Delicious in Dungeon

Delicious in Dungeon, a cooking show where mythical dungeon critters are used as ingredients for real world recipes. There is a sub genre on the rise recently called "cozies". Cozy mysteries is the oldest one going back to the 1940s but more recently it's started to infect other genres. Dungeon Meshi is a clear cut example of a Cozy Fantasy, dungeon crawler subtype. Instead of exploring, plot or character development the focus instead is shifted to the food aspect with actual recipes included for the dishes per volume (yes, most publishers require that for a cozy series) On the surface it's an ok idea, it combines twopopular genres and the 8.6 score on MAL is a testament to it's success. Personally though, I have mixed feelings about this. The cooking portions break the build up tension way too often. The show has a story and is good about create a sense of urgency... which is thrown to the wind because it's a cozy so obviously everything needs to be slowed down to a crawl. The characters are paper thin, they have exactly one role each:- Laios = Monster! yay! can I eat it? Marcille = ew! Yuck! ew ew ew EW! ok, I'll eat it... yum. Senshi = Cooking mama Chilchuck - Ugh, don't treat me like a kid! So annoying. In the second half of the show Marcille becomes the designated butt of the joke character for some reason, that's about it. There are a lot of inconsistencies as well. In one episode the group is introduced to a new monster type, the very next episode Laios is an expert on that monster's eating and breeding habits... how?! This includes monsters never seen before and have moved to the realm of myth. How does he know everything about them including their anatomy and behavioral patterns? Aside from an exposition dump for the viewer I mean. Dungeon Meshi is two shows forced to share the time slot. The cooking aspect ruins the adventure pacing, the adventuring is too dark and morbid for a cooking show.

Everyone has different tastes in anime and some anime that gel with others will not gel with you. Dungeon Meshi is one of the last shows I have watched from last season as I have never watched a gourmet anime before as I know they will not be for me. However, dungeons, dark fantasy, blood, gore and seriousness is for me, so I thought I would give it a shot with the hopes it will turn into this later in the series. Does Dungeon Meshi change its tone mid way through? Sort of yes! Does it do it well? Not for me. I think it wasthe breaks in serious tone each episode back to cooking that ruined the immersion. Characters, Music or World Building can make or break a show. If you hit all three you get a 10/10. Dungeon Meshi hit none of those for me. The characters were incredibly bland. Laios, Senshi and Chilchuck just didn't have what is required. They don't have the depth of Rudeous (Mushoku Tensei), the complexity of Guts (Berserk), the Epicness of Shadow (Eminence of Shadow), the psychotic Esdeath (Akame Ga Kill) etc. Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with Dungeon Meshi's characters. They are just missing the sparks of the others I listed above. However, I did enjoy Marcille though. Her comedic relief was on point as I rarely laugh during anime and she hit the mark. The music was no good either. Lets be honest there was no bangers played that make you leap out of your seat in excitement that are in anime like Death Note, Code Geass, Berserk, Parasyte etc. I could play you a song from those anime and most anime fans would identify it immediately. If I played you a song from Dungeon Meshi outside of the OST I'm sure people would not recognise it. If you are reading this review and haven't watched Dungeon Meshi yet I will advise you to definitely give it a shot. Its 8.6 rating says you should. To those reading this review that have watched the show and loved it, I take you back to my opening sentence that everyone has different tastes and as much as I wanted to love this anime, very sadly it just didn't resonate with me. However, I will give season 2 a shot when it comes out.

