Show Review: Dating in the Kitchen

If you love romantic comedies that involve food, fiery banter, and just the right amount of ridiculous hijinks, Dating in the Kitchen might just be your next binge. This 24-episode Chinese drama, based on the novel Finally I Get You, serves up a blend of sweet romance and savory storyline, topped with sizzling performances from its leads. It's a slow-burn to a certain extent — because let’s be real, she really fought hard not to fall in love  but once the spark catches, it’s full-on fireworks. I give this one a solid 8.5 out of 10 — let’s dive into why.

🍜 Plot Recap

The main character of Dating in the Kitchen is Gu Shengnan (played by Zhao Lusi), an ambitious and passionate sous-chef working at a high-end hotel. Her life takes a sharp left turn when she accidentally runs into Lu Jin (Lin Yu Shen), a sharp-tongued, stoic hotel executive with a palate as refined as his suits. After some misunderstandings, a contract, and a fair bit of kitchen warfare, they slowly warm up to each other. And I mean slowly — this is a slow burn with a capital S, but once it catches fire, the chemistry is undeniable.

What begins as professional tension turns into a surprising romance that challenges both of them, she's chaotic, a little impulsive, and totally endearing, while he's reserved, pragmatic, and not exactly in tune with his feelings. Together, though? Surprisingly wholesome.

🎭 Main Cast

• Zhao Lusi as Gu Shengnan
  Zhao Lusi shines (as always) in her comfort zone—playing a bubbly, slightly immature, but warm-hearted character. Sometimes she can feel too youthful, especially with the noticeable age gap between her and Lu Jin, but thankfully, the show never makes it uncomfortable or creepy. In fact, their relationship ends up feeling balanced in the emotional give-and-take.

• Lin Yu Shen as Lu Jin
  Lin Yu Shen might be older, but he plays Lu Jin with just the right amount of dry wit, awkwardness, and subtle charm. He doesn’t fall for Gu Sheng Nan all at once — instead, he gradually lets her into his highly ordered life, and it makes every moment count.

• Yu Xin He as Meng Xin Jie (Best Friend)
  A supportive friend and comedic relief, she’s the type of friend you want in your life: honest, loud, and always there when things get weird.

• Liu Luo Xi as Lu Zheng
  Now here’s where I have thoughts. Lu Jin’s younger brother doesn’t appear until well into the drama — Episode 17, to be exact — and it felt like a jarring shift in tone. His presence adds some unnecessary chaos and distraction, and while he gets redeemed a little by the end, I still found him kind of annoying. If they were going for the “bratty younger brother with a soft side,” they almost pulled it off... just took too long to get there.

🍽️ Thoughts & Favorite Moments

• Age Gap Done Right
  I was worried at first. The age difference between Gu Sheng Nan and Lu Jin is obvious — in both character and casting. But the showrunners don’t make it the centerpiece of the relationship. Instead, the focus is on how their personalities clash and complement, how they grow together, and how food becomes the language they both speak fluently.

• The Kitchen is Basically a Love Letter
  The way this show uses food as a symbol of connection, care, and even flirtation? Absolutely chef’s kiss. (Pun intended.)

• Arthur in Episode 19
  Okay, this was such a small detail but SO cute. When Arthur became the background on her Tv? Adorable. It was like a wink from the writers that said, “Yes, even the coldest man alive can be smitten" and I know he was enjoying the tunes.

• Pacing
  Some episodes dragged a bit in the middle. While the early tension and buildup were great, the conflict cycles in the last third felt a little rinse-and-repeat. The last few episodes felt a bit rushed, like the show was sprinting to the finish line after a steady jog. Some storylines wrapped up too quickly, and the ending, while sweet, fell just a little short of fully satisfying. That said, it washeartwarming to see Lu Jin’s mom genuinely embrace Gu Sheng Nan — a wholesome payoff that gave their relationship an added layer of validation.

💬 Final Verdict

Dating in the Kitchen is comfort food in drama form. It has its flaws, pacing dips, late character introductions, some over-the-top moments — but it also has heart, humor, and a romance that sneaks up on you in the best way. Zhao Lusi’s charm carries the show, and Lin Yu Shen’s deadpan delivery is the perfect foil to her energy.

8.5/10 — warm, delightful, and cute.

Have you seen Dating in the Kitchen? And also did you also want to smack Lu Jin’s brother or is that just me? Let me know your favorite moments (or your favorite on-screen meals) in the comments below! 🍲💖