Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: Episodes 7 and 8 Recap
On September 13 and 14, 2025, Netflix unveiled episodes 7 and 8 of the captivating period drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. This series transports viewers to the Joseon dynasty, following Yeon Ji-yeong (played by Lim Yoon-ah), a modern-day chef who finds herself in the royal court of King Yi-heon (Lee Chae-min) during a solar eclipse. Initially viewed with suspicion, Ji-yeong’s culinary skills soon earn her a place as a palace chef, setting the stage for intense rivalries and heartfelt moments.
Episode 7 Recap
The seventh episode begins with Ji-yeong preparing for a crucial cook-off, intending to create ginseng chicken broth. However, she faces a significant hurdle: the steam vessel required for her dish has yet to be invented. Determined, she seeks out Jang Yeong-sil, the brilliant inventor behind the water clock, only to discover he has passed away. The chief attendant suggests she consult Jang Chun-seng, Yeong-sil’s descendant, known for his eccentric inventions but currently living in seclusion after a mishap at the royal arsenal.
King Yi-heon insists on accompanying Ji-yeong, replacing his initial choice of Sung-jae with jester Gong-gil and guard Soo-hyuk. Upon reaching Chun-seng’s abode, they encounter a trap set by the inventor, who is initially uninterested in helping. Meanwhile, Prince Je-san plots to assassinate Ji-yeong during this trip, adding a layer of tension.
In a moment of desperation, Ji-yeong attempts to win Chun-seng over with sweetened puff rice, but he dismisses it due to the high cost of sugar. However, a conversation about scallion pancakes and rice wine inspires her to cook pajeon, which ultimately draws Chun-seng out of his shell. Moved by Ji-yeong’s passion for feeding others, he agrees to help her create the pressure pot.
Just as they begin to collaborate, Je-san’s assassins attack. A chaotic battle ensues, and Ji-yeong collapses after witnessing a brutal act of violence. Back at the palace, tensions rise as a Ming chef, Fei Xiu, learns about Ji-yeong’s ingredient, setting the stage for the upcoming competition.
Episode 8 Recap
The eighth episode kicks off with the grand cooking contest, themed “nonexistent meat.” Ji-yeong faces an unexpected challenge when her chili powder mysteriously disappears. Adapting quickly, she decides to prepare beef bourguignon, simmering the meat in wild grape rice wine. Meanwhile, the Ming chefs present a dish of cucumber flowers encasing diced chicken, but unbeknownst to the judges, they have secretly used Ji-yeong’s missing chili powder.
As Ji-yeong serves her dish, the complex flavors evoke nostalgia in both Yi-heon and the envoy. She explains that her dish is reminiscent of what modern French mothers cook for their children, stirring deep emotions in Yi-heon. The Ming chefs follow with a fiery creation, but Ji-yeong’s suspicions grow when she tastes their dish and recognizes her stolen ingredient.
An investigation reveals that Fei Xiu received the chili powder from Prince Je-san, who justifies his actions by claiming he was protecting the royal family’s health. Yi-heon declares the match a tie, warning that consecutive ties would favor Ming.
That night, Ji-yeong strategizes for the next round while Yi-heon confronts Je-san, who expresses remorse. Meanwhile, Concubine Kang pressures Chef Maeng, threatening that Joseon must not lose in the upcoming round. As the second challenge approaches, Ji-yeong assigns tasks to her team, but Maeng sabotages his efforts due to Kang’s threats. In a twist, Gil-geum steps up, recalling Maeng’s lessons to save the day.
The dishes are presented to the judges, with Ji-yeong’s Peking duck capturing the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine. Just as the judges prepare to announce the winner, the episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the next installment.
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty continues to blend culinary artistry with historical drama, showcasing the resilience and creativity of its characters against the backdrop of royal intrigue. The series is available for streaming on Netflix, promising more twists and turns in the episodes to come.
