep their relationship strictly platonic. (animenewsnetwork.com)

Leng Lie hails from an affluent background and is a highly skilled chef trained at Cordon Bleu, renowned for his exceptional culinary creations. He is widely respected by women and chefs worldwide for his commitment to excellence. However, Leng Lie carries a deep regret in his heart from a past Valentine's Day when singer/songwriter Guan Xiao Shu suddenly rose to fame. Xiao Shu and Leng Lie were childhood friends who shared a close bond until a tragic incident on Valentine's Day changed everything. Despite Leng Lie's attempt to express his feelings, an unforeseen accident left Xiao Shu blind. Feeling guilty, Leng Lie took it upon himself to support Xiao Shu but she refused his advances, not wanting a relationship based on pity. One day, Xiao Shu visited a humble eatery called "Fried Rice with Egg" where she found solace in the simple dish prepared by the inexperienced yet kind-hearted cook Michelin. Despite his limited cooking skills inherited from his father, Michelin had built a reputation in the village by serving a hundred plates of fried rice with egg daily. Meeting Xiao Shu awakened Michelin's hidden talent and allowed him to explore new flavors in both food and love. Michelin's straightforward nature empowered Xiao Shu to embrace a more independent life. Meanwhile, Leng Lie silently supported Xiao Shu as he observed the blossoming relationship between Xiao Shu and Michelin.

A unique love story unfolds between a charming carnivorous man and a woman passionate about cooking, who has decided to avoid romantic relationships

A tale of two individuals who connect through their shared love for cooking and managing a guesthouse. Zhao Xiao Xin, a 24-year-old woman with a passion for food and aspirations of becoming an artist, finds herself at a low point in her life. Feeling lost, she stumbles upon an article promoting the healing power of running a homestay. Intrigued, she decides to visit a uniquely themed guesthouse in hopes of finding solace. To her surprise, she learns that the owner, Fang Da Zhao, is considering shutting down the business. Determined to help, he convinces Xiao Xin to stay and work as a chef to save the guesthouse.

A romantic fantasy unfolds between the offspring of a royal cook and the CEO of a high-end restaurant group. Gu Cong Lai, born into a lineage of cooks, possesses a unique ability to perceive the flavors of food and manipulate emotions through various tastes. By a stroke of luck, Cong Lai crosses paths with Liu Shang Jun, the authoritative head of a prestigious dining empire. Despite Shang Jun's desire to enlist Cong Lai, their conflicting personalities and divergent beliefs lead to a tumultuous love-hate dynamic between them.

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 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.

Fat Tin, a wealthy man's daughter in the Philippines, is concerned about her future due to her weight. Her father tries to arrange a marriage for her with Mak Ka Fai, but Fat Tin is uninterested and flees to Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, she faces criticism for her weight from Tai Hei, a successful designer. Despite their differences, they eventually grow closer due to unexpected events in the Philippines.

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.

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)

The tale of six youths, each holding onto their aspirations, who coincidentally met at a dilapidated inn in Chengdu and collaborated to establish a personalized internet-famous eatery

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.

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?

In the Sales and Planning Department of a hotel, 33-year-old Oshima Chiharu is a dedicated career woman. Chiharu worked tirelessly in her 20s to reach her current position and enjoy a lavish lifestyle. She is determined to not let anyone hinder her professional success or love life. However, her world is turned upside down when 25-year-old Mihara Natsumi challenges her. Despite being underestimated as lacking intelligence, Natsumi proves to be a formidable opponent once she sets her mind to something. Skilled in languages and willing to use her charm to manipulate men, Natsumi is driven by her upbringing in a disadvantaged household and her strong desire to succeed. Understanding that she must outshine Chiharu to advance in her career, Natsumi sets her sights on claiming Chiharu's position.

Picture yourself as a single woman at the age where people typically consider getting married. What qualities would you want in a potential husband? In the past, it was often said that a man should have a high salary, a good education, and be tall. Nowadays, the focus has shifted to qualities like respect for women, low risk, and independence. But let's save that discussion for another time. The real dilemma arises when a young, wealthy, and attractive celebrity suddenly appears before you and asks for your hand in marriage. How would you react? Hasegawa Kyoko portrays Shiraishi Suzuko, a talented and confident female chef, while Koide Keisuke plays Katsuragi Haruki, a naive celebrity businessman. Join these characters in a comedic drama filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Revolved around a baker who is employed at a quaint bakery in the urban area and has some skill in matters of the heart, and a regular customer who visits every Friday to purchase cakes.

