Naruto, the globally beloved anime, is known for its thrilling action, compelling characters, and rich world-building. However, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the delicious food that fuels these energetic ninjas. Let’s delve into some iconic dishes from the Naruto universe and explore what makes them so appealing.
One of the most frequently seen snacks in the series is Choji Akimichi’s beloved potato chips. This hearty Akimichi clan member is rarely seen without a bag of chips in hand.
Choji’s penchant for potato chips isn’t just a quirk; it’s intrinsically linked to his clan’s unique fighting style. The Akimichi clan converts calories into chakra, making Choji’s constant snacking a strategic necessity. He consumes a wide array of flavors. Episode 64 offers a glimpse into his preferred chip flavors including meat, hot chili, seafood, and pork. The audible crunch with every bite adds to the satisfying experience. With its variety, practicality, and satisfying crunch, Choji’s chips earn a three-star rating.
Beyond snacks, Naruto also showcases more substantial meals. Yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat,” is a Japanese barbecue style where diners grill their own meat at the table. This style is comparable to Korean Barbecue, although the key distinction lies in the grill: Yakiniku grills typically feature a charcoal base and a lattice pattern for characteristic criss-cross grill marks. In Naruto, Asuma Sarutobi’s team celebrates special occasions like the Chunin Exams with a Yakiniku feast.
The Yakiniku presentation in the anime is appetizing. The meat is thinly sliced, accompanied by a medley of vegetables and side dishes. Once cooked, the meat showcases the signature criss-cross grill marks, a testament to the authentic Yakiniku experience. The characters often compete for the final piece of meat, savoring every bite. Despite the absence of dipping sauce, which is somewhat unconventional for barbecue, the Yakiniku in Naruto receives a solid four-star rating for its presentation and the characters’ evident enjoyment.
However, no discussion of Naruto food is complete without mentioning ramen. This Japanese noodle soup, with its diverse regional variations in toppings, broth, and noodles, holds a special place in Naruto’s heart.
Naruto’s ramen obsession is evident from the very first episode, as he frequents a local ramen stand with his mentors and friends. The ramen is piled high with toppings, including dried seaweed, bamboo shoots, and chopped green onions, all atop a generous portion of noodles and flavorful broth. Furthermore, it features Naruto’s namesake, naruto, a type of cured fish cake with a distinctive pink swirl. The portion size is also noteworthy, as it typically includes a whole soft-boiled egg, whereas many restaurants only provide half. A generous row of pork chashu adorns the top of the bowl – eight slices in the illustration, more than what would normally be offered. Its generous portion and numerous toppings makes the ramen deserving of a five-star rating.
In conclusion, Naruto’s world is brought to life not only through the exciting battles and interesting characters, but also with the food the characters enjoy. From Choji’s chips to the celebratory Yakiniku, and especially Naruto’s beloved ramen, these dishes provide a glimpse into the everyday lives of these ninjas.
