Netflix's Tastefully Yours is typical K-drama comfort watch that serves food and charm of countryside life

A conceited money-hungry chaebol crosses paths with a simpleton countryside chef. He is the heir to a sprawling food empire; she's the owner of a one-table restaurant that barely breaks even. He'll go to any lengths—even stealing recipes—to earn the three stars that will finally put him in charge of his family's conglomerate. She, meanwhile, values flavour and quality, grows her own vegetables, scourges for mushrooms in the forests, and haggles with the local vendors over rare homegrown spices. And when their paths cross in her kitchen, a heated rivalry begins, which soon turns into something sweeter.

Sound like the plot for a classic Korean drama?

Well, it is the plot for Tastefully Yours, starring Kang Ha Neul and Go Min Si, which recently dropped on Netflix and is already among the top 10 shows streaming in India.

Striking a cord while following the familiar K-drama formula -- one we've seen countless times -- requires a certain brilliance, which director Han Jun Hee and writer Jung Soo Yoon deliver. Apart from the chemistry between the leads -- Ha Neul and Min Si, who play the shrewd but warm Han Beom Woo and simple and quirky Mo Yeon Joo, respectively -- what stands out are the stunning visuals of food being prepared, served, and savoured, set against the tranquil countryside backdrop.

These elements appear integral to the story as the characters themselves and successfully make you yearn for the quieter moments -- enjoying the sun's rays or a simple meal, albeit without distractions. The soft-lit aesthetics further add to the charm, as the story remains simple and moves at a gentle pace.

While the world is already much aware of Korean cuisine, a new trend seen in the dramas is them being set in the countryside, which further stokes interest regarding tourism. An example is how shows like Welcome to Samdal-ri, and the recent When Life Gives You Tangerines put the spotlight on South Korea's Jeju island and its female divers, or Haenyo. Similarly, Tastefully Yours brings Jeonju, a culinary haven southwest of the Korean peninsula known for its food, especially the sumptuous bibimbap, into focus.

So, is Tastefully Yours worth a binge? Well, it has everything—from simmering romance and sibling rivalry to quirky side characters and just enough suspense at the end of each episode to keep you coming back for more. Only this time, there’s an added treat: lots and lots of food and the charm of simple countryside life, which might just be the perfect escape you didn’t know you needed.

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