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

Gu Da Hai's youngest daughter, who is in her thirties, develops romantic feelings for her graduate instructor, a man who is around the same age as her father, leading to significant complications

Subaru Tendo, the grandson of the president of Fukuten, a prominent apparel company, is a conceited heir who has always been pampered. Despite his luxurious upbringing and good looks, Subaru has never experienced rejection. His self-centered attitude often leads to heartbreak in his relationships. Despite his narcissism, Subaru has a deep understanding of fashion, particularly fabrics and designs. His grandfather eventually forces him to join the company as a new employee and reside in the employee dorms. Madoka Hanakura, his supervisor, is a hardworking and thrifty woman who also lives in the dorms. Subaru is puzzled when Madoka doesn't reciprocate his advances, as he has never faced rejection before. Their conflicting values - Madoka values hard work over status, while Subaru is accustomed to privilege - lead to clashes. As Subaru starts to develop feelings for Madoka, he is determined to win her over, despite her skepticism towards love.

Hwang Ji An is an accomplished footwear designer whose existence is centered around her profession. She is highly protective of her creations, even as they are frequently replicated, inundating the market with inexpensive imitations. Park Tae Kang is a gifted young designer, yet he often appropriates Ji An's concepts for quick profit. After a particularly challenging day for both, they find themselves sharing drinks, which leads to a brief romantic encounter. They vow to avoid each other in the future, but their situation becomes more complex when her company brings Tae Kang on board as a new hire, and Ji An realizes she is expecting his child!

A woman in her forties working as a beautician catches the eye of a young man in his early twenties who works a regular job and soon they develop romantic feelings for each other.

In order to honor her deceased father's wishes, BIN KWAI WOR established a unique coffee shop where she crossed paths with BAO CHI TAI, known as "Tai Chi Bao" (Raisin Bread). TAI, a single father with an 8-year-old son, dreams of becoming the coffee king of Hong Kong. As TAI learned the art of latte-making from WOR, their feelings for each other blossomed, despite facing numerous obstacles. The biggest challenge they faced was overcoming the disapproval of WOR's two mothers, her biological mother MA SZE NGA and stepmother SO MEI, who were against their relationship. With so many hurdles to overcome, how will TAI and WOR navigate their love story and brew a strong and fragrant cup of coffee together?

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.

Seon Woo Hyul, a vampire longing to be human, unexpectedly becomes half-human after awakening one day before completing 100 years of sleep

Yuki Rio, the next in line of an esteemed family in Kyoto, finds herself in an arranged marriage devoid of love at the age of 16 to Takamine Masatomo, a prosperous CEO in the IT industry. Over the span of a decade, their relationship is centered on yearly financial transactions, with minimal communication or face-to-face encounters. Following Rio's relocation to Tokyo, she finally meets her spouse and expresses her desire for a divorce, only to be met with unexpected resistance as he firmly states, "I will not agree to a divorce!" This marks the beginning of a battle of determination between a wife seeking independence and a husband intent on maintaining their union.

A romantic story filled with a mix of sweetness and saltiness follows the life of Moo Young, a chef managing a unique Korean fusion eatery, and Ro In, a college student with a knack for finding delectable dining spots. Their paths cross by fate, leading them to share meals that bring warmth to their hearts.

The narrative illustrates individuals consuming alcohol in solitude for various motivations, alongside the love story of Jin Jeong Seok and Park Ha Na. Both are employed at a private academy in Noryangjin, Seoul, where they assist students preparing for civil service exams. Jeong Seok is a well-liked yet conceited instructor, while Ha Na is a novice teacher facing challenges in the competitive environment of the private education sector.

Lu Yuan worked tirelessly in the United States to achieve the prestigious title of a Michelin 3-star chef. While many view him as a controversial figure, he displays a completely different side when it comes to his loved ones - loyal, kind, and honest. Following a tragic car accident that claims the life of his friend Da Peng, Lu Yuan decides to return to his homeland with Da Peng's ashes, reunite his daughter with her mother, and quietly bid farewell to life. However, his plans are disrupted when he unexpectedly encounters his ex-girlfriend Gan Jing, along with their former classmate Jiang Hao Kun and his younger sister Jiang Lai.

Gu Sheng Nan worked as a commis at the Zijing Hotel, where she was often underestimated in the kitchen. Despite this, she found solace in expressing herself through her cooking and honing her skills as a chef. A misunderstanding with her future boss, the sharp-tongued CEO Lu Jin, put her in a difficult position. Initially skeptical about the hotel, Lu Jin has a change of heart after accidentally trying one of Sheng Nan's dishes. Impressed by her culinary talent, Lu Jin, a passionate food lover and business prodigy, acknowledges her abilities. Despite their differences, the shared love for food brings them closer and forms an unexpected bond that takes them on an unforeseen journey.

