Asian dramas like
The Last Cook

Taking place in the Ming dynasty under the Yongle Emperor's reign, the story follows a young girl named Yao Zi Jin, who joins the palace as a maid in the food bureau. Despite the challenges within the palace walls, she remains steadfast and gradually climbs the ranks while honing her skills, forming friendships, and experiencing an unexpected love story. Her romance with Zhu Zhan Ji not only adds a touch of drama, but also highlights the historical accomplishments and personal lives of three remarkable Ming emperors. The show paints a vivid picture of a lavish Forbidden City filled with warmth, companionship, romance, and humanity.

A tale of a talented swordsman who encounters various challenges instilled in him a strong sense of righteousness and genuine compassion for common people. Sakazaki Iwane is a masterless samurai spending his days leisurely in Edo. Previously, he was a promising heir to a prominent family in Bungo until tragedy struck in their domain, resulting in the deaths of his two close friends. One of his friends was killed by Iwane on the orders of the domain lord's top retainer. Distraught, Iwane left his hometown for Edo, leaving behind his fiancée who was the sister of the friend he had to slay. As he delves deeper, Iwane uncovers a plot behind his friends' deaths and works towards reforming his domain. (NHK)

In the second season, the storyline takes a darker turn as the princes compete for the vacant seat of the Crown Prince. Despite Crown Prince Yin Reng losing power, Nian Shu Yuan stands by his side. When Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang falls seriously ill, they leave the palace to pray for her recovery. Their sincerity moves Kang Xi, who reinstates Yin Reng as Crown Prince after the First Prince's conspiracy is exposed. Meanwhile, war hero Nian Geng Yao returns with increased military and political influence. Even the secretive Fourth Prince begins to make a move towards claiming the throne.

Consort Shun expressed her discontent with her elder sister Consort Yu by spreading rumors about her within the palace. The nanny, Sheung Ling, had ulterior motives as she pretended to help uncover the truth for others, when in reality she was scheming for personal gain. She managed to earn Consort Yu's trust and they became close friends. The arrival of Kunqu Opera artist Ko Lau Fei and FaDan Wan Chau Yin stirred up emotions among the women in the palace. Feeling threatened by Consort Yu interfering with her plans, Shun devised a cunning scheme. Unexpectedly, she found herself entangled in a complicated relationship with Ling and Fei. To further manipulate her sister, Shun enlisted the help of fortune-teller Tung Kat Hoi, who was seen as eccentric by the public but was privy to the true madness within the Forbidden City.

Taking place during the early Qing dynasty, the plot centers on the love affair between Dorgon and Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang. (Wikipedia)

Determined to become the best royal chef in the world, young cook Ling Xiao Xiao impressed prince Zhu Shou Kui with her culinary skills and landed a job in the palace's delicacy room. Despite facing challenges from King Jin, Concubine Li, and the Queen, Ling Xiao Xiao, with the prince's support, overcame each crisis with her exceptional cooking abilities and kindness. She gained the trust of the palace residents and the affection of prince Zhu Shou Kui. However, as the future crown princess, the emperor prohibited her from entering the kitchen. Ling Xiao Xiao made a tough choice to pursue her dreams and left the palace to open her own restaurant. The question remained: would the prince choose duty and family, or his true love?

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.

Master Long and his loyal friend Fang Xiu Cai come together to help their village during a severe outbreak. They later uncover that Madam Long and Master Long are responsible for the disease outbreak. The wicked duo then kills Master Long and blames Fang Xiu Cai for the epidemic, resulting in the demise of the entire Fang family except for Fang Xiu Cai's young son. In a twist of fate, Fang Xiu Cai's son is mistakenly switched with the Long family's son. The true heir of the Long family is raised by the Guan family, while Fang's son grows up in the Long family's care.

