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Apart from captivating action-packed anime, Japan also offers unique and enticing culinary experiences through anime shows. Explore our article featuring the top anime shows about cooking and cuisine.
1. Sweetness & Lightning (Amaama to Inazuma) - 2016
Sweetness & Lightning is a heartwarming and engaging tale where individuals facing unique circumstances find warmth of family and love through cooking. After the sudden loss of his wife, teacher Inuzuka and his daughter Tsumugi often resort to quick meals due to Inuzuka's lackluster cooking skills. A chance encounter with Kotori - the daughter of a renowned restaurant owner - leads to dinner invitations at Kotori's empty-home eatery. Here, the stories and dishes shared among the three reflect a blend of camaraderie, passion, and a longing for simple happiness they seek.
2. Yakitate!! Japan (King of Bread) - 2004
Yakitate Japan captivates audiences with its touching storyline and profound ideals. Follow Azuma Kazuma's journey to elevate the art of bread-making to new heights and overcome rivals in the field. Moreover, the series conveys a message of friendship, family, and a community bonded by their passion for baking, creating a show filled with contagious enthusiasm and allure.
3. Yumeiro Patissiere (Sweet Princess) - 2009
Charming, vibrant, and sweet - these are the words that describe Yumeiro Patissiere. The series revolves around teenage girl Ichigo Amano embarking on a journey to become a pastry chef from scratch, despite her initial lack of culinary skills. Inspired by her grandmother, a renowned pastry chef, Ichigo enrolls in a baking school and sets off on her path towards culinary greatness.
4. Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma (Soma the Culinary King) - 2015
Food Wars: Shokugeki no Soma, also known as Soma the Culinary King, depicts the intense culinary battles among talented chefs as they showcase their delicious creations. Among them is young Yukihira Soma, aspiring to surpass his renowned father and become a culinary legend.
5. Toriko (Gourmet Hunter) - 2011
Toriko combines action and gastronomy, following the adventures of Toriko - a culinary researcher on a global quest for rare ingredients to create extraordinary and delicious dishes.
6. Koufuku Graffiti (Super Chef) - 2015
An anime featuring a charming cast of female characters, perfect for female fans. It follows high school student Ryou, initially a terrible cook, whose life takes a turn when her cousin Kirin moves in with her. From then on, Ryou's cooking skills improve, leading to delightful dishes, heartwarming stories, and a more exciting and joyful life filled with culinary adventures.
7. Chuuka Ichiban (The Boy Chef) - 1997
The series chronicles the journey of Liu Mao as he aspires to become a legendary chef. Fueled by a grand dream, Liu Mao embarks on a culinary journey across China to discover new cooking techniques, ingredients, and elevate his culinary knowledge to new heights.
8. Ristorante Paradiso (Ristorante Paradiso) - 2005
The series brings optimism to viewers through the life story of Nicolleta. Initially arriving in Italy to seek revenge on her mother who abandoned her, Nicolleta finds herself at Ristorante Paradiso where she discovers her path and lets go of her desire for revenge. The series offers viewers a glimpse of intriguing yet simple joys, leading to a fulfilling conclusion for the main character.
9. Wakako's Gourmet Journey (Wakako's Gourmet Journey) - 2015
This anime is praised for its short episodes, each lasting only '2 minutes'. Wakako's Gourmet Journey follows the simple story of a 26-year-old office worker's quest to explore food, as she indulges in solo dining after work. With each dish Wakako enjoys, she imagines various flavors and scenes, letting go of life's worries and troubles.
10. Bartender (Master Bartender) - 2006
Bartender immerses viewers in a vintage setting reminiscent of the early 21st century. The series takes viewers on a journey to the cozy Eden Hall bar, where Sasakura Ryuu, known as the 'God of Cocktails,' showcases his exceptional mixology skills. Beyond serving delicious drinks, guests at Eden Hall also experience a sense of closeness, bringing forth thoughts and hopes for the future.
11. Cooking Papa (Chef Dad) - 1992
Adapted from the manga of the same name, the series revolves around Araiwa Kazumi - a stellar office worker with extraordinary cooking skills kept secret from others. Produced in 1992, the series may lack in visual quality but offers a humorous and engaging storyline that undoubtedly keeps anime fans eagerly anticipating each episode.
12. Mister Ajikko (Junior Master Chef) - 1987
The series follows young Yoochi, who inherits a precious legacy from his late father - a notebook containing secrets to delicious recipes. As he grows up, Yoochi opens a restaurant to carry on his father's legacy and competes in cooking competitions. With a compassionate heart, he also helps many people, and each dish, each story about Yoochi, serves as a profound lesson about life.
13. Isekai Shokudou (Otherworldly Diner) - 2017
Isekai Shokudou tells the tale of a unique restaurant named 'Western Cuisine Cat Restaurant,' located next to an office building where office workers often dine for lunch. On Saturdays, the restaurant is bustling with customers from the afterlife. While the office workers consider the food here ordinary, for the 'special guests,' the dishes served are extraordinary.
14. Ben-to (Bento Battle) - 2011
Bento is the famous Japanese boxed meal, now transformed into an exciting and captivating anime series. It depicts a battle for half-price Bento meals advertised by a supermarket during a promotion. The competitions and schemes unfold to seize discounted Bento meals, showcasing humorous and entertaining mental battles, providing viewers with moments of great entertainment.
15. JK Meshi! - 2015
The series follows the interesting meals prepared by three high school girls: Reina, Ryoka, and Ruriko. With adorable characters and the unique cooking skills of the three girls, JK Meshi is definitely a must-watch in the list of anime series on culinary themes.
With the anime series on cooking and culinary themes in this article, readers have additional options beyond action-packed fantasies or pure romantic dramas. Enjoy your movie time!
