DESCRIPTION

CAST

MANGA AdventureDungeon Meshi
ONA AdventureDungeon Meshi CM
ONA AdventureDungeon Meshi: Senshi no Kantan Cooking!
ANIME AdventureDungeon Meshi 2nd Season

REVIEWS

• 

  befalt

  90/100
  Deliciously nutritious, tender, and refreshing from soup to nuts.

  This review is spoiler-free.

  **〈 𝘈𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘵... 〉**

  ---

  Fantasy as a genre has become something of a crutch over the years. What was once a banquet of ingenuity and a feast for the imagination full of wonder, magic and otherwordly creatures, has now become nothing more than a shadow of its former self. Too many stories barely nibble around the edges of the genre's potential and serve the exact same old, reheated and lukewarm concepts to the viewers over and over again.

  However, it is not all doom and gloom. [Even though the number of bland, monotonous and cookie-cutter products labelling themselves as fantastical is constantly growing](https://anilist.co/search/anime?genres=Isekai), there is still hope for the genre.

  __This is precisely where _Dungeon Meshi_ comes into play, as it repeatedly demonstrates how much flavour the fantasy genre has within its insides and how delicious its content can be if you give it enough attention, care and time.__ Though, on the surface, the show seems like your average, run-of-the-mill, isekai-esque mishmash of ingredients with no interesting tricks or twists up its sleeves, we quickly realise that is not the case here. __There is much more to it beneath its unassuming appearance and rough texture.__

  

  It is __the very foundation of the anime__ that is its most delectable feature by far. _Dungeon Meshi_ does not shy away from its [Tolkien-inspired roots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_fantasy), [D&D](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons)-like backdrop and [RPG](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Role-playing_video_game)-esque framework. __Instead, it displays them proudly like a chef boasting [a Michelin star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_Guide).__ However, rather than relying on the worn-out, well-known and more-than-obvious tropes and concepts to do the trick without doing anything noteworthy, it thinks outside the (lunch)box in a delightfully fresh and spicy manner.

  You see, [when it comes to other stories](https://anilist.co/search/anime?genres=Dungeon), they very rarely investigate the depths of these ancient, monster-riddled monuments. __Typically, these places are merely used as grounds for scavaging loot from bygone civilisations, exterminating monsters, or exploring for the thrill of it—nothing more.__ Sure, we might get a taste of their backstory, learning how they came to be and what they were in the past, but this is often done in a shallow, sterilised and undercooked way. _"Dungeons are just dungeons, as simple as that"_ one might say. But is that really all there is to them? I do not think so. __Even the dullest and dreariest of ruins can be transformed into magical, compelling strongholds filled with exciting mysteries, vibrant corridors and bountiful surroundings that will punch you in the gut and leave you hungry for more.__

  So, how does _Dungeon Meshi_ dish up the secrets of these ancient labyrinths? That is quite simple, really: __by having its protagonists chow down on the monsters they slay along the way!__ Yes, that is the entire premise of the series. It might sound silly, gimmicky even, but it is surprisingly not just that. We are not merely supplied with 20 or so episodes of non-stop monster munching with nothing of substance sandwiched in between. As unique as it sounds, the premise alone __would not make__ the anime this entertaining, endearing and enchanting. Thankfully, the mere act of slaying monsters and transforming their bodies into gourmet dishes is just the appetiser. __There is a whole lot more on the menu.__

  The secret sauce of the show is its mouth-watering ability to breathe life into its setting. __The dungeon comes across as a living, breathing entity, with its own set of layers, rules and qualities.__ Every floor is a different course that offers a unique taste and consistency distinct from the previous one, and you can easily tell how much thought and attention to detail went into every single brick, plant and decoration within these walls.

  __Whenever the characters reach a new layer of the dungeon, they are greeted with a completely unique climate, atmosphere and vegetation.__ Early on, they wander through cosy, welcoming and rather unassuming environments that seem harmless at first glance. For instance, one of the initial levels is entirely comprised of trees and nature-inspired enemies. Although it is still part of the dangerous dungeon and should not be underestimated, the way it looks does not instil a sense of danger within us just yet. __In a way, we can tell we are merely stuffing our faces with an easily digestible lunch, waiting for the main course to burst onto the scene and spice things up.__ And that is precisely what transpires next. __As we venture deeper, the dungeon becomes colder, more uninviting and increasingly hazardous.__ One level is dominated by bodies of water full of aquatic enemies that force the protagonists to cook up creative solutions to deal with these obstacles. There is a castle level packed with haunted paintings, treasure monsters, and moving armour, where even a single piece of furniture could be a trap waiting to bite. Then there is a gigantic ghost town oozing with eerieness and uneasiness. There is even a level completely covered in snow and ice, which illustrates the concept of the ever-changing difficulty and harshness of the dungeon's layout perfectly.

