Seoul Michelin restaurant fined for serving ants

A South Korean court has fined the management of Evett, a two-star Michelin restaurant in Seoul, for serving desserts decorated with ants. The violation occurred between April 2021 and January 2025, during which the restaurant reportedly used approximately 49,096 dried ants imported from the United States and Thailand.

While South Korea permits the consumption of ten specific insect species, such as silkworm pupae and crickets, ants are not on the approved list. The prosecution noted that the ants contained heavy metal levels exceeding permitted limits. The dessert, which featured ants on a traditional rice-inspired ice cream, was served to an estimated 12,274 guests.

The Seoul Western District Court imposed a fine of 15 million won on the operator and 10 million won on the restaurant's corporate entity. The restaurant was founded by Australian chef Joseph Lidgerwood, though the legal penalties were directed at the executive director, identified as Ginny Kim.