Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Michelin-starred restaurant owner faces jail for ant garnish
A fancy restaurant in South Korea got into trouble because it used ants as a topping on desserts.
The law in South Korea only allows certain insects to be eaten, and ants are not on that list.
The restaurant owner could go to jail for a year and the restaurant might have to pay a big fine.
The restaurant says not as many ants were used as the prosecutors say, and that other countries allow ants to be eaten.
The judge will decide what happens on September 2nd.
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul's Gangnam district used ants as a garnish on desserts.
The restaurant owner faces up to one year in jail and a fine of 20 million Korean won ($13,525).
South Korea's Food Sanitation Act allows only 10 insect species for human consumption, and ants are not among them.
Prosecutors claim the restaurant served sorbet with ants over 12,000 times, using about 49,000 ants.
The restaurant argues the figures are inflated and that only 60% of customers chose the ant topping.
- Who
- Owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Seoul's Gangnam district
- What
- Violation of South Korea's Food Sanitation Act by using ants as garnish
- When
- The matter came to light after social media posts; the court will deliver its verdict on 2 September
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- The restaurant used ants in desserts, which are not among the 10 allowed insect species for human consumption in South Korea
Prosecution's Case
Restaurant's Defense
Number of Ants Used
Prosecution's Case
Prosecutors claim 49,000 ants were used in dishes, served over 12,000 times.
Restaurant's Defense
Restaurant argues the figures are inflated, claiming only 60% of customers chose the ant topping.
Regulatory Compliance
Prosecution's Case
Prosecutors accuse the restaurant of violating South Korea's Food Sanitation Act by using ants, which are not among the 10 allowed insect species.
Restaurant's Defense
Restaurant argues that several countries, including the UK, Australia, and Denmark, allow ant consumption, and that the chef used only 3-5 ants per dessert for a sour taste.
- Restaurant Location
- Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea
- Michelin Stars
- 2
- Allowed Insects in South Korea
- 10 species, including brown mealworm larvae and grasshoppers
- Prosecution's Penalty Request
- 1 year in jail and a fine of 20 million Korean won ($13,525) for the restaurant's company
- Verdict Date
- 2 September