  But it is not just the dungeon's multi-layered structure that made me fall in love with it. Many smaller elements add even more flavour to it, making it feel much more lived-in. For example, there are plenty of spots created for the adventurers to rest, restock and reorganise their loot. __In a place bustling with people of different kinds, it only makes sense that they set up campgrounds to better prepare themselves for the lower levels or trade with others for food, money, or equipment.__ It is small and insignificant, yes, but it is tough not to appreciate such features.

  __To put it more metaphorically, the variety of tasty environments and delicate additives sprinkled on top are so rich and unique that it is hard not to salivate over them like some kind of glutton.__

  Additionally, every nook and cranny of the dungeon is home to inhabitants who are as different as apples and oranges. Monster A lives only on Level X, Monster B is found exclusively on Level Y, and Monster C only roams the depths of Level Z—__this simple concept creates a habitat that feels self-sustaining, self-developing and harmoniously cohesive.__ While a lot of tales toss the fiercest monsters into the lower levels of their respective dungeons, they rarely chew on __the consequences of these creatures' presence.__ In _Dungeon Meshi_, the absence of a smaller fry leads to a shortage of medium-sized monsters, which might force the bigger beasts to stray into other parts of the dungeons in search of food. __I wholeheartedly adore this detail because it subtly and intriguingly mirrors real-life food chains and represents how an organic animal kingdom operates.__ When a predator notices its usual prey is scarce, it expands its hunting grounds in search of other means of nutrition. It is as logical as it is satisfying, and I am __all__ for it.

  All of this makes the dungeon's ecosystem seem tangible and realistic, without doing anything out of the ordinary. __Yes, in a vacuum, these elements might not seem that impressive, but if you take a step back and look at the entire picture, you will swiftly realise that without them, the dungeon—the star of this cooking show-like narrative—would be a rather uninteresting, drab and boring location.__ But hey, a fantastic foundation like this is only a part of what makes this series as full-bodied as it is.

  So, what about the plot? What is simmering beneath the wacky premise? Well, like I mentioned earlier, eating monsters and exploring the dungeon are just parts of the storyline. __In a way, they are the ingredients of the anime's body that put it on the map and set it apart from the competition.__ To be honest, the plot starts off rather slowly, like a pot warming up on a low flame. We get to know the characters, understand the situation they are in, learn about their goals, and see how they plan to tackle them. The episodes go by, and they tend to follow the same formula of exploring, slaying and cooking with some variations in the actual plot progression.

  __Nevertheless, this somewhat playful facade melts away, and the show begins serving us genuinely impactful content—both emotionally and conceptually.__ Suddenly, we are not just watching a dungeon cooking show, but a thrilling quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the place, its creators and what can be done to keep it in check. Plus, there is also the mission to save [one of the main characters' companions from the grisly fate they suffered at the hands of a red dragon](https://anilist.co/character/130508/Falin-Thorden). __This shift in tone may catch some off guard and be a bit jarring to others, but in my eyes, it is crucial to the story's impact.__ These moments of heightened seriousness and intensity not only allow the viewers to savour the setting and the various concepts that populate it in a slightly different, richer coating but also add much more gravitas to everything that occurs on the screen.

  __There are genuine stakes at hand and a more concrete goal in sight.__ While yes, _Dungeon Meshi_ contains a few pet peeves of mine like healing and resurrection magic, they are not as disruptive and detrimental to the experience as they initially may seem, as there is a lot more nuance to the whole magic system. Healing actually hurts, and being brought back from the dead has its own set of consequences and drawbacks that depend on a plethora of circumstances. __Overall, the show swiftly finds its emotional footing, and it quickly engrosses you in the story it aims to tell. It balances light-hearted charm with darker, more serious moments in a way that is quite sensational and sparkling.__

  However, I feel like the series' plot would not work as well as it does if the characters did not carry it on their backs the same way skilled chefs are able to bring out the best in their kitchen team. [Laios](https://anilist.co/character/126818/Laios-Thorden), [Marcille](https://anilist.co/character/127292/Marcille-Donato), [Chilchuck](https://anilist.co/character/130509/Chilchuck-Tims) and [Senshi](https://anilist.co/character/127689/Senshi) __each bring something unique to the table__ and __are fully-fleshed individuals__ with their own quirks, easily distinguishable personalities, backstories and motivations. While they may start off as a walking-talking collection of tropes or gimmicky characteristics, as time goes on, _Dungeon Meshi_ makes sure that they all get their moments to shine and develop into authentic and relatable people. __Very quickly, the characters stop being just a bunch of loveable meatheads and become flesh and blood.__