The Most Innovative Show I Have Ever Watched I don’t say this lightly. I have a big head, and I’m not quick to compliment authors on their writing as genius, but even I have to admit that Kui Ryouko is an absolute genius—undeniably smarter than me. Dungeon Meshi stands as a testament to her extraordinary intellect, a culmination of vast knowledge in fantasy and mythological lore, combined with an absurdly vivid imagination. The world Kui-san has crafted is nothing short of a masterpiece, rich in detail and bursting with creativity. The worldbuilding is so brilliant that I’m at a loss for words that can fully expressmy admiration. The foundation of Dungeon Meshi lies in its meticulously crafted world. Kui Ryouko has taken the standard fantasy dungeon-crawling premise and elevated it to a level of depth and originality that is rarely seen. The dungeon in Dungeon Meshi is not just a backdrop for the adventure but a living, breathing ecosystem filled with its own history, cultures, and rules. Each level of the dungeon is distinct, dangerous and wondrous. From ancient ruins to lush forests, the variety is staggering. This diversity in settings ensures that the series never feels monotonous; every episode brings a new challenge, a new discovery, and a new opportunity to explore the world Kui-san has so meticulously designed. What sets Dungeon Meshi apart is how this worldbuilding is seamlessly integrated with the narrative. The creatures that inhabit the dungeon are not just obstacles but integral parts of the ecosystem. Every monster has a role to play, and their presence is justified within the logic of the world. This level of detail reflects Kui Ryouko’s deep understanding of fantasy and mythological lore. She doesn’t just create creatures; she breathes life into them, making them feel like they belong in the world rather than just being there to provide action sequences. Story: 10/10 One of the most innovative aspects of Dungeon Meshi is its focus on food. In a genre where survival often takes precedence over all else, Kui Ryouko introduces the concept of using the monsters in the dungeon as ingredients for meals. This culinary twist is not just a gimmick; it’s a central theme that ties the entire series together. The idea of cooking and eating monsters adds a layer of creativity that causes the characters to constantly experiment with new recipes, turning what could be a mundane survival story into a gourmet adventure. The food in Dungeon Meshi is more than just sustenance; it’s a way for the characters to connect with the world around them. The act of preparing and eating meals becomes a ritual, a moment of respite in their dangerous journey. These scenes are presented with a level of detail and care that makes them feel almost sacred. The process of cooking is depicted with the same intensity and focus as the action sequences, highlighting the importance of food in the characters’ lives. What’s remarkable is how Kui Ryouko manages to make these cooking scenes both humorous and heartfelt. Each dish they create is a testament to their ingenuity and adaptability, turning even the most terrifying creatures into something delicious. This blend of humor and creativity gives Dungeon Meshi its unique charm, making it stand out in a crowded genre. Food: 10/10 At the heart of Dungeon Meshi are its characters, and it’s here that Kui Ryouko’s genius truly shines. The cast is diverse, each member of the party bringing their own quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities to the table. Laios, the noble-hearted knight, serves as the leader of the group, and his love for monsters—both as creatures to understand and as ingredients to experiment with—drives much of the story’s humor and charm. His obsession with monsters might seem eccentric, but it’s rooted in a deep respect for the creatures that inhabit the dungeon. Laios’ character arc is one of growth and self-discovery as he learns to balance his fascination with the monsters with his responsibilities as a leader. Marcille, the elven mage, provides a counterbalance to Laios with her skepticism and delicate constitution. Her initial reluctance to eat monsters is both amusing and relatable, but over time, she comes to appreciate the necessity of their situation. Marcille’s journey is one of overcoming her fears and prejudices, and her growth is a testament to Kui Ryouko’s skill in creating multi-dimensional characters. Chilchuck, the pragmatic half-foot thief, brings a level-headedness to the group, often serving as the voice of reason when things get out of hand. His expertise in traps and dungeon navigation is invaluable, and his character adds a layer of practicality to the story. Senshi, the dwarf with an unparalleled knowledge of dungeon cuisine, is perhaps the most fascinating character. His passion for cooking and his deep understanding of the dungeon’s ecosystem make him both a mentor and a source of wisdom for the group. Senshi’s character embodies the theme of resourcefulness, and his dedication to using every part of a creature is both admirable and inspiring. His interactions with the other characters are always a delight, as he shares his vast knowledge and imparts lessons on survival through cooking. Senshi’s character arc is one of my favorite aspects of Dungeon Meshi. Kui Ryouko doesn’t shy away from exploring the psychological toll of their journey, making the characters feel more real and relatable. What makes these characters truly remarkable is the way their relationships evolve over the course of the series. The camaraderie that develops among them feels natural and earned, and the moments of humor are balanced with moments of genuine emotion, as the characters confront their fears, insecurities, and desires. At its core, Dungeon Meshi is a celebration of resourcefulness and the joy of discovery. The dungeon is not just a place of danger but a treasure trove of possibilities, waiting to be explored and understood. The characters’ ability to adapt to their environment, to find creative solutions to the challenges they face, is a central theme that runs throughout the series. But Dungeon Meshi is also about the thrill of discovery. Every corner of the dungeon holds a new surprise, a new mystery to unravel. The series captures the essence of what makes exploration so exciting—the sense of wonder, the anticipation of the unknown, and the satisfaction of uncovering something extraordinary. Kui Ryouko masterfully balances the tension of survival with the excitement of discovery, creating a narrative that is both gripping and uplifting. Characters: 10/10 The visual style of Dungeon Meshi complements its narrative brilliance. The animation is vibrant and detailed, bringing the dungeon’s creatures and culinary creations to life in vivid color. The character designs are expressive and endearing, capturing the unique personalities of each party member. The cooking sequences, in particular, are a visual treat, with a level of detail that will leave viewers hungry. The art style strikes a perfect balance between the fantastical and the realistic. The textures and colors used in the dungeon environments add to the sense of immersion, making the world feel both magical and tangible. The creatures are designed with a blend of creativity and believability, making them both terrifying and intriguing. The attention to detail in the animation enhances the storytelling, drawing the viewer into the world of Dungeon Meshi and making the experience all the more engaging. Art: 10/10 One of the standout aspects of the animation is its fluidity, especially during the action scenes. The battles are meticulously choreographed, with each movement flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a sense of dynamism that kept me fully engaged. The animators have paid close attention to the physics of the characters and their environment, ensuring that even the most fantastical actions feel grounded and believable. Whether it’s a high-stakes combat sequence or a character performing a mundane task, the motion is smooth and precise, contributing to the overall immersive experience. Animation: 10/10 This show has sated my long-held desire for a proper adaptation of Toriko. This is almost nothing like Toriko and yet it has that sense of wonder for food and appreciation for worldbuilding that made me lose myself in the world of Toriko to begin with. I would like to thank Kui Ryouko for reminding me that the joy of fantasy and adventure that I loved so much was a genre unto itself, separate from the repetitive re-incarnation and pseudo-fantasy that I’ve been consuming during my isekai-trash binges lately. Dungeon Meshi is more than just an anime; it’s an artistic landmark. Kui Ryouko has created a series that is both innovative and timeless, a work of genius that sets a new standard for what anime can achieve. The blend of adventure, comedy, strategic action, and gripping human drama is nothing short of masterful, creating a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. This show is one for the ages—a true work of art that deserves a place in a museum. It’s a series that will be remembered not just for its creativity and originality but for its depth and heart. Dungeon Meshi is a testament to the power of storytelling, a reminder that even in a genre as well-trodden as fantasy, there are still new and exciting stories to be told.

The amount of great fantasy anime to come out this year has been unreal. Dungeon Meshi is very comparable to the recent Frieren, and even better in a lot of ways. The worldbuilding is some of the best not only in anime but in anything, and the way its unique and compelling story is told surrounding the central theme of Dungeon Food is nothing short of masterful. The cast is large but no character overstays their welcome; the main ~5 were all loveable and well-developed without taking away from the main attraction which is the dungeon. They got really creative with the problems and solutions,too. Overall, Trigger has saved anime yet again, can't wait for season 2.