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Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant owner faces jail for serving ants in dessert
🇦🇷 Argentina /Crime & Justice

Michelin-starred Seoul restaurant owner faces jail for serving ants in dessert

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A South Korean restaurant owner faces a one-year prison sentence for serving ants in a sorbet dessert.
  • Prosecutors allege the establishment, which holds two Michelin stars, served over 12,200 portions of the ant-infused dessert, generating significant revenue.
  • The defense claims the dish was only served to consenting customers, while authorities cite violations of food safety regulations regarding approved insect consumption.

The owner of a Seoul restaurant boasting two Michelin stars is facing a potential one-year jail term for serving a sorbet dessert adorned with ants. Prosecutors requested the sentence, citing violations of food safety regulations, according to local media reports.

to give it a sour flavor

— Restaurant owner (paraphrased)Describing the reason for serving ants with the sorbet.

The establishment, identified as Evett in the upscale Gangnam district, allegedly served a sorbet with four to five ants, a dish that reportedly contributed to substantial revenue. Prosecutors estimate that over 12,200 servings of the ant-infused dessert were provided between April 2021 and January 2025, generating approximately $80,000.

only ten species of insects are approved for human consumption

— South Korean lawExplaining the regulatory framework for insect consumption in the country.

While the owner has admitted to the charges, they dispute the prosecution's figures, suggesting only about 60% of diners opted for the controversial topping. The defense argued that the ant-decorated dessert was only offered to customers who had given prior consent. However, South Korean law permits the consumption of only ten specific insect species, and the restaurant is accused of using prohibited varieties imported from Thailand and the United States.

served prohibited classes imported from Thailand and the United States

— Ministry of Food SecurityAllegation regarding the origin of the ants served.

The Michelin Guide awards up to three stars to restaurants, with two stars signifying "excellent cooking" worthy of a detour. The sorbet, part of a $200, 14-course tasting menu, was reportedly served with ants to "add a sour flavor." A photograph released by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety shows a round tin labeled "Black Ants."

decorated with ants were only served to customers who had given prior consent

— Defendant's lawyersArgument presented by the defense in court.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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