  __Watching them grow not only as individuals but also as friends is nothing short of charming, and their ever-evolving camaraderie, bonds and dependency on one another is extremely touching to witness.__ You quickly become attached to them, cheerfully following their antics, appreciating their squeaky-clean chemistry, and feeling like you are a part of this family-like group of flawed people who care greatly about each other. __It is that warmth that really pulls you in and does not let go.__ Much like a hearty campfire and a homey meal that relaxes your body after a challenging trek, these seemingly mundane characters and their everyday adventures are what truly make this feel so cosy, comfy and comforting. **They are what makes _Delicious in Dungeon_ really delicious.**

  __Naturally, a great narrative deserves to have only top-shelf production values at its disposal, and _Dungeon Meshi_'s visuals and soundtrack definitely fit those criteria.__

  When it comes to the various tracks that inhabit the scenes, __they fulfil their role rather well__. Sure, there might not be any standout songs in my eyes, __but none of them are ill-fitting or distracting either__. [The opening](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60_2zt9l3Yk) [themes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asyT-N1Ip70) are slow, sweet and deliberate, which perfectly embodies the sense of friendliness, companionship and love the cast of characters radiates with. On the flip side, the endings are either cheerful and celebratory [(the first half)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jio_17jg980) or sombre, melancholic and oddly nostalgic [(the second half)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Uba6oz7AC8), setting the mood just right. Lastly, the various insert songs we hear over the course of the show's run give off a strong fantasy vibe that really nails the tone at every turn. __Overall, the soundtrack is sweet, inoffensive, and does its job quite nicely.__

  On the other hand, the visuals __are where all the juices are, and they could not be better__. The colour palette is downright gorgeous, with a myriad of vibrant, warm, soft and almost pastel-like hues that immediately and effortlessly immerse you in the vast, glamorous world of magic, monsters and meals. The same applies to the art style. Though it may seem quite mismatched or generic at first, it uses its straightforward, fascinating lines and designs to produce some genuinely striking imagery. The background art is gorgeous to look at, and __every single centimetre of the dungeon's structure__ oozes with personality and life. The monsters' designs are compelling and eye-catching, the various locations spread throughout the dungeon are full of this majestic, adventurous atmosphere, and the character designs are instantly recognisable and memorable.

  __Of course, the animation is what ties all of it together, and it is genuinely competent on all fronts__. It is fluid and expressive to such a degree that even the most mundane and action-deprived scenes are somehow a treat to watch. Additionally, the camera work is wonderfully dynamic whenever a situation calls for it, the editing does not allow for even a second of boredom to appear, and the lightning further enhances the ambience of the eerie dungeon. All in all, each component of the visuals comes together to produce some __truly amazing, screenshot-worthy shots and scenes__ and __they make the already comforting experience that much more worthwhile and exceptional__.

  

  That was a mouthful, but I hope my ramblings at least sparked your interest in the show or allowed you to look at it with a fresh perspective in mind. __There is a lot to love and admire about _Dungeon Meshi_.__ Certainly, it is not perfect, but the elements that are praiseworthy, amazing and entertaining fire on all burners, and provide us with a hearty helping of whimsical, heartwarming, and nutritious content that will stick with you for years to come. __You can feel with every fibre of your being that it is made with love, talent and passion, and not churned out like yet another mass-produced slop that we see every single season.__

  __In a nutshell, _Dungeon Meshi_ is a genuinely sweet and charming surprise I did not expect to love to such a degree__. From the phenomenal worldbuilding seen in the dungeon's layout, ecosystem and foodchain to the joyful, wholesome and endearing relationships and interactions between the characters, this series time and time proves that confidence is key, and even the most unassuming of textures can reveal a wonderful, one-of-a-kind flavour when you are willing to dig in. __It is an incredibly lovely experience, and you should have a bite as well.__

  _Bon Appetit!_

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  **〈 ...𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘵. 〉**

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• 

  melamuna

  80/100
  A love letter for the fantasy genre and culinary arts

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  Lately, the fantasy genre in anime has been stuck with repetitive plotlines, refusing to venture out of its comfort zone and sticking to what is familiar. This results in seasonal anime shows about fantasy anime that are predictable from the title itself, down to their minute details that we quickly forget by the next season. There have been a few exceptions, such as "Frieren," which created a lot of buzz with its characters and world-building, and the current season's "Konosuba," known for being a genre subversion. However, most shows continue to offer the same old generic adventures. The fantasy genre has significant potential to explore different aspects of world-building, but as it keeps relying on the monotonous and overdone trope of leveling up by power scale, its potential becomes less valuable, causing the entire genre to lose its appeal. The amount of possibilities in the world of fantasy is endless, and it's just been waiting for that one special show to tackle it, and Delicious in Dungeon tackles the culinary world in a fantasy setting. ***

  The history of culinary arts is intricate, but in essence, people have always gathered around food. Over the years, new herbs and spices were introduced, enhancing flavors and transforming food into more than mere sustenance—an art form that delights both taste buds and eyes. As cultures shared recipes and culinary practices, seeking out the best flavors from each became a global pursuit. _Delicious in Dungeon_ explores the early days of culinary experimentation, where people tested various animals, adding their own twists to create delicious dishes. This simple premise is executed impressively, with fantasy world creatures made to look as appetizing as they do alive. ***

  The show doesn't just rely on its culinary aspects; it still serves as a decent fantasy show. While the world-building might not be as vast as the other shows in this genre, it made itself with the diverse kinds of animals being eaten and made as a culinary art piece. Moreover, the restricted nature of the show became its beneficiary, as it lets you focus on what's on screen rather than what has potential outside of the screen. Another aspect is the characters, who are just too fun to watch. They may not be the most deep characters or have the strongest motivation and development compared to other shows, but the fun they intimately share solidifies this as more of a comfort show than something else that isn't. ***

  Delicious in Dungeon is a unique show where it tackles known fantasy tropes such as power levels, dragons, and the unique creatures you discover along the way, mixed in with one element this show does, and that is the exploration of culinary experiences. It might not be the deepest or most fantasy-driven show out there, but for a series that strives for comfort with a sprinkle of drama, this show is as good as it gets.

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• 

  Underscore

  83/100
  If it runs, swims, flies, or grows in the ground, that means you can kill it and eat it!

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  ⬢⬡⬢| Dungeon Meshi |⬢⬡⬢

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  What do you do when you need to get through a dungeon as quick as possible and you can't afford provisions? Why, eat the monsters of course! Our group races against time to save their lost party-member trapped in the belly of the dungeon, all while trying to keep their own bellies full.

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  ⬢⬡| Overview |⬡⬢

  • Story: A cozy fantasy story about cooking in a dungeon that sometimes dips into heavy subjects but just as quickly manages to return to a lighthearted adventure (8/10)
    
    
  • Characters: Some of my favorite characters because they all have their quirks, and they're all lovable in different ways (9/10)
    
    
  • Visuals: Tons of expressions on the characters, fluid movement, just great design all around (8/10)
    
    
  • Audio: The voice acting was good (I mostly watched dubbed) but aside from that I don't think there was anything particularly special about it (7.5/10)
    
    
  • Bingeable/Hype: It starts out a little slower, but at the end of every episode you're like "no way that was 25 minutes; it felt like 5." Very easy to binge (8.5/10)
    
    
  • Enjoyment: Contrary to what I expected since I never watched a "cooking anime" before, I liked it from the start, and once the second half kicked off it was even better (8.5/10)

  ⬡ Overall: (8.3/10) ⬡

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  ⬢⬡| Plot |⬡⬢

  (8/10)

  I came into it not really expecting much because I didn't think a show about cooking stuff would interest me, but I was pleasantly mistaken. While cooking is a big part of the anime, it's not what the story's mainly about. Yes, it is everywhere, and yes, this anime revolves around the monsters and how to cook them, but it doesn't feel forced; it doesn't feel like this is a cooking anime but a fantasy adventure one. The cooking is a (really clever) plot device to further the story and deliver the world-building in a natural way. And oh my gosh, the world building! There is so much depth that gradually becomes uncovered the more the story goes on, and what you think is going to just be another fantasy world comes to life in a whole new way. There's monsters that I've never seen in any other story (and they eat most of them; actually the story is just as much about the monsters as the food, probably because they eat them), and the monsters we've all seen before are just different and with a lot of thought put behind them. (There's literally an entire encyclopedia filled with stuff from the source manga and I don't just mean fun facts, but full on ecosystems, life cycles, and biology explained; it gets crazy)