During the Qing Dynasty, a princess witnesses the downfall of her family. She navigates through challenging circumstances and grows into a successful businesswoman. Tong Yu Wan, despite her royal background, represents a new wave of empowered women in the Republican era. Her affection for Zhou Ting Chen develops after he saves her from danger, but she is ultimately married off to Du Yun Tang, the son of a wealthy businessman, by her parents. Du Yun Tang may seem carefree on the surface, but he proves to be a valuable and strategic business partner for Yu Wan. Meanwhile, Zhou Ting Chen becomes involved in revolutionary activities, while his friend Li Shao Feng poses as the only son of the Li family and offers his sister Li Xue Mei to warlord Shen Zhi Pei. At the same time, Li Shao Feng works for a Japanese company and becomes a fierce competitor to the Du family in the race for development projects. Yu Wan finds herself entangled in complex relationships with various individuals in her life, including her lover Zhou Ting Chen, husband Du Yun Tang, friend Li Xue Mei, foe Li Shao Feng, and twins Qing Ping and Hong Yu.

A tale depicting the challenges faced by Huang Xiao Hua, a retired soldier and member of the Communist party, from her youth at 18 to her old age at 80. Following the Chinese victory in the Anti-Japanese Occupation war, Huang Xiao Hua settles down in a peaceful farming village. She attracts the attention of two young men - war hero Wei Shou Gen and party branch secretary Tan Shan Tang - who both vie for her affections. Forced to flee, Huang Xiao Hua disguises herself as a man and relocates to a different village. There, she meets military leader Zhao Jing Song and joins the military as a medical worker. The two develop a romantic relationship, but Huang Xiao Hua is injured in battle and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, she embarks on a quest to find her lover, only to discover that he has passed away. She then dedicates herself to caring for his children until they come of age.

During the summer of 1920, there was a devastating flood that affected four counties, including Wenling and Zhejiang. In the midst of this chaos, some individuals sought to profit while others struggled to survive. Lin Bi Jun, a skilled female locksmith, escaped to Suzhou with her adoptive father in order to stay alive. Known for her intelligence and knack for fixing and unlocking things, Lin Bi Jun believed she and her father could build a comfortable life in Suzhou. However, her plans took a drastic turn when she was framed and faced execution. In a twist of fate, Lin Bi Jun found herself awakening in a luxurious room with a wealthy man in the north. As she delved deeper into the situation, she discovered a plot involving her sister and a foreigner to smuggle valuable minerals overseas for profit. Influenced by Marxist ideas from a progressive youth named Qian Zhong Jie, Lin Bi Jun was determined to protect the town's resources from exploitation. Through a series of events, she was able to persuade her sister to change her ways and together they worked to safeguard the town's valuable minerals.

This period drama series from China follows the story of a well-known merchant family involved in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine towards the end of the Qing dynasty

In Wangsha Village, Macau, a determined young man named Lin Wei Liang courageously revolted against colonial authority by assassinating Shavard, the Portuguese colonial governor of Macau, thus symbolizing Macau's fight for independence

A television series depicting the dreams, challenges, and victories of Nu Er Ha Chi, the founder of the Qing Dynasty. It follows his journey from a humble soldier to successfully overthrowing the formidable Ming Dynasty. (DramaWiki)

The fourth part of the "Mi Shi" series offers a fictionalized portrayal of Kang Xi's journey to ruling independently, including romantic entanglements and intense moments. Following the death of Regent Suo Ni in the eighth year of Emperor Kang Xi's reign, Kang Xi sees a chance to establish his authority. During a visit to a minister's home, Kang Xi meets and falls for Qing Ge Er, the lovely daughter of Ao Bai. Unaware of Kang Xi's true status, Qing Ge Er tries to resist his advances. Nalan Xing De, the brave and skilled son of Minister Nalan Ming Zhu, intervenes to protect her, provoking the displeasure of the Emperor. This initial confrontation sets the stage for both competition and eventual mutual admiration.

