In Yummy Yummy Yummy (宴遇永安), a contemporary Chinese family unexpectedly time-travels to the Tang Dynasty, bringing their culinary skills and modern business savvy to the ancient world. This fresh take on historical drama has captured viewers' attention, achieving impressive ratings shortly after its release. The series delivers a delightful mix of humor, heart, and historical ambiance, creating an experience that's both entertaining and unexpectedly moving.
Plot
The story follows the Shen family (沈家), who operate a struggling restaurant in modern times. During a marketing photoshoot at their ancestral home, now a tourist attraction called Yunshui Garden (云水苑), the entire family mysteriously transports to Yong'an City (永安城) in the Tang Dynasty. Forced to adapt quickly, they establish Shenji Food Shop, introducing Yong'an residents to modern delicacies like Jianbing Guozi (煎饼果子) and hot pot, while navigating the complexities of ancient society.
Their entrepreneurial efforts attract the attention of Lin Yan (林晏), the newly appointed Chief Official of Yong'an. Initially at odds due to his strict enforcement of market regulations, Lin Yan eventually becomes both an ally and love interest for Shen Shaoguang (沈韶光). The relationship dynamic grows increasingly comical when the family discovers Lin Yan is actually their ancestor, leading to awkward situations like nighttime worship ceremonies at his bedside mistaken for assassination attempts.
Beyond the culinary comedy, Yummy Yummy Yummy incorporates elements of political intrigue. As the Shens expand their business, they inadvertently become entangled in a corruption case involving the Ministry of Revenue and spice smuggling operations. This adds depth to the narrative, creating a balance between lighthearted family moments and more serious plot developments.
Characters
Shen Shaoguang, portrayed by Wang Yinglu (王影璐), serves as the family's clever strategist. As a former food columnist, she naturally leads their culinary ventures in ancient times. Her intelligence and adaptability make her the driving force behind both their business success and their evolving relationship with Lin Yan, played by Li Yunrui (李昀锐), who brings depth to his role as the initially rigid official gradually softened by the Shen family's warmth and cooking.
The supporting cast adds rich layers to the story. Feng Jiayi (冯嘉怡) shines as the patriarch Shen Jianshe (沈建设), whose cooking skills prove invaluable in their new environment. Chang Long brings comic relief as the eldest son Shen Shaojie (沈韶杰), who implements modern business concepts like food delivery services and live-streamed sales in ancient Yong'an. The family's chemistry feels authentic, with each member contributing unique skills to their collective survival.
Notable performances extend beyond the central family. Liu Jun (刘钧) portrays Pei Fei (裴斐), a Ministry of Revenue official with hidden ambitions whose schemes create significant obstacles for both the Shens and Lin Yan. His character represents the traditional power structures that clash with the family's modern approaches, creating compelling dramatic tension throughout the series.
Appeal
Yummy Yummy Yummy distinguishes itself through its inventive premise of collective time travel. Unlike typical transmigration stories focusing on individuals, this series explores how an entire family unit adapts to historical circumstances. This approach generates both comedic scenarios and genuine emotional moments as the Shens support each other through their extraordinary situation.
The series excels as a visual culinary experience. Food preparation receives cinematic treatment, with detailed shots of both Tang Dynasty dishes and modern creations reimagined in ancient settings. These sequences serve not merely as background elements but as integral components advancing both plot and character relationships, particularly in the developing romance between Shen Shaoguang and Lin Yan.
Balancing multiple genres effectively, the show moves between laugh-out-loud comedy and more serious dramatic moments. The cultural displacement of modern characters in ancient times creates consistent humor, while the underlying mystery of the corruption case and the family's desire to return home provide narrative momentum. This careful genre blending has resulted in widespread audience appreciation and strong word-of-mouth recommendations since its premiere.
