Dungeon Meshi

Delicious in Dungeon - Food! Glorious Food! Found only in the dungeon that has never tasted this great, both visually and tantalising, with great stories to follow.

I always have faith when it comes to anime offerings from studio Trigger, one of the studios that always has an affluent, but ever-so-bombastic and consistent personality to their works. And for the first time in the studio's history since its founding, other than adapting its very first LN in the form of one of my favourite cult-classic works in the form of Fall 2014's LN author Kota Nozomi's Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de a.k.a When Supernatural Battles ... Became Commonplace, Trigger has once again undertaken that same achievement, only this time in manga form, which represents acclaimed mangaka Ryoko Kui's Dungeon Meshi a.k.a Delicious in Dungeon. This is hands down, one of the best anime of the modern generation, embracing the dungeon-crawling RPG aspect, and also being a fantasy work that doesn't shy away from its contemporaries wholeheartedly. Nothing is being spared in the nook and cranny of the ever-so-illusive depths of dungeons.

Dungeons are a staple of any fantasy work, and every and all adventurers will want to try to conquer its many levels in the usual raid of dungeon explorations, and in Dungeon Meshi's world, it is said to have a mysterious Golden Kingdom where it serves as the treasure of an island dungeon. And what started out like a typical normal scene of adventurers trying to slay huge monsters like dragons, with the likelihood of humans being consumed by these creatures should they unsuccessfully attempt to kill them to save their lives, this has to happen to one unlucky party group involving 4 people: a "tallman" human sibling duo, a half-foot/halfing and an half-elf, with the sister of the sibling duo unfortunately getting eaten by a red dragon, and the brother on a race against time before he can only recognize her in an after-digestion skeleton form. What also works against their favour is their survival, which hinges on their lack of resources (espeically food) and their only source lies within the same monsters that they're forced to consume regardless if they like it or not. The aspirations of the human, who has a fascination for monster food, forces his party to convene, that thanks to a dwarf who has made the same dungeon a home whilst, creates a story of not just all about dungeon food, but turning the huge place into another home which also carves stories of friendship and the hijinks of what to expect in a dungeon, like stories of madness and revenge, in a humorous way that doesn't take itself too seriously. This is the story of Dungeon Meshi, and the party that is Laios Touden, Marcille Donato, Chilchuck Tims and Senshi, and their quest to save Laios's younger sister, the talented Falin, while going about tasting all kinds of Delicious in Dungeon meals.

To talk about Dungeon Meshi, is to realise mangaka Ryoko Kui's magnificent and masterful writing, something that she has built before the realisation of the series that we get to experience in manga form, now with the anime. Being a fan of fantasy, something that was brought up in her family, Kui has always been fascinated with the genre, and is greatly involved in the medium thanks to video games like Dragon Quest, Ultima, and Fire Emblem, and the one game series that would become the centerstage inspiration for the series: Wizardry. The author herself has also been noted for her style of portrayal of reality and fantasy with her unique point of view, something that can be described as embodying "unnaturalness." Kui's affinity for dragons throughout Dungeon Meshi, can be attributed to her smaller works, one of which is in the form of 2011–2012's fantasy comedy manga Terrarium in Drawer, which is a collection of short stories detailing the lives of multiple unrelated characters, ranging from fantastical to conceptual and everyday uniqueness. Its examination of highly fictional situations with a realistic lens, gives it a sense of authenticity that is plastered all around Dungeon Meshi. That's how you know that fantasy is embossed in every degree of perfection, and Ryoko Kui does not rely on pretence to show the inner workings of such a pedigree of work that's unparalleled.

Truly, I've always thought of dungeons as a place of fear, trauma, and torture, and don't get me wrong, Dungeon Meshi has that, but it also knows how to play and poke fun in its adventure aesthetics, combining the comedy with the fantasy to give the entire show a feel as realistic as you can get. Laios and the party truly is one group of unique frenetics, all with their unique personalities that gives the dungeon hike a run for all of its offerings: the tallman swordsman having a talented spellcaster who was consumed by a big creature who dons on monster meals like it's the best thing in the whole world; the halfling locksmith who has an affinity for traps and expresses compassion with the least of his external expressions; the half-elf magician whom like Falin is also rather skilled but cautious in her approaches; and last but not least, the dwarf warrior whose dungeon shelter enables him to create great and balanced meals as a chef, not to mention his expertly vast knowledge that allows him to traverse through the dungeon like it's his second home. It's fun seeing Laios and the gang go through numerous situations, navigate through the dungeon's treacherous nature, and learn about the environment around them, Thanks to Ryoko Kui's impeccable writing, these half-hours of a 2-cour's worth of 24 episodes are truly some of the best time-wasters that anime as a medium can offer to just about anyone.