After being transported back in time to the palace as an abandoned concubine, Jiang Xiao Xiao gained attention for her exceptional culinary talents. Despite winning the chef competition with her dish "Phoenix Singing Four Seas", she was relocated to a different area. Jiang Xiao Xiao faced challenges but utilized her cooking skills to enhance her life and even helped the prince Gu Chang Qing overcome his anorexia. Through her intelligence and culinary expertise, Jiang Xiao Xiao navigated the palace, earning respect and discovering hidden secrets. Will she succeed in the power struggle and culinary competition within the palace to become a true princess?

Taking place in Qing Dynasty Twatutia from 1868 to 1888, this drama centers around key historical events such as the Sino-French War of 1883 to 1885 and the Mudan Incident of 1874. Zhi Kuan, a member of a well-known family, manages a successful herbal medicine shop and tea plantations. The harmony of Zhi Kuan and his wife Li Jun's marriage is tested when his former lover Yu Juan, who is a spy for the king, resurfaces after 20 years, along with Zhi Kuan's daughter Xin Lan.

Luo Qing Chuan, a contemporary young woman with a passion for history, finds herself transported back in time to the period of Emperor Kang Xi in the Qing dynasty. She gets entangled in the power struggle among the princes vying for the throne and is torn between her affection for Yin Si, the eighth prince, and Yin Zhen, the fourth prince who will become Emperor Yong Zheng. As she navigates through the political scheming, her intelligence and historical knowledge become crucial in her survival, revealing to her the harsh realities of history that are often glossed over in books. (DramaWiki) Unofficially adapted from the novel "Bu Bu Jing Xin" by Tong Hua. Two versions available: 39 episodes (TV) || 35 episodes (DVD)

In the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Zhao of Han, who was just eight years old, is rescued from the desert cold by a girl named Huo Yun Ge. Ten years pass, and Huo, now a beautiful young woman, still remembers the boy she saved. Unfortunately, the emperor has moved on with a new love named Xu Ping Jun, leaving Huo heartbroken. She later meets Meng Jue, a handsome man, and becomes entangled in power struggles in the imperial palace. This story is inspired by Tong Hua's novel "Song in the Clouds."

The tale follows the Fire God, the Wind Goddess, and their blossoming relationship as they face peril to protect their homeland. Millennia ago, a stunning planet inhabited by deities thrived in the cosmos. Among them were six mighty gods, such as the Fire God, Wind Goddess, and Mountain God, who upheld peace in their realms. In a fierce battle against dark forces, the deities suffer a devastating setback. The Wind Goddess goes missing after rescuing the Fire God. To find a new energy source to safeguard their world, the Fire God ventures to the illustrious Tang Dynasty era, where he encounters a person bearing a striking resemblance to his lost love, the Wind Goddess, sparking a complex romance between them.

Wong Fei Hung, a renowned figure of his era, is both a skilled martial artist and a revered hero. As a doctor at Po Chi Lam, a clinic in Canton, he has rescued numerous individuals, yet he is compelled to utilize his combat skills to protect the community.

Lin Sui Sui finds herself in the fragmented narrative of My Fair Princess, where she takes on the role of a maid in the Empress’s palace. In order to go back to her own world, she is tasked with mending the storyline, but unforeseen challenges posed by an enigmatic guard jeopardize her efforts.

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.

This narrative portrays the sorrowful tale of Nalan Rong Ruo, a Manchu poet whose poems mirror the heartbreaking love stories he encountered in his brief life.

The drama takes place in 1925 and follows the life and romantic relationship of a woman named Chun Mei during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. Through Chun Mei's story, the audience is exposed to the emotional narratives of the Taiwanese people during this historical period.

The narrative follows Lin Chu Ning, a girl orphaned during the Republican era, who mistakenly thinks her close friend Xiao Rou was killed by the notorious playboy Lu Si Yen. Seeking vengeance, she disguises herself as a member of the Lu family, taking on the identity of Lu Si Yen's twin sister in order to infiltrate the Lu household and execute her scheme.

