Epic Culinary Showdown in 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty' Breaks Viewership Records

Lim Yoon-a and Jo Jae-yoon delivered a visual and culinary spectacle in a fierce cooking competition, setting new viewership records.

In the 8th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' aired on the 14th, the extraordinary dishes presented by master chefs Yeon Ji-young (played by Lim Yoon-a) and Dang Baek-ryong (played by Jo Jae-yoon) tantalized viewers' taste buds.

The episode achieved a record-breaking viewership rating, with an average of 15.8% and a peak of 18.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and an average of 15.4% and a peak of 17.4% nationwide. It ranked first across all channels, including terrestrial networks, during its time slot. Among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, it recorded an average of 5.5% and a peak of 6.6% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 5.8% and a peak of 6.7% nationwide, also claiming the top spot across all channels. International media have shown keen interest in both the drama's popularity and its culinary themes.

As the high-stakes cooking competition commenced, Yeon Ji-young led the royal kitchen chefs, while Dang Baek-ryong spearheaded the Ming Dynasty chefs, each immersing themselves in their culinary creations. The intense atmosphere was fueled by Yeon Ji-young's signature flambé technique and Abi-soo's (played by Moon Seung-yoo) fiery performance.

Yeon Ji-young's fusion dish, combining braised short ribs and beef bourguignon, captivated judges King Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-min) and Ming Dynasty eunuch Woo Gon (played by Kim Hyung-mook). The sweet aroma and taste of rice wine, paired with tender ribs, offered a truly exquisite flavor. Yeon Ji-young's storytelling about imagining her late mother making beef bourguignon added an emotional layer, moving everyone present.

In contrast, Abi-soo presented a dish using a new seasoning called 'rayu,' delivering a bold flavor to Lee Heon and Woo Gon. However, the seasoning raised questions as it required chili powder, leading to a stir when it was revealed that the supplier was Je-san Daegun (played by Choi Gwi-hwa).

Observing the situation, Lee Heon declared a draw, considering the circumstances of both chefs, but added tension by stating that if all three rounds ended in a draw, the victory would go to the Ming Dynasty. Additionally, Kang Mok-joo (played by Kang Han-na) summoned royal kitchen chef Maeng Man-soo (played by Hong Jin-ki) before the second round, urging him to deliberately lose, hinting at a challenging competition.

However, Maeng Man-soo, being a royal kitchen chef, couldn't give up easily. He passed the knife to Seo Gil-geum (played by Yoon Seo-ah), whom he had rigorously trained, citing an injury, leading to the creation of the second dish, Peking Duck Roll, thanks to the teamwork of the royal kitchen chefs.

While the royal kitchen's Peking Duck captivated with its intense and sharp flavors, the Ming Dynasty offered refreshing and profound temple cuisine. The judges, Lee Heon and Woo Gon, were moved to tears by the contrasting dishes, heightening curiosity about the winner among the chefs.

Throughout the competition, interference against Yeon Ji-young and the royal kitchen stirred viewers' anger. Je-san Daegun, seeking to undermine Lee Heon, and Kang Mok-joo, driven by jealousy towards Yeon Ji-young, extended their influence. Attention is focused on whether Yeon Ji-young and the royal kitchen chefs can overcome these challenges and uphold their pride.

The final results of the intense culinary showdown between the chefs of both nations will be revealed in the 9th episode of 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' airing on the 20th at 9:10 PM.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr