Don’t forget to say ‘Itadakimasu’ before stuffing yourself with all these heaping plates of magic

By Josh Morente

Fighting otherworldly villains, jumping over roofs, running through concrete walls, shouting at one another before the collapse of a city, and saving the world from the impending doom sure are tiring ways to live. One would definitely go hungry afterward. It’s a good thing we’re here to talk about the food, and none of the action. Yes, let’s dig in to the glorious mouthwatering delicacies of the colorful medium that is anime. If only “smellovision” was still a thing… (or was it ever?)

You can’t eat it, you can’t smell it, and you definitely can’t taste it, so what’s so good about seeing 2D animated food in your favorite anime shows and movies? Anime food brewed to perfection by chefs unknown to humankind, and talking flames that cook eggs and bacon are almost always what everyone sees online. There are a ton of ‘em and more. To answer the question, one good thing about it is that some of the dishes can be cooked at home, and enjoyed the same way these beloved anime characters slurp their ramen, and bite into their pork cutlets and other juicy meats. 

From below-the-radar shows to backed-by-a-giant-animation-studio movies, here are some of our favorite anime eats!

You can’t eat it, you can’t smell it, and you definitely can’t taste it, so what’s so good about seeing 2D animated food in your favorite anime shows and movies?

1. Endless bentos

Photos from Koe no Katachi (2016) and Cardcaptor Sakura

2. Katsudon

Photo from My Hero Academia (2016 - Present)

3. Ramen

Photo from Naruto

4. Omurice

Photo from Garden of Words (2013)

5. Potato Chip Fried Rice

Photo from Weathering with You (2019)

6. Eggs and Bacon

Photo from Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

7. Gotcha! Pork Roast

Photo from Shokugeki no Soma

8. Curry Rice

Photo from 3-gatsu no Lion

9. Okonomiyaki

Photo from Koe no Katachi (2016)

10. Watermelon

Photo from Free!

11. Shaved Ice

Photo from Non Non Biyori

Will you look at that, jaw-dropping food preparations, endless Katsudon bowls, and countless cravings later, we’re finally at the end of this gastronomical trip. Go on, wash your hands, cut those onions, line up those spices, heat up that pan, and don’t forget to say “Itadakimasu” before stuffing yourself with that heaping plate of magic.