It would be absolutely blasphemous to say that we here at Spoon University didn’t appreciate food in different varieties. And by different varieties, I also mean the animated kind. Truth be told, I used to get hungry just by watching Spongebob make Krabby Patties. But I discovered that there is another world of animation that most people are not acquainted with just yet: anime.
Anime is Japanese hand-drawn/computer animation that is wildly popular not just in Japan, but all over the world. You might know a few off the top of your head (like Naruto or Spirited Away), but you probably don’t know any that are entirely based on food – but that’s why I’m here.
Here are eight different shows that you should get into if you’re an avid food lover like myself. Brace yourselves.
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1. Koufuku Graffiti (Gourmet Girl Graffiti)
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Koufuku Graffiti emphasizes the importance of creating long-lasting friendships through eating good food together (this is how I make friends too). Protagonist Ryou Machiko cooks up delectable and appetizing dishes for her friends and family to all share. Food and good company — what’s not to like?
2. Yume-iro Pâtissière (Dream-Colored Pastry Chef)
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Cake Wars, step aside, Yume-iro Patissière is here. The anime features student baker Amano Ichigo’s adventures at a culinary school, as well as the step-by-step scenes of Ichigo making warm, rich pastries.
If you’re craving sweets after watching her make some creamy desserts, check these sweet and healthy recipes out.
3. Yaki-tate!! Japan (Freshly Baked!)
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Yaki-Tate!! Japan enters the life of bread-loving Kazuma Azuma, who is looking to make Japan’s most heavenly bread. He holds a power called “Hands of the Sun,” which enables him to cook bread from his very hands (a power we all wish to have). In preparation for the big bread competition in Tokyo, Kazuma faces many challenging opponents and a lot of fluffy, toasty bread.
Because I know you suddenly want it: check out this braided Nutella bread recipe.
4. Toriko
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This anime follows the adventures of an incredibly buff and charismatic man named Toriko. He’s a Gourmet Hunter whose goal is to find the most godly and delicious ingredient in the world. In his pursuit to find this item, he comes across the most outrageous types of fictitious food (like flowers filled with steaming ramen).
#SpoonTip: Find out how you can stay fit and eat the foods you want (like Toriko) by lifting weights.
5. Bartender
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Ryu Sasakura is a godly bartender who knows how to create the perfect alcoholic drink. In each episode, he offers troubled customers an exquisite beverage and a heartfelt conversation. Sounds like a man I need in my life, ASAP.
In need of a drink? Find out what kind you need to whip up tonight.
6. Ristorante Paradiso
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Ristorante Paradiso features a young woman named Nicoletta who falls in love with the people and environment of a prestigious fine dining restaurant in Rome. Here, she learns that having the best skills are not the only characteristic to being a talented chef.
7. Wakako-zake
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Murasaki Wakako is a 26-year-old woman who yearns for a drink and a satisfying bite after a long day of working in an office (sounds familiar). In this anime, we follow Wakako in her nightly adventures to find the best and most mouth-watering foods in Japan. If you’re curious about what Japan and other countries eat with their alcohol, check this article out.
#Spoon Tip: Each episode is only two minutes long, which means it’s good to watch for a quick study break.
8. Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma
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The plot for Shokugeki no Soma revolves around a high school boy who strives to become a better chef than his father. In his journey to achieve this status, he attends a prestigious culinary school to challenge not only his extremely talented classmates, but also his own ego and skills.
Make sure not to watch any of these shows on an empty stomach, because your mouth is going to water for the entire duration of the episode. There are English subtitles available for every anime listed, so don’t worry about the language barrier being a problem at all.
Break outside your boundaries of your beloved Gossip Girl and Game of Thrones, and try watching something new, like one of the anime listed above. I mean it’s about food, so why not?
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