A court soldier is ordered to poison the Queen. Meanwhile, a lady of the royal food court witnesses the masterminds behind this conspiracy. Unbeknownst to them, their fates are intertwined.

Young Jang Geum mistakenly exposes her father's identity, and he is taken away by court soldiers. Both Jang Geum and her mother find themselves in danger

To fulfill her mother's dying wish, Jang Geum attempts to become a junior cook in the royal food court. She is adopted by a family that runs a wine brewery

Jang Geum and Yeong Seng cause trouble in the kitchen. Jang Geum takes part in an examination to be a royal maid. Her place in the royal court is at stake.

The Highest Court Lady of the Royal Kitchen falls ill. A new candidate for the position must be chosen

The princess is sick and refuses to eat, and King Jung Jong's birthday keeps the entire kitchen busy preparing important meals