Despite recently winning a prestigious Top Actor Award, Bai Yin Mo has faced rumors of being challenging to work with. Due to a string of controversies, he is compelled to take a break in the Kinmen Islands. Li Hai Nuo, the manager of the Seaside Breeze guesthouse, was delighted when Yin Mo made a reservation, as her business was struggling during the slow season. However, Hai Nuo soon realizes that dealing with the superstar is more challenging than expected, as his lifestyle is vastly different from the locals. Despite their initial disagreements, Yin Mo starts to warm up to Hai Nuo after discovering her family background and experiencing the loving atmosphere of her grandmother.

The narrative introduces a fresh cohort of youths raised in Macau, residing in the historic district and grappling with unfamiliar sights

Kanbayashi Megumi, a self-employed writer, has been single for the past five years and is starting to worry about not being married by the time she turns 30 in three months. One day, a friendly magazine editor offers her a proposal. The proposal involves going to restaurants recommended by single men and trying to attract their attention while dining. Since Megumi frequently eats out alone and knows a lot of restaurants, she sees this as an opportunity to enjoy free meals and potentially meet someone special. Excited by the chance to meet men and possibly start a relationship, Megumi agrees to the proposal. She even plans to let herself be won over if she finds someone interesting. Megumi begins to search for men to participate in the project titled "Pick-up meals ~ Take me to a meal!"

Jirou Tamiyamaru, the main character, has a unique fascination with the art of eating that sets him apart from others. The comedic drama humorously showcases his struggles and quirks when it comes to dining etiquette compared to those around him. (ANN)

The narrative follows two individuals with contrasting personalities who serendipitously encounter each other due to chance. Chang Bai Hui is a modest young woman with a discerning palate for cuisine. Fang Zi Tian is a highly acclaimed Chef who could have garnered widespread attention if he desired. Through a series of coincidences, their lives intersect multiple times. Original broadcast: 20 episodes lasting 90 minutes each || Rebroadcast: 32 episodes lasting 40 minutes each

The plot revolves around a romantic tale involving a woman with a boyish demeanor disguising herself as a man and a wealthy young entrepreneur in the food industry. An Shao Cheng, a second-generation owner of a restaurant, is deceived into believing his mother has passed away, leading him to prepare to take over the family business. However, his path crosses with Xin Duo Duo, a seemingly average-looking yet incredibly talented chef, and they fall in love. The drama is available in two versions: 32 episodes lasting 40 minutes each in Mainland China, and 14 episodes lasting 120 minutes each in Taiwan.

Career-driven woman Takanashi Asuka has a traditional aspiration of getting married and being a homemaker. When her longtime boyfriend ends their relationship to focus on his career, she crosses paths with Nanami Ryu, a well-known news anchor at PTV. Asuka and Ryu hit it off, despite his aversion to marriage. Their conflicting desires in life make a romantic relationship seem unlikely, especially since Nanami believes marriage restricts personal freedom and serves as a mere escape for women. "I have no interest in getting married," he declared. Despite their differing views on marriage, Asuka views Nanami as an ideal partner. Thus, the 'Battle of Values' commences.

Koiwa Mimiko runs a family-owned bakery that has been passed down through generations, but finds it challenging to manage everything by herself. Kita Kaoru, who is six years younger than Mimiko, starts working part-time at the bakery. He previously worked as a chef at a renowned restaurant but keeps his past a mystery. Despite his undisclosed background, Kaoru becomes an essential part of Mimiko's bakery and daily life. (

Yan Da Feng is a wealthy, arrogant, and short-tempered young man who is determined to win his grandfather's herbal medicine business by any means necessary, even if it involves breaking the law. However, everything changes when Xie Fu An, a rural herbalist, saves his grandfather's life. Recognizing her as the granddaughter of his first love, his grandfather announces that whoever marries her will inherit the company. In the aftermath of losing her grandmother in a tragic fire, Fu An and her younger brother move into Da Feng's home. Initially planning to marry her solely for the inheritance, Da Feng finds himself falling for her as they spend more time together. Just as their relationship begins to blossom, secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. Available in two versions: 17 episodes on TV or 27 episodes online.

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.

Han Ji Yu, an employee in the marketing department of a liquor company, is interested in partnering with Park Gi Hun, a skilled chef who has a policy against serving alcohol at his renowned restaurant