  So, let me talk about the story (don't worry, no spoilers). Right off rip we find the whole premise of the show is to retrieve the corpse of one of the MC's, Laios's sister Falin, who was eaten by a dragon. "Woah! I thought you said this was a lighthearted anime about adventure." Worry not, as I said before, the story is rich with world building, and if you pay attention to the dialogue, a passing remark here, an odd line there, we find that it's... not really that big of a deal. But even when the show does start to get a little dark and heavy it will just as quickly manage to pick itself up into a lighthearted adventure again. I can't really explain it, but even though the stakes feel real, and tension high, it also feels like everything will work out in the end. But don't worry, the big stuff doesn't come in till later. Now, I'm about to say something that I hate when other people say, but the story gets good, you just have to watch a bunch of episodes to get there. That's not to say the first half of the anime isn't good. It's good, okay. But, it's a slow start; it takes its time to set up the setting and characters (speaking of characters, I will get to that soon) and lets you settle in to the world before hitting you with the story full on. When they finally reach the dragon, you're like "nice, the story will finally come to a close." NO! WRONG! The story is just beginning.
  

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  ⬢⬡| Characters |⬡⬢

  (9/10)

  I love these guys, and you will too! It's their fun and funny group dynamic that gives the anime its charm. All of them are seasoned adventurers in this world, all with their own quirks. What does this mean? It means they all know what the heck they're doing and I don't have to sit through a boring monologue of exposition that no one would actually say in real life. The world around them is gradually revealed and explained to you through their actions. There is a large handful of characters that come and go but the main group consists of four people. We got Laios, who I'm not gonna lie, might be autistic, and he's the monster obsessed leader whose sister, Falin, everyone is going to save. Then there's Marcille, the elf and resident mage of the party who has about a million expressions per episode and never wants to eat the monster food until she tries it and ends up loving it. There's also Chilchuck, the sometimes shrewd half-foot lock-pick and trap expert. Finally, Senshi is the dwarf and cook of the group with expert knowledge on how to turn any and every monster crawling in the dungeon into a delicacy.
  

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  ⬢⬡| Visuals |⬡⬢

  (8/10)

  We got tons of expressions from each character, tons of monster designs, cool settings, tasty looking food, fluid animation, just double thumbs up all around. I'm not ashamed to admit I started drooling once or twice when they started cooking. The show looks good no doubt, and while rarely, isn't afraid to experiment. Sometimes there'll be a cut to zoom in for comedic effect, or the whole frame will shrink, but it works. Where there's action, it looks good; it's smooth and easy to follow. Where there's calm traveling scenes, it looks good, whether wide shots are utilized or close ups. I'll hand it to the animators, they know how to frame a scene whether they want comedy, seriousness, or something in between.
  

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  ⬢⬡| Audio |⬡⬢

  (7.5/10)

  As much as I sung praises to every other aspect of the show, I can't do the same for the sfx and music. Now, it's not bad, please don't think that, but it's not amazing either. What I mean is nothing really stands out. Now, I might be extra picky, probably am, but there wasn't really any point in the show that made me say "wow, this song is awesome," or "dang, those sound effects are crazy." Full disclosure, I watched this anime dubbed (controversial some might say) and I thought the English voice acting was actually really good. The little bit I saw in the original Japanese also sounded pretty good, but I didn't hear enough to feel comfortable giving my opinion on it right now. So, overall average, good but not great.
  

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  ⬢⬡| Bingeability/Hype |⬡⬢

  (8.5/10)

  I started watching this a couple days before the 23rd episode came out. Back in my prime, I would've caught up in a day, but I'm not the same anime gobblin' whippersnapper I once was. Nevertheless, I managed to binge almost all of it in a few days. Something about the episodes made them very easy to digest. they're all 25 minutes long (so like 20 since I skip the OP and ED/credits after I see it the first time) but it feels like they go by so much quicker. I just kept watching them, and I kept wanting to watch. You'll be watching an episode and think "okay they go somewhere, have a little fight, eat the monster they just killed, and move on," and then the episode is over and you realize actually a lot more than just that happened. (I guess that means it has good pacing? I dunno) Anyways, what I'm trying to say is it was easy and enjoyable to watch.
  

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  ⬢⬡| Enjoyment |⬡⬢

  (8.5/10)

  Speaking of enjoyment, that is something I got a lot of when watching this. I did not think I would enjoy it since it's a cooking anime, but honestly, I kinda like the cooking parts. Even if I didn't care for them, there's plenty else to enjoy. It's a fantasy-comedy-adventure that happens to have a lot of cooking. I especially loved the world-building, and I really love the characters. You just gotta pay attention; there's a lot of things they will do or say briefly that are funny or important to understanding the plot. But even if you somehow miss it the anime is so full of everything else it's hard to miss the passion that clearly went into making it.

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