In "Ta De Wei Zhuang," Lin Man Ge, a determined and intelligent medical student, infiltrates the Lu family to seek revenge for her friend Lan Lan's mysterious and untimely death. She ends up betrothed to the eldest son during her mission. However, her plans are thwarted by the cunning second son, Lu Hao Ran, leading to a series of conflicts and retaliations. Through their interactions, Lin Man Ge discovers Lu Hao Ran's genuine nature and commitment to justice hidden behind his facade. The initial distrust between them evolves into mutual trust and eventually blossoms into love, culminating in the revelation of truth and the delivery of justice.

During the early years of the Republic of China, Su Man Li, a substitute dancer at the XianYuess Club, meets Chen Bi, a lady from a prominent family who has lost her loved ones tragically, as she seeks justice for her father's murder. Assuming Chen Bi's identity, Su Man Li approaches Yang Zi Qin, a member of the Haitang Society, to investigate the truth behind the massacre of the Chen family. Upon discovering Yang Zi Qin's real identity, the trio teams up to confront the mastermind responsible for the tragedy.

During the transition from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, the Lin family, once wealthy, faced sudden destruction. The lone surviving daughter, Lin Meng Chen, was forced into a ghost marriage with the wealthy Huang family's deceased son. Just as Meng Chen was on the brink of being buried alive, Xiao Sheng, the top assassin of the Blood Sacrifice Hall on a mission to eliminate the Huang family, inadvertently saved her. Despite witnessing Xiao Sheng's lethal skills, Meng Chen not only showed no fear but also considered him her savior. From that moment on, Xiao Sheng vowed to protect Meng Chen and they became like siblings. Over the years, Xiao Sheng maintained a dual identity to safeguard Meng Chen's innocence. To her, he was Mr. Ye, a businessman, while secretly he continued his role as the top assassin. Unbeknownst to Xiao Sheng, Meng Chen discovered his true identity and joined the Blood Sacrifice Hall as his disciple under the name Gu Yu. (Youku)

Li Bing He and Li Yu Fan are fraternal twins who have shared identical dreams since childhood. When Li Yu Fan falls into a coma following a car accident, Li Bing He attempts to utilize their shared dream world to bring her back. In this dream, Li Yu Fan becomes the esteemed Wu Mei Niang, her admirer Da Gang transforms into the court jester, and Li Bing He takes on the role of the Lord of Nan Chang. Together, they navigate a world filled with palace conspiracies where only the most cunning can survive. (DramaWiki)

The story follows the challenges faced by a feudal family in China as the country undergoes significant transformations in the past century. Lu Tian En, born into a noble family during the late Qing Dynasty, recalls his grandmother Lady Lu with admiration as a princess. As the sole male heir, Tian En carried the weight of restoring his family's former prestige from a young age. Despite his desire to explore opportunities abroad and pursue a career as a bureaucrat, he was restricted by his family. The Lus eventually relocated to Shanghai, where Tian En struggled to adapt to the shifting societal norms. Witnessing the Japanese invasion and civil unrest, Tian En sought refuge in Taiwan in 1949 in search of solace for his troubled heart and a better future for his loved ones.

Taking place at the end of the Qing Dynasty, the series follows the Chinese National Industry and Commerce as they push back against Western influences. Under the rule of Guangxu, the Zhang family oversaw the Zhangku Avenue of the Northern Silk Road, which thrived and expanded towards the Russian trading route. However, everything changed one fateful day. Lu Junjie, a member of the Zhang family, faced a significant upheaval and was forced to flee to the grasslands. Despite his desire for a fresh start, the Zhai family, who had stolen his family's assets, continued to pursue him, even enlisting bandits to attempt his murder. Lu Junjie's loyal supporters valiantly defended the Zhangku Avenue, rallying more individuals to his cause. Together, they worked on repairing railways, establishing commercial radio stations, and significantly boosting the country's trade. Following the Japanese invasion, Lu Junjie confronted the Zhai Tribe in a final battle, achieving vengeance for his family. With his enemies vanquished, Lu Junjie remains hopeful that the former glory of the Zhangku Avenue will be resurrected.