Speaking of episodes, Trigger's mainstay director Yoshihiro Miyajima may not be the most talented of the bunch, but having author Ryoko Kui alongside him being "very involved" in the anime adaptation, definitely shows the high calibre of how faithful she wants her work to be seen on the small screen. And it really shows, from the immaculate detailing of the anime bringing the manga to life to even its action, which, if you've seen even a slither of Trigger's more recent works, is a lot of sakuga done with the blood, sweat, and tears of the talented staff team behind the anime. And honestly, Trigger doesn't really need to go ham on its first manga adaptation, but the studio did it anyways, and I'm all the happier for the people involved in this, like how most passion projects are done. So far, the anime is only halfway through its adaptation of the manga, so it definitely needs another 2-cour, 24 episodes of consistency to deliver on the promise of a complete adaptation.

The music stands on its own quite well, too. Composed by famed musician Yasunori Mitsuda alongside Shunsuke Tsuchiya, Dungeon Meshi's OST is about as picturesque (on a sound platter) perfect as a dungeon-crawler RPG fest can be, considering that the former is best well known for video game OSTs given his time at Square (formerly Squaresoft, now Square Enix) composing for series like Chrono Trigger (and its sequel Chrono Cross), Xeno and Shadow Hearts, and even having a hand on the Inazuma Eleven franchise, creating some of the best music. The only negative comment I have for the show, is with its rather opaque OP/ED songs, which, while Bump of Chicken's "Sleep Walking Orchestra" is unironically THE best song of representation of the series, other songs like the EDs of Ryokuoushoku Shakai's "Party!" and Regal Lily's 2nd Cour ED are only visually striking, but the songs are just fine, not to mention sumika's 2nd Cour OP, which IMO was a disappointing departure from the fantasy elements it tried to portray, much less living up to the former's excellent showing both musically and visually.

All in all, Dungeon Meshi a.k.a Delicious in Dungeon, is a truly fantastical and unique experience to be had, and I kid you not that it's unsarcastically one of the standouts (so far) of anime when it comes to 2024 that can promise you of a great time, even by Netflix's longer-than-thou episode durations that still feels like you're watching every episode every bit less than its supposed runtime.

A daft show with its endearing touch of idiotic humour, who wouldn't want that? Only can you find this in Dungeon Meshi...ah, Delicious in Dungeon.

Criminally underrated.

Fantastic animation, great characters, great setting, great story, great music... there's really nothing missing here. I've loved every episode so far, and I'm always looking forward to the next one.

Frieren being 9.15 and Dungeon Meshi being 7.8 just doesn't make sense. These shows are of very similar quality in every area, and I personally prefer Dungeon Meshi (although I do really like Frieren).

Seriously, give it a watch. It's great.

Apparently my review needs more information, so... I guess I'll just gush about the show some more.

I really love how teamwork is emphasized in Dungeon Meshi. The main characters only get as far as they do ... because they're working together. I think teamwork and strategy are some of the most fun things to witness in battle manga/anime, but they're few and far between. Now, there's nothing wrong with a good 1v1 battle, but some of my favorite moments in shows like One Piece are when you have the crew working together.

All of the characters feel very real, and their behavior is very consistent. They have their disagreements, their own strengths/weaknesses and it's a lot of fun watching them work things out. This isn't a power fantasy, and I think that helps a lot towards suspending my disbelief. You don't see a whole lot outside of the dungeon, but everything feels like it makes sense and fits into the world nicely.

The main gimmick of the show, "dungeon food," is a fantastic way to emphasize that realism. What would happen if you actually had to delve into a dungeon for weeks at a time? It's a simple concept, but I think it goes a long way towards helping the viewer sympathize with the show's world.

Anyway, I could keep rambling, but I think I've hit my quota.

Watch the show!

As a jaded anime fan, I haven't watched current anime in a couple years but this is a breath of fresh air. Apart from the obvious RPG class tropes, this isn't an isekai, just pure fantasy again. There is no fan service, no skimpy outfits, not every character is highschool aged, the cast isn't majority female, the dwarf actually looks like a dwarf, the female orcs actually look like beastly female orcs and not just sexy girls with green skin, the main heroine isn't waifu bait, and none of the characters are (overly) stupid. Although to be fair, I haven't watched Frieren yet, people tell ... me this paragraph also applies to that show.

Story: Dungeon Meshi is very good so far. This begins as a light-hearted and relaxing "slice of adventure" genre with the story progressing at a literal walking pace, until the group actually accomplishes their initial goal and the real plot opens up. There's a lot of good character progression here (such as Marcille complaining about monster food less as the show goes on). Also, I saw one of the negative reviewers compare this to Shougeki no Souma, but I'm sorry, I want whatever the hell it is you're smoking. At least every cooking scene here isn't full of egregious moaning and cooming...

Animation: Trigger! Everything looks gorgeous, although most of the show takes place in cramped rooms underground so I guess it's easy for them to save budget. And the faces! Trigger probably put most of the animation budget on Marcille's hilarious facial expressions. Remember Akko's facial expressions in LWA? This is the same vibe. Also, this is another show where noses are actually drawn and people blink. A+ for effort IMO. Panty shots for the girls are nonexistent, but we did get to see some sweet dwarf bulge.

Music: Well not the best but no complaints here. Admittedly I haven't paid attention to it. I love the opening theme though, very slow-paced and contemplative, and not hyperactive dopamine bait.

Also, MAL is terrible, as always. This damn site wants me to delete this review and post a new one as I finish the anime? Give me a break. I've been watching this weekly.

It's undeniable that the year of 2024 had a rather lacklustre start when it comes to anime, with a Winter Season filled with more of the same, dreadful anime sequels, and things we'd be better off forgetting. However, at the same time, we had some pleasant surprises, and one of them was certainly "Dungeon Meshi".

Adapted from Ryoko Kui's original manga, the anime produced by Trigger Studio revolves around the theme of cooking and fantasy, which honestly, considering recent examples of works tackling these themes, both together and separately, doesn't leave much to expect. But fortunately, we were surprised with a genuinely good piece of work ... that brilliantly explores this combination of themes.

For those completely unfamiliar with the original material (like myself), it's normal to imagine it would be a generic story about adventurers in a dungeon with a secondary theme of cooking developed poorly and superficially. However, the author managed to brilliantly execute the idea. The way cooking is intertwined with the worldbuilding and mythology of the work is delightfully interesting and creative, constantly keeping us surprised. Whenever a new enemy appears, we wonder how it will be prepared.

But it's not just the culinary aspect that is well-crafted; the adventure and fantasy parts are also very engaging. The various conflicts the protagonists face with the dangers of the dungeon are not treated frivolously, thinking only about the cooking that will follow; they have a certain depth to them as much as the author's proposal and intention for the work allow. We see the characters devising strategies and dealing with the consequences of each confrontation, unlike other stories of this type where the main characters always emerge unscathed.

The characters are another point that sets it apart from other more generic productions, perhaps because the work features adult characters who behave with the maturity expected of them in a comedy anime. Their personalities are extremely entertaining, and the group functions very well together, providing us not only with good moments of laughter and relaxation but also those that warm the heart. However, the same cannot be said for the secondary characters, which I found quite dull and uninteresting.

Regarding the technical aspects, for a layman like myself, there's nothing to complain about. The adaptation boasts beautiful animation and design, with a soundtrack that fits perfectly. The team features a very competent direction that remains steadfast and takes risks at the right moments. The voice actors also did a remarkable job, both in the original and in Brazilian Portuguese (personally, this is one of the rare cases where I prefer the Brazilian version).

All of this results in one of the biggest surprises in this industry that I've had in recent times. "Dungeon Meshi" is an excellent anime and easy to binge-watch multiple episodes at once. It's a work that certainly pleases all audiences and one that I would recommend to anyone asking for a random suggestion.

Rating: 9/10

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 was ... the 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.

Recently I've been seeing this time all over my timeline on Twitter/X. So I decided to give it a watch

What immediately drew me in was the character designs and the art style, it also looked really silly lol
After finding out that TRIGGER was adapting the anime I had high hopes. The anime is generally really good. It's funny and has great animation. The dub is also really fucking good, it sounds so genuine and natural. The anime isn't quick to reveal things, it goes at its own pace which I like. It leaves a lot of mystery open and makes me wonder what will ... happen next. The story is SO SO interesting. I'm unfamiliar with fantasy-type stories, but the world is sooo alluring.

Watching on an episode-to-episode basis, I feel like so much happens in one episode, but it never feels too fast or too slow. It's pretty perfect. You're never really left feeling that some episodes are empty or boring while others have a lot of plot. I think the writing and pacing handles itself well and leaves full rounded-out episodes.

Overall this anime is fun !! I'm really excited for new episodes and hope later seasons get handled with the same care.
(praying TRIGGER doesn't fuck this over lmao)

Dungeon Meshi is a show that I absolutely love! The characters are so unique and full of life, each with their own quirks and personalities that add so much to the story. Laius' determination and resourcefulness, Marcille's knowledge and composure, and the rest of the cast all bring something special to the table.

The story is where Dungeon Meshi truly shines, blending humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments seamlessly. The adventurers' journey to save their companion is not only thrilling but also deeply emotional, as it explores themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice.

The animation is stunning, with fluid motion and detailed backgrounds that bring the ... fantasy world to life. The dungeon itself is a fascinating setting, filled with all manner of creatures and challenges that the characters must overcome, adding a sense of adventure and danger to their quest.

Overall, Dungeon Meshi is a masterpiece with captivating characters, an engaging story, and beautiful animation. It's a show that I can't recommend enough, and one that I always find myself coming back to.

Rating
Character Designs: 9/10 Their designs add a lot to the story.
Animation: 7/10 The animation is well done and makes the world feel alive.
Storytelling: 7/10 The mix of humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments is great.
World Building: 8/10 The fantasy world feels real and exciting.
Overall Enjoyment: 10/10 A charming and engaging show for fantasy fans.

I'd way rather see this in #1 spot than Frieren.

It's just disappointing that people do not rate anime that is fun to watch and has interesting story higher, good anime is always judged harsher. Look at Frieren, it's a basic premise, basic story, basic everything, but because it's unimotional, unexceptional, and just straight-forward decently written story it gets way better rating. That is because people confuse lack of exceptionality with quality. This anime is not Frieren, it definitely has it's own vibe, but somehow it manages to tell way more compelling story than other anime, whose story-structure is directed specifically at the main plot. Or ... should I rather say, this anime makes side plot as it's main plot so well, that you won't be able to call this a side plot.

Impressive anime that blends it's quircky nature into a real and interesting plot. 9/10 for what it is, but 10/10 because I wanna see Frieren burn.

TL; don’t want to read: That anime will make you laugh, make you hungry, and keep you hooked.

The Dungeon Meshi is a mix of fantasy and somewhat of a cooking show? So if you like D&D and Japanese cuisine you should definitely stick around. While the animation may not be the best, it's more than enough to keep you entertained. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, comedy, or just good storytelling in general, this anime is a must-watch. So grab your utensils and prepare for a culinary adventure like no other!

The fusion of dungeon exploration and gourmet cooking may seem unconventional at first, but it ... works brilliantly. The way the series seamlessly weaves together these two seemingly disparate elements is nothing short of genius. It's a refreshing take on the fantasy genre that manages to be both entertaining and surprisingly educational. The food in the show looks creepily delicious, and it’s even more weird to me as I haven’t eaten any meat for almost 10 years now. This anime is making me question my life choices (laugh).

The heart of the Dungeon Meshi lies in its story and characters. After seeing the first or the second episode, of course, I had to read the entire manga in one go. And oh, what a ride it was! Not for my eyes, though. The manga's storyline is a delightful mix of fantasy adventure and culinary escapades, filled with hilarious moments and unexpected twists. The characters are quirky and lovable, each with their own distinct personalities that add depth to the narrative. While I won't spoil anything, I can say with certainty that the story is both interesting and incredibly funny, leaving you eagerly anticipating each new chapter.

Don't you just love daft anime?

