• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

A two-star Michelin restaurant in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, faced legal issues after serving dishes garnished with ants. The exclusive fine dining establishment recently faced criticism after serving ants in a few of its meals for the previous four years. In accordance with official laws, eleven insect species, ant excluded, are permitted to be employed in the production of food. Among other things, the list includes mealworms, grasshoppers, and silkworm pupae.

The use of ants is illegal under existing food safety rules because they are not on the list. The Food Sanitation Act of South Korea forbids the sale of food or additives that don't adhere to set criteria. Violators may be imprisoned for up to five years or fined up to Rs 31.1 lakh (50 million won). On July 10, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety declared that the owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant and the company had been referred to prosecutors in this case.

ALSO READ - Bizarre Food Combination: Man Makes Dry Fruits Paneer Momo; Sells Them At Rs 240 | Internet Is Baffled

All About VIRAL Ant Dish In South Korean Restaurant

The upscale fine dining establishment, which is situated in Gangnam District, acquired popularity after its specialties went viral on social media. Its innovative and internationally inspired take on Korean food made the sherbet dish with edible ants on top the most popular treat. The eatery adorned their food with three to five ants each plate using ants that were imported from Thailand and the United States.

ALSO READ - Chef's Bizarre Chicken Tikka Masala Cake Shocks Internet; Netizens Dub It 'Naan-Traditional' | Viral Video

According to reports, the restaurant sold platters with three to five ants each meal between April 2021 and January 2025. During this time, 12,000 servings of the meal, or about Rs 74.7 lakh (120 million won), were created. The dish is very well-liked by patrons, who frequently describe it as 'an upgraded experience' as per Korean media. 

The proprietor of the restaurant, however, asserted that they had not realized ants were a banned component and had even unveiled the ant-based meal on television.