A cunning cook sets out to charm a demanding head chef and claim his place in a top kitchen, but winning him over proves harder than expected.
Latest episode: S1 E8 Episode 8 (Aug 23, 2024)
A cunning cook sets out to charm a demanding head chef and claim his place in a top kitchen, but winning him over proves harder than expected.
I’ll admit it: I wasn’t expecting a boys’ love series about competitive Thai cooking to linger in my mind like the aftertaste of a perfectly balanced pad kaprao. But here we are, days later, still thinking about the way Chef Oab’s fingers tighten around a knife when he’s annoyed, or how Plawan’s grin falters just for a second when he realizes he’s in over his head. This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans (or, as Netflix inexplicably calls it, This Love Have A Lot Of Basil—a mistranslation so baffling it feels intentional) is a rom-com that understands something fundamental: the best relationships, like the best dishes, are built on friction, timing, and a willingness to get burned.
The premise is deceptively simple. Plawan, a model with a passion for pad kaprao (hold the long beans, per the title’s rule), lands a job at Chef Oab’s restaurant under the guise of training to become his successor. Oab, a culinary perfectionist with the warmth of a walk-in freezer, is immediately suspicious of this too-charming interloper.
Their dynamic is a classic rom-com setup—opposites attract, sparks fly, etc.—but the series smartly grounds it in the tactile, high-pressure world of professional cooking. The kitchen isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, with its own rhythms, hierarchies, and unspoken rules. When Plawan first steps into Oab’s domain, the camera lingers on the way his fingers fumble with a knife, the way his breath hitches when Oab barks an order.
It’s a small moment, but it tells you everything you need to know about their dynamic: one man is in his element, the other is drowning.
And yet, for all its culinary trappings, This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans is ultimately a story about identity. Plawan isn’t just a model pretending to be a chef; he’s a man pretending to be someone he’s not, even to himself. His journey isn’t about winning Oab’s heart (though that’s certainly part of it) but about proving to himself that he’s more than the pretty face he’s been told to present to the world.
This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans (2024) serves up more than just culinary drama—it’s a boys’ love (BL) series that blends sharp humor, workplace tension, and a slow-burn romance set against the high-stakes world of professional cooking. latestnetflix.com's take is that Directed by Suttasit Dechintaranarak and produced by Change2561, the eight-episode Thai series has already carved out a niche for its witty premise and standout cast.But what’s the story behind the stir-fry?
The series is based on the web novel Rak Ni Mai Mi Thua Fak Yao by Ninepinta, a writer who clinched the 2022 Wattpad Thailand Awards for Best BL Story. The novel’s blend of foodie passion and romantic rivalry clearly resonated with readers, making it a prime candidate for adaptation. Change2561, the production house behind hits like Pit Babe and The Jungle, brought the story to life, staying true to its roots while adding visual flair.
The title itself is a playful nod to the Thai phrase "love without long beans," a metaphor for a relationship lacking substance—or in this case, a chef’s dish missing a key ingredient. It’s a cheeky setup for a series where culinary perfection and personal chemistry collide.
Leading the charge are Hemmawich Kwanamphaiphan (Plawan) and Thanapon Aiemkumchai (Chef Oab), whose dynamic drives the series. Plawan, a basil stir-fry enthusiast with a knack for mischief, is hired to train under the stern and exacting Chef Oab, whose restaurant is a local sensation. Their clashing personalities—one brash and impulsive, the other disciplined and icy—fuel both the comedy and the romantic tension.
Supporting roles add depth and humor. Pantach Kankham (Kluer), a scene-stealer from Pit Babe, reportedly brings his signature pettiness to the kitchen, earning him early praise from fans. Atthanin Thaninphanuwiwat (JJ), another Pit Babe alum, pops up in a role that’s already sparked memes—viewers are quick to note his character’s shift from "boot licker" to a more nuanced presence. The ensemble also includes Kiettisak Vatanavitsakul, Asre Wattanayakul, and Tanawat Hudchaleelaha, rounding out the restaurant’s chaotic yet lovable staff.
While details about the production are scarce, the series’ tight eight-episode run suggests a focused narrative, avoiding the filler that can plague longer BL dramas. Filming likely wrapped in early 2024, given its July premiere on One 31 and iQiyi. The show’s streaming availability on Netflix (under the title This Love Have A Lot Of Basil—a playful mistranslation) has expanded its reach, introducing it to global audiences.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the chemistry between the leads and the show’s ability to balance romance with workplace comedy. The food-centric setting—a rarity in BL—adds a fresh layer, though some viewers joke that the real star is the basil stir-fry, which gets more screen time than the long beans referenced in the title.
As of now, there’s no official word on a second season, but the series’ popularity and the open-ended nature of its finale leave the door wide open. Given the success of Change2561’s other adaptations, a renewal wouldn’t be surprising—especially if fan demand continues to simmer.
For now, This Love Doesn’t Have Long Beans shows the growing appeal of Thai BL, proving that even the most unconventional premises can sizzle when paired with the right cast and creative team.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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