Michelin‑Starred Korean Restaurant Faces Jail for Ant‑Topped Desserts



Black ants scattered over a dessert platter
Some 49,000 ants were used by the restaurant over four years, an image taken from diners’ online reviews.


South Korean prosecutors are seeking a one‑year prison term for the owner of a Michelin‑starred eatery accused of sprinkling ants on dessert dishes. The case comes after the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety flagged online posts that displayed food topped with black ants.


Ants are not among the 10 insect species approved for human consumption in South Korea. The approved list currently includes grasshoppers, locusts and two‑spotted crickets.


Prosecutors also demanded a fine of 20 million Korean won ($13,510) on Monday. The restaurant, a two‑star Michelin venue located in Seoul, has reportedly used as many as 49,000 ants sourced from the United States and Thailand in various dishes over the past four years.


Health authorities noted that these ants contained up to 55 times more heavy metals than typical edible insects, raising serious food‑safety concerns.


The owner defended the practice, claiming the ants were used in only a small portion of the 15‑course menu – specifically as a garnish for sorbets – and that diners could choose alternative toppings such as fermented vinegar or edible flowers.


He further cited similar use of ants in restaurants across Australia, Denmark and the UK. Nonetheless, South Korean authorities maintain strict criteria for approving insects as food, focusing on safety, toxicity, nutrition and hygienic processing.


The court will deliver its verdict on 2 September. In the meantime, the incident has sparked debate over the boundaries of culinary experimentation and regulatory oversight in fine dining.


Note: A Michelin Guide award of two stars represents “excellent cooking” and a restaurant that is “worth a detour.”