FEATURE: Fix Yourself a Plate of the Most Comforting Anime Foods
One of the best-looking things in anime is the food. I could go on and on about how much I wish I could grab a dish right off the television. Since food in anime always looks so delicious and, at times, serves as a source of joy and comfort, let’s highlight some of the most comforting home dishes from multiple series. I’ll be looking at a variety of food that covers different courses of a meal. Some are easy to make, some take time and skill, but all are tasty and make you feel good inside.
Udon (Chainsaw Man)
There will be many soups on this list, but for starters, udon was the first comfort meal Denji had eaten after he started his new life. It was also a meal he couldn’t eat without a little bit of help. Udon is a Japanese noodle dish that is thick noodles in a light broth. This can be eaten with a number of different toppings and accompanied with many sides like a hotdog on a stick (not to be confused with the popular corn dog).
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What makes this dish differ from other iterations of udon is how much it plays its own role in helping Denji understand that life could be better. Another food like this is Denji’s toast with every type of jam and jelly — I’d consider that a comfort snack.
Megumi’s Onigiris (Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma)
From the beginning of the series, Megumi works diligently to prove that she should stay at the academy. Sometimes the heat in the kitchen gets to her, but as she progresses she puts her hometown flavors into her dishes. This all starts with her little onigiris of different flavors, these rice balls filled with a variety of proteins and vegetables that serve as a terrific mid-farming snack.
Steamed Buns (Dragon Ball)
There are so many different dishes eaten throughout the course of each Dragon Ball series but steamed buns seem to be a quick, go-to meal for Saiyans all around. Steamed buns are both a sit-down dish and one that’s on the go. They can be made from both wheat and rice flour and they can have several different fillings or be eaten on their own. It’s part of many meals, from post-tournament dinners to family lunches. Steamed buns could impress the gods with home flavors and easy eatability.
Seafood Risotto (One Piece)
Sanji learned to cook on the high seas and this meal speaks volumes to how much time and effort he’s spent learning both techniques and which ingredients flow together. This is a dish a traveling chef perfected every time they were asked to make it and it does wonders for feeding a large crew. In short, this would be the dish you bring to the potluck to impress your family.
Ramen (Naruto, Naruto Shippuden and BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS)
One of the most notable foods from Naruto has to be ramen. It comes with different broths and toppings, easily making it a dish everyone loves. Ramen always makes an appearance in this series, from the original Naruto to BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS.
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Ramen is a comforting dish a father and son can share that carries along memories of humble beginnings and time spent with friends. Also, how could you not eat ramen all the time when you have a lifetime customer card?
Herring and Pumpkin Pie (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Although I could include any bread from the bakery, this is one of the most heartwarming dishes in anime with its friendly fish pie crust. Madame specifically makes this dish for her granddaughter’s birthday, who unfortunately takes it for granted, unlike Kiki.
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The tale of the fish herring pie opens up a lasting friendship between Kiki and Madame that ends with gratitude and respect for each other. A sweet and savory delight that you can enjoy with your whole family, when it comes down to a sentimental dish, you’ll think of Grandma every time you take a bite.
Cola (Dr. STONE)
Watching everything crumble around you when you’ve been petrified in stone makes you think of certain wants you would never think you could ever experience again. That’s what it was like for Gen Asagiri, he wanted cola so bad that he even crossed enemy lines for this beverage.
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It started as carbonated water but with Senku’s brilliance he was able to recreate cola just for Gen. There are many dishes and foods that Senku recreates for the people of the new stone world but this one showed a compassionate side toward Gen, making him join the Kingdom of Science. You can’t outmatch a delicacy that someone has craved for centuries.
Southern Stew (SPY x FAMILY)
Nothing more hospitable than a stew that reminds you of where you’re from. The southern stew in SPY x FAMILY is not only heartwarming but the story behind it is endearing and all the while makes you more thankful for being together with friends and family — if not just for a day.
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Yor already had some trouble cooking to the point where she felt that she was failing Loid as a wife and a mother to Anya. She enlisted the help of her co-worker, Camilia, who after teaching the basics helped Yor unlock memories of her mother’s cooking.
We’ve covered some of the most comforting and delightful meals in anime but did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
