Recently, while browsing upcoming anime, Delicious in Dungeon caught my eye. The premise – adventurers in a fantastical world cooking and eating monsters they defeat in dungeons – sparked an immediate thought: “Another one?” quickly followed by, “Already?!”
Now, this reaction might seem a tad… reserved, but trust me, it comes from a place of genuine, albeit slightly surprised, interest. Seriously, check out the trailer! It looks fantastic – funny, exciting, unique, and even heartwarming. I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy this one.
However, seeing this preview so soon after discovering Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Ridiculous Skill created a strong sense of déjà vu. While Delicious in Dungeon appears to be a self-contained world where the inhabitants naturally cook and consume local monsters, Campfire Cooking is an isekai adventure. In Campfire Cooking, the protagonist is summoned to a fantasy realm with the ability to access modern grocery goods. He utilizes this skill to feed himself and his companions, blending contemporary ingredients with the fantasy world’s local produce, particularly monster meat.
The similarities were striking, almost comical, like witnessing Asterisk War and Chivalry of a Failed Knight airing in the same season. Both shows clearly belong to the same, increasingly popular, genre.
This led me to wonder: why now? Why is this particular concept gaining traction?
What’s with the sudden surge of fantasy food anime?
It’s not like food hasn’t always been present in anime, of course. Many beloved anime characters are famous for their bottomless appetites, seemingly possessing stomachs like black holes. Goku and Luffy are prime examples, and the trope of young girls reacting with exaggerated delight to even the smallest bite of food is equally common.
And fantasy anime characters enjoying food is hardly new either. Lina Inverse and her Slayers companions frequently demolish entire restaurant menus, sometimes even dedicating whole episodes to the pursuit of a specific dish. The Monster Rancher crew is often seen eating in restaurants or foraging for food during their travels. Remember those classic fantasy tavern scenes? In Record of Lodoss War, a humorous moment unfolds when Leaf and Garrick both grab for the same loaf of bread, engaging in a silent tug-of-war with mouths full, until it breaks, leaving Leaf with the larger, giggle-inducing piece.
Food’s impact on fantasy anime plots isn’t a recent development either. In Log Horizon, the heroes’ plan to revitalize adventurer society and dismantle a corrupt guild centers around, of all things, a burger. Mitsuha Yamano’s journey in Saving 80,000 Gold for My Retirement in Another World significantly progresses thanks to her introduction of modern cuisine to a fantasy realm. The very foundation of a community, and its accidental rise to power, in Farming Life in Another World is built upon the production, cooking, and enjoyment of delicious food. Even in The Eminence in Shadow, fast food, introduced by Cid, subtly fuels his clandestine organization’s secret war. And who could forget the Handyman Saito in Another World episode where they learn to safely prepare and relish hydra meat?
Anime entirely focused on food? That’s been around for decades. While my personal watchlist in this genre isn’t extensive – often due to the “three-episode rule” or simply backlog – there’s a significant selection. Wakako-zake, Gourmet Girl Graffiti, Ramen Fighter Miki, the classic Mister Ajikko from 1987, Ristorante Paradiso, Cooking Master Boy, Moyashimon, Yume-iro Patissiere… the list goes on.
And then there are the titans of the genre: Food Wars and Toriko. I haven’t personally watched either – Food Wars‘ “food-gasms” were a quick turn-off, and I honestly can’t recall why Toriko slipped through the cracks – but their impact is undeniable. Food Wars, as I understand it, follows a protagonist striving to become the world’s greatest chef, while navigating a harem and international intrigue. Toriko plunges into a fantasy world of dungeons, where heroes hunt for exotic ingredients, often battling monsters (sound familiar, Delicious in Dungeon fans?). It’s worth noting that Toriko likely predates Delicious in Dungeon, highlighting a longer history of this monster-食材 (shokuzai – foodstuff/ingredient) hunting theme.
Food Wars boasts five seasons and counting, while Toriko ran for nearly 150 episodes across three seasons. That’s a substantial amount of food-centric anime content, and remember, this is just scratching the surface.
Perhaps my initial surprise was unwarranted. Food, after all, is a fundamental human need, and I, for one, am always eager for something delicious. Throughout history, food has been a driving force. Starvation is a potent motivator, and the promise of delectable cuisine fuels social interactions and ambitions. People have journeyed to the ends of the earth, enduring immense hardship, for the pursuit of truly exceptional food.
Truly delicious food is, in many ways, a luxury of advanced societies and modern times.
This reality shouldn’t be overlooked, especially considering the vast number of people, both globally and locally, who face food insecurity daily.
The act of cooking all that mouthwatering food, however, requires significant time, resources, and skill. It can feel like a daunting task, and achieving culinary success can seem almost mystical. For many, it’s a lost art. Even with readily available resources to learn, hunger often leaves us feeling too tired and unmotivated to even begin. This is where restaurants, bakeries, fast food, and microwave meals thrive – catering to our modern inability to perform this everyday magic consistently.
Magic… yes, that’s the perfect word.
Cooking is magic.
Think about it. You take diverse, often random ingredients, some exotic, some with questionable origins. Then, blending ancient techniques with modern knowledge, you combine them in countless ways, where even subtle variations create profound differences. Sometimes ingredients are meticulously combined with artistic grace and surgical precision; other times, it’s a “throw everything in the pot” approach. Stirring, timing, precise temperature control – every detail is crucial. If it works – and that’s a big “if” – these disparate elements transform into something entirely new, nourishing and delighting those who consume it.
Cooking is science.
Cooking is art.
Cooking is magic. Sorcery. Witchcraft!
And therein, I believe, lies the true allure of delicious food, both in our world and in fantasy realms: its inherent magic. This magical quality is what makes it so compelling, even revolutionary, within fantasy settings.
Restaurant to Another World depicts a restaurant that magically connects to various fantasy locations every seven days. People of all races, classes, and backgrounds gather to savor meals in peace. They then return to their own worlds, subtly altering them. Relationships form, financial empires rise from replicated dishes, and individuals strive for self-improvement or build traditions around obtaining this food. Regardless of the specific outcome, the core impact remains the same.
Good food changes the world.
As mentioned, Farming Life in Another World beautifully illustrates how a new community blossoms simply because its members can live productive lives together and enjoy good food in peace. They transition from conflict and scarcity to a safe haven with consistently delicious meals three times a day. Their village becomes an oasis of peace and prosperity, where everyone contributes and collectively reaps joy.
Good food enriches life and fosters community.
In Campfire Cooking, the protagonist’s use of modern ingredients and tools in a fantasy setting has profound consequences. His culinary creations rejuvenate and empower his companions, becoming, in their eyes, practically divine. Even goddesses get involved, eagerly accepting his food offerings in exchange for magical blessings. A divine wolf gains immense power, and a slime evolves to extraordinary intelligence and strength. The protagonist himself gains confidence and earns respect, all thanks to his “ridiculous” cooking skills.
Good food makes us stronger.
Across the board, the message is clear: good food elevates life.
So, what can we anticipate from Delicious in Dungeon? I’m genuinely excited to find out!
This widespread appeal of delicious cuisine might propel it to become a staple anime trope, alongside isekai, harems, and overpowered protagonists – arguably, it already is.
Because, for audiences across generations…
…especially, perhaps, for a generation raised on culinary abundance yet struggling to replicate it themselves…
Food is magic.
