The Tyrant's Chef Ep.4 Review: What Made a Bowl of Soup Bring Tears? (폭군의 셰프 4회)
The Tyrant's Chef Ep.4 Review: What Made a Bowl of Soup Bring Tears? (폭군의 셰프 4회)
tvN weekend drama “The Tyrant's Chef” hit an impressive 11.1% viewership rating by Episode 4, taking the top spot among weekend dramas. With its unique blend of history, fantasy, romance, and food, it’s quickly becoming one of the hottest K-dramas in 2025.
Episode 4 delivered high tension in the royal kitchen, emotional flavors that touched hearts, and a surprising turn in the relationship between the king and Ji-young. Let’s walk through the highlights—without spoiling all the details 🍲
📋 Table of Contents
🍜 The Cooking Duel Begins
Episode 4 revolves around a tense royal cooking competition. The Queen Dowager challenged Ji-young to prove herself as head chef, questioning her abilities as a woman in such a prestigious role. The stakes were unusually high, with harsh consequences for the losers, and the tyrant king only added more tension with his merciless rules.
The task was simple in name but complex in execution: create a dish using soybean paste and tofu, while also embodying the spirit of filial piety. Veteran chefs quickly jumped into action with elaborate recipes, while Ji-young struggled to find her footing.
🥬 A Hidden Flavor in the Kitchen
Running short on options, Ji-young recalled a story about the Queen Dowager’s cherished memories of home-cooked flavors. Inspired, she sought a way to recreate that long-lost taste with a surprising twist. While the other chefs went grand and complex, Ji-young turned to simplicity, focusing on sincerity and emotional connection.
The ingredient she chose may have seemed ordinary to others, but in her hands, it became the key to unlocking a flavor that spoke directly to the heart.
📜 Cooking Duel Line-up 🍳
| Chef | Style | Dish Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran Chef 1 | Traditional royal cuisine | Rich flavors, elaborate plating |
| Veteran Chef 2 | Seafood-based royal dish | Complex and decorative |
| Yeon Ji-young | Simple, heartfelt | A dish tied to memory and sincerity |
😢 A Soup That Brought Tears
When the Queen Dowager tasted Ji-young’s dish, it wasn’t the appearance that mattered, but the feeling it evoked. One spoonful was enough to stir old memories and bring tears to her eyes. The dish carried warmth, humility, and a deep sense of filial piety. Against all odds, Ji-young’s sincerity triumphed over the veterans’ grandeur.
👑 The King’s Anger & Comfort Food
The tyrant king, however, was not so easily pleased. Angered by political manipulations behind the competition, his wrath spilled over into the kitchens. Yet when Ji-young served him a lighter, comforting dish later that day, it had a calming effect. Even a ruler with a fiery temper could not resist the healing power of food.
📖 Hints from the Future
In quieter moments, Ji-young revealed hints of her unusual origin, suggesting she may not belong to their time. The king, skeptical yet intrigued, found himself unsettled by her words. A mysterious book connected their fates, hinting at a future neither could fully comprehend.
💫 A Shift in Their Relationship
That night, emotions ran high. The king revealed a rare moment of vulnerability, and Ji-young, caught off guard, responded with empathy. Their bond deepened in unexpected ways, leaving viewers with a heart-stopping cliffhanger that hinted at growing intimacy.
FAQ
Q1. How many episodes does The Tyrant’s Chef have?
A1. The series is planned for 12 episodes.
Q2. Where can I watch The Tyrant’s Chef?
A2. It airs on tvN in Korea and streams on TVING.
Q3. What genre is it?
A3. It combines fantasy, romance, and alternate history with a foodie twist.
Q4. Who are the lead actors?
A4. Im Yoon-ah and Lee Chae-min take the lead roles, supported by Kang Han-na and others.
Q5. What makes Episode 4 stand out?
A5. The cooking duel and its emotional outcome struck a chord with many viewers.
사진출처. tvn 홈페이지
🔒 Disclaimer
This review contains light commentary on Episode 4 of tvN’s “The Tyrant’s Chef.” Major spoilers have been avoided. For the full experience, we recommend watching the episode directly on tvN or streaming via TVING.

















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