Don’t Watch When You Are Hungry!
5 Mouth-watering Korean and Japanese Dramas
1. Let’s Eat
2013 was the year that I watched a Korean drama for the first time.
I love watching documentaries on food, so back then, when I found a TV series called Let’s Eat, I liked the name and decided to give it a try. It was the right decision; I was immediately absorbed in the show.
Starring Yoon Doo-Joon and Lee Soo-Kyung, the drama was my gateway to Korean cuisine. Each episode covers a different meal, and the chemistry between the couple is amazing.
Seo Hyun-Jin is the main lead in the second season. She became one of my favorite rom-com actresses after watching Another Miss Oh. Although the first season has a special place in my heart, watching this couple’s bickering on things like how to eat Tangsuyuk is hilarious.
2. Work Later, Drink Now
This drama is about a long-term friend group of three women with different personalities. They have one thing in common; being able to hold their liquor.
As the name suggests, Work Later, Drink Now is more about alcohol, but it doesn’t keep the characters from pairing their drinks with delicious food.
3. Kodoku no Gurume
Kodoku no Gurume has 10 seasons in total by 2022.
The main character Goro Inogashiro is a salesperson and travels around Japan due to the nature of his work. After the customer visit, he gets hungry and adopts his iconic posture with a blank expression on his face. Then he visits local restaurants/cafes to satisfy his hunger.
The places visited exist in real life, so if you take note of them while watching, you can visit them during your Japan trip.
4. Wakako Sake /Zake
Wakako Sake is about a salary person who enjoys having dinner out after a long and stressful workday. Similar to Kodoku no Gurume, the show takes place in real places.
In addition to showing places to eat in Japan, the show also informs the audience about iconic food and drink pairings in Japanese cuisine.
5. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories
Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories is a classic with its first season released in 2009.
While the previous dramas on the list are more on the comedy side, this one focuses on the emotions and stories of the customers. The show takes place in a single location, a Japanese Izakaya run by the “Master” starred by Kaoru Kobayashi.
The Izakaya opens from midnight to 7 a.m., and custom-made dishes are served based on the customer’s demand.