When two princes vie for the throne, the situation becomes complicated. While one prince appears innocent, the other presents a facade of kindness that may hide his true motives.

The drama primarily narrates the journey of a prince through various challenges and triumphs amidst the tumultuous period of the late Qing dynasty.

During the Republican Era in Shengcheng, the newly appointed head of Shengcheng University is found dead under mysterious circumstances in his office. The school's Detective Club is called upon to assist the police in solving the case. Each member of the club possesses unique skills: Chen Xi, the president known for her physical prowess and tomboyish nature, Wu Ying Jun, the inventive son of the mayor, Gong Zi, the sole descendant of a once-powerful family with a talent for gathering information through secretive channels, and Pei Yan, who is quick-witted and sharp-tongued. As they delve deeper into the investigation, more brutal murders occur, with a shadowy organization lurking in the background.

Su San, a clever journalist known for her keen sense of smell, partners with Chief Detective Luo Yin to unravel a series of murders in the city of Shencheng, working together to uphold the values of protecting the community, promoting social justice, and supporting one another. (yule.360.com)

The narrative centers around a crown prince named Lee Sun, who battles the Pyeonsuhwe organization that wields total control over the kingdom and monopolizes the water supply through privatization. This drama weaves together elements of romance, action, and courtly intrigue as Crown Prince Lee Sun valiantly fights for the welfare of his people, while Han Ga Eun unexpectedly finds herself falling for him instead of seeking revenge for her father's execution at his hands. In “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask,” there are palace conspiracies related to the true authority behind the throne, along with a surprising twist when the prince swaps identities with a commoner. Ultimately, the central theme of the series is love, which permeates the romance between the prince and his beloved, as well as their shared compassion for the nation and its citizens. (MBC)

The narrative revolves around a woman entangled in a violent love affair with two princes

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.

Author Hua Qing Ge finds herself immersed in the universe of her own stories, unexpectedly experiencing a romantic entanglement with Ji Chu, a development she had not anticipated while shaping the narrative.

In the novel series by Pai An Jing Qi, a young magistrate named Hang Tie Sheng is tasked with investigating a string of mysterious deaths. As a rookie mayor and detective, he must rely on his intelligence, physical strength, and various specialized tools to solve several challenging cases. One of these cases involves a plot to assassinate the Emperor. Hang receives help from his bold stepmother, an eccentric lieutenant, and a skilled martial artist, but they face obstacles from a troublesome prince.

A tale of a wealthy individual in Shanghai whose family faces downfall and embarks on a journey to become a secret agent. Lu Han Zhi's destiny becomes intertwined with two men on different sides of a conflict. Gao Chen, seemingly a traitor, is revealed to be a Communist operative. Han Shou Min, once a prominent spy for the Kuomindang, finds himself on an irreversible path after being double-crossed by his own allies. As she navigates a perilous and increasingly complex situation, Lu Han Zhi evolves from a mere socialite to a fervent revolutionary. (chinesedramainfo)

The plot unfolds during the Yuan year of the Yongzheng reign, amidst a turbulent period. Yu Xing and her sister Cai Feng were separated during this chaos. Upon learning that Cai Feng had become a candidate for the position of consort in the palace, Yu Xing decided to join as a trainee chef. Her exceptional culinary talents caught the Emperor's attention, leading to her rapid promotion. However, a misstep at the Empress Dowager's funeral caused her to offend the Emperor, resulting in her exile to the countryside for manual labor. During her time there, she befriended a healer and acquired medical skills, which she later used to aid those afflicted by a widespread epidemic. Upon her return to the capital, she enrolled in the imperial medical school as a novice practitioner. Additionally, she found love with General Yue Zong Lin.