“Dinner Mate” Review: Why Accidental Dinner Dates Makes Sense

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What happens when you mix a heartbroken content producer, a dreamy psychiatrist, and a bunch of accidental dinner dates in a metaphorical blender? You get a delicious K-drama cocktail called “Dinner Mate”!

Ever thought a simple meal with a complete stranger could flip your world on its head? Buckle up for a binge-watching feast because this show dishes out romance with a generous helping of laughs!

Let’s set the scene.

Woo Do-Hee, played by the ever-sparkling Seo Ji-Hye, has just been dumped. She’s quirky, full of life, and about ready to pitch her ex into the Han River.

Then in walks Kim Hae-Kyung, portrayed by the swoon-worthy Song Seung-Heon, a psychiatrist as cool as a cucumber in a bowl of ice. Their meet-cute? It’s like fate decided to play matchmaker—and had a wicked sense of humor about it.

So, they end up sharing meals anonymously. What’s the worst that could happen, right?

Well, practically everything!

“Dinner Mate” serves up a storyline juicier than your mom’s best Sunday roast. It’s a tale of mending broken hearts, finding yourself, and the enchanting power of breaking bread together.

Watch “Dinner Mate” Trailer

Every episode of “Dinner Mate” is a smorgasbord of feelings—there are moments that’ll have you howling with laughter and others that might just make your eyes sweat. Trust me, you’ll be hooked faster than you can say “sushi.”

Now, let’s dive into the sizzle.

The chemistry between Seo Ji-Hye and Song Seung-Heon? It’s like a kitchen fire—too hot to handle.

Seo Ji-Hye, with her quirky charm and irresistible vibes, brings Do-Hee to life in a way that makes you want to be her bestie—stat.

And Hae-Kyung? He’s as smooth and cool as your favorite ice-cold soju. Put them together, and they’re like peanut butter and jelly—perfectly paired with banter sharp enough to slice through sushi.

And the supporting cast? They’re the sprinkles on your ice cream.

Lee Ji-Hoon plays No Jae-Hyuk, Do-Hee’s clueless ex, who’s about as subtle as a wasabi blast—definitely the spice in this romantic comedy mix.

Then there’s Son Na-Eun as Jin No-Eul, Hae-Kyung’s ex, who swirls in like the final twist in your favorite cocktail, stirring up trouble with a smile.

Everybody in “Dinner Mate” is packing some serious personal luggage, making the plot as indulgently rich as a double chocolate cake.

Everybody in “Dinner Mate” is packing some serious personal luggage, making the plot as indulgently rich as a double chocolate cake.

Cultural tidbits?

“Dinner Mate” whips them up like a five-star chef. The whole dining therapy thing? It’s served up so brilliantly, you’ll be scratching your head wondering why the whole world isn’t already on board.

And talk about a visual feast—this show parades everything from drool-worthy street eats to fancy restaurant fare. You’ll be drooling like Pavlov’s dogs at dinnertime.

Oh, and don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Korean culture guru to dig “Dinner Mate,” but picking up a few cultural crumbs will definitely add some extra flavor to your binge-watching session.

Sharing meals in Korea is more than just munching on food—it’s the social superglue that binds everyone together. So, when our lead characters sit down to dine, it’s not just about scarfing down meals.

Sharing meals in Korea is more than just munching on food—it’s the social superglue that binds everyone together. So, when our lead characters sit down to dine, it’s not just about scarfing down meals.

Plus, the parade of mouth-watering dishes will have you speed-dialing the nearest Korean joint before the credits roll.

And let’s talk dining therapy—a quirky salute to Korea’s all-in-one approach to wellness. Dive into the love and laughs, and maybe even take a stab at making some kimchi in your own kitchen!

Strengths? This drama’s got them by the bucketful.

A zesty premise, knockout performances, and a pace that keeps your eyes superglued to the screen. The cinematography? It’s like dining at a Michelin-star joint—every shot is a feast for the eyes, especially those drool-worthy food scenes. Heads up: you might end up with a massive craving for Korean food.

Okay, it’s not without its quirks. Some plot twists are as predictable as rice at a Korean dinner, and the exes might stir the pot a bit too much. But hey, even top-notch recipes need a pinch of salt, right?

Putting “Dinner Mate” next to other rom-coms is like comparing a gourmet meal to a drive-thru burger. Both hit the spot, but one leaves a more memorable taste. This show cooks up a fresh blend of food and romance, making it a dish you won’t soon forget.

What really spices up “Dinner Mate” isn’t just the gourmet plates—it’s how it whips up a storm of feelings using something as simple as chowing down.

What really spices up “Dinner Mate” isn’t just the gourmet plates—it’s how it whips up a storm of feelings using something as simple as chowing down. Watching Do-Hee and Hae-Kyung bond over their bites really gets you thinking about your own mealtime memories.

It’s a tasty reminder that it’s the little moments that can pack the biggest flavor.

On a personal note, diving into “Dinner Mate” was like finding the perfect comfort food. It’s hilarious, heartwarming, and absolutely scrumptious.

Would I recommend it? Is a dumpling delicious? Absolutely! If you’ve got a hankering for a feel-good show with a dash of something different, “Dinner Mate” is the special of the day.

“Dinner Mate” is like a rom-com soufflé with a dash of wackiness! I love it and I think you might also love the fresh concept and the sizzling chemistry between the leads.

“Dinner Mate” is like a rom-com soufflé with a dash of wackiness! I love it and I think you might also love the fresh concept and the sizzling chemistry between the leads. Watching them go from awkward strangers to lovable dinner dates over sizzling bulgogi is just bonkers fun.

The wild idea of dining therapy in “Dinner Mate” is like throwing cilantro on tacos—it’s a game-changer. And the food scenes? So mouthwatering, you might want to keep a bib handy.

This drama serves up a hearty mix of belly laughs, surprise sob sessions, and a feast of flavors that make it the zaniest, yummiest comfort watch you’ll ever lay eyes on!

“Dinner Mate” hit the screens on MBC in May 2020 and you can now binge it on Amazon Prime.

So, grab your go-to snack, kick back, and sink your teeth into this delicious drama. And if you do check it out, drop a comment or share your thoughts. I’m all ears to hear what you think about this tasty treat!

“Dinner Mate” OST: Dinner Mate (sung by OVAN)