Australian-founded restaurant at centre of South Korean court case over ant garnish

A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul, founded by an Australian chef, is facing a court case over its use of black ants as a dessert garnish. Prosecutors allege that Evett, located in the Gangnam district, served ants that were illegally imported from Thailand and the United States, thereby violating food safety regulations.

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The court has not yet delivered its decision, and the company and its CEO are currently awaiting judgment.

The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety was alerted to the restaurant's practice through social media and blog posts. The ministry stated that the ants were used to "add a sour taste" to desserts, specifically sorbet dishes, between April 2021 and January 2025. The restaurant reportedly sold the dish approximately 12,000 times during this period.

Restaurant Evett, founded by Tasmanian chef Joseph Lidgerwood, has stated that Lidgerwood himself is not a defendant and faces no personal charges or potential imprisonment. The legal proceedings are directed at the company operating the restaurant and its CEO, who is responsible for its management.

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The ingredient in question was used as a small, optional garnish accompanying one course of a multi-course tasting menu. It was not sold as a standalone 'ant dish'.

Lawyers for Evett argue that the ant-topped dessert was served only to customers who had given prior consent and was presented as a small, optional garnish rather than a standalone dish. The restaurant also claims the ants were imported through "official customs procedures" but acknowledges that South Korea operates a "positive-list system" where only specifically approved ingredients can be served. Evett stated they became aware of this requirement only after the issue arose, recognizing their failure to verify the regulation beforehand.

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However, South Korea operates a positive-list system under which only ingredients specifically approved for commercial food-service use may be served in restaurants. The ingredient was not included on that list.