I have a complicated relationship with this series. On one hand, I love the premise, most of the cast, and the couple dynamics. On the other hand, I find the script-writing, the pacing, and the writing of the main character severely lacking. Unfortunately for me, I am heavily reliant on the second half when it comes to fully enjoying a show.

Let me elaborate:
1. Premise: I love the diversity in career paths in this series. I also love the whole infiltrating a competition storyline, because when made well, it can be so fun to watch. I also enjoyed that the second couple has a fleshed-out sub-plot of their own that contributes to the main story but is not heavily reliant on the main couple.

2. Cast: Even though the only actor that I think doesn't have a bad acting moment is the guy who plays Nubnueang, most of the cast were decent to watch. Most of them had their shining moments: Sailub does emotional scenes well, Benz is kind of amazing for being able to make Methas a truly likable character, and Garfield is an all-around decent actor. However, I don't think Pon is an actor seasoned enough to make Plawan likable. To be fair, not many actors can make a character like Plawan appealing to me so I am looking forward to seeing Pon in other projects. I also heavily disliked the voice Benz adopted whenever he was posturing in his businessman role - there are better acting choices that could've been made.

3. Couple dynamics: whatever issues I have with the individual character, it really does not impact my love for the dynamics between the two main couples. I absolutely adore the subtle intimacy between Oab and Plawan - the subtle touches, lingering glances, and the whole shebang with Plawan breathing in Oab's scent. That was feral and I love it. I loved the MethasJJ couple even more than the main couple. They have such an easy rapport with each other and I loved that they don't come into the relationship with this idyllic view of one another but they managed to fully fall in love despite knowing each other's flaws. Methas is so horribly overbearing at first but JJ is written to be such an idealistic person that you know he runs the show. JJ is not scared to call Methas out on his shit and stands his ground. What I loved is that Methas absolutely respects and loves him for it. It's not a case where Methas just gives in because he wants to win JJ over (I mean it does contribute to it) but he actually does respect JJ's ideas and opinion. Anyways, I love Methas and JJ together. They are my favourite non lesbian U-Haul couple.

4. Writing: the script writers need to get it together. First of all - there were quite a bit of lines that noone would ever say in real life and it's so hard to watch. Second, the whole "no long beans" thing is just executed so poorly - if it's the girlfriend who is allergic, why is he so against it even until the end? He said it's because they made a commitment to the customers, but the customers come not because they're all long bean haters - they came because of Chef Oab. Also if he's that famous of a chef, why does he not have enough money to pay for the mentor's surgery? Surely if he was on a Masterchef type of show, he could have sold the idea of that whole successor thing to a network and get a chef to run it while he's still the owner if he's that uninspired. Third - the confrontation scene between Oab and Plawan in the end is absolutely bonkers. I get giving Plawan a chance to explain himself but if you are so adamant on not selling to Methas, why did you give the deed to Plawan anyways? It is also insane for the writers to not give Plawan the character redemption moment - if he had confessed things to Oab first, he would have been a much more likable character in my eyes. I also despise the whole Oab opening a competing restaurant and then it had no follow up afterwards. Like you can't set up a restaurant that quick, do a one man show practically, and they suddenly close? Absolutely ridiculous.
Another thing that I hope more series does is getting actual professionals as script advisors. I don't know about being a chef but the whole Methas's knee injury is just so stupid from my point of view. Why was he using a walker one minute and then using a cane the next minute? The whole post-op plan was stupid and I wish I could get over it. But at least is not as bad as the medical scenes in Wandee Goodday so that's the small win.

So this is not a bad series, but I wouldn't classify it as good either. I would recommend this ONLY to pass time.