The sort of anime that'll come into a season, make some noise, but the sort of noise that's goofy, fun, but with a slight hint of seriousness on top of it. Even if the direction of such, isn't serious to a point. But the overall theme of the anime, more than makes up for it.

Story and characters: 8
The story is where it shines a lot. Like I really love how it starts, making you think it's something completely different, only to throw in a funny curve ball, which makes for a good laugh. Setting up for a solid product. Maple ... would be so proud of this show, as why not grill and eat any monster you come across? Surely they aren't carrying all sorts, and are going to cause you more harm than good right? But what also makes the story is shine, is the casting. For a show of this nature, you need a solid casting that'll mesh well together, to make the show stand on it's own two feet. Something of which you have here.

You can have one being the 'hero' while being the most weird out of the group. You can have the girl, be the most 'normal' of the group, but through her reactions, it adds much more to the comedic relief of the show's story, and so much more. Making Dungeon Meshi a fun blast from start to finish. If anything you'll remember this season for, is how goofy eating monsters truly is.

Art and sound: 8
What I really dig is the really massive up in quality when it comes to it's presentation. Certain scenes look really good when displayed, as if a duty of care was put into this, and it clearly shows. Really capturing the movements, and the atmosphere super well, while throwing in a great performance from the VAs, as you can tell they really had fun with this. A well done performance on both ends for sure.

The anime is goofy fine, with a side dish of idiotic fun. A blast for sure.

An ardent Anime adventurer apprehends aptly well, whenever Anime is perceived to be in grave peril, there arises out of the depths of an unknown realm hailed, Trigger, a new saviour, that appears on the scene merely to save Anime, again and again and again. So how could there be any alteration this time around. Dungeon Meshi is here to save Anime, and you better believe it so.

Plot: Take, let's say Danmachi or if you prefer SAO and couple it with Shokugeki no Soma or better yet with Gin no Saji, the offspring that this union might bring forth, without the bonk-i-ness, would be Dungeon ... Meshi, only when properly garnished with a healthy dose of D&D.

The main story is about misadventures of a ragtag group of people in the dungeon, and their crafty ways to sustain themselves. Their interactions and interplay produces fine, simple, enjoyable comedy. There are also surprisingly subtle nuances that make the plot that much better through neat world building.

Characters: Without a doubt the characters are the heart of this Anime. Even someone with a 2 minute screentime seems important in terms of the comedy. As I've reiterated, the interactions among the myriad characters in this Anime bring out the best or it's humour. There is certainly a charm to everyone, and a lot of heart surely has gone into making it so good.

Animation: This is trigger, need we say more. Obviously, this is by far the most fluid and crisp Anime this season. Every scene there is something moving, or doing something, even Solo Leveling would get a run for it's money the way the animation is going. You better be prepared for it to save Anime yet again.

Music: So far the OST hasn't had the time to properly shine, but it has done enough to compliment what is going on screen well. The Opening and Ending credits were both a treat to behold, both in terms of musicality and animation.

Enjoyment: There is enough enjoyment in this for just about anybody. The comedy is on point, the characters are charming, the plot is good, the voice acting is excellent, and above all it is a lot of fun.

(1st-half thoughts)

There are 2 things that I believe one should be aware of about this Anime before watching it:
The first is that it's a very wholesome show... with a tiny bit of unannounced gruesomeness. Don't get me wrong, the vibe and story of the show is definitely intended to be light-hearted and funny. But if you have a dislike for anatomical dissection, blood, and such stuff, you need to be wary that you'll see those things at some point in the show. Not often, but it has some. Might wanna check it first before letting kids watch this.
The 2nd thing I think everyone should know ... before watching this is that... this is NOT a story about food. Instead, it's a story that heavily involves resourcefulness in making food out of the limited stuff that could be found inside dungeons.
The main story itself is simple: Explore a dungeon with a purpose, deal with obstacles, get to the goal, and then survive and succeed. Sounds simple... BUT... how would they survive dozens of days' worth of exploration if they don't have any money to prepare food to bring with them? That's where the 'Food' aspect of the show plays a part. How will they find food in an underground dungeon that mostly consists of items and monsters? Will they find anything edible? If so, would it be safe to eat it? And if it is... will it be something they'd want to put in their mouth?

I appreciate how every single episode always involves food in one way or another, not missing a beat when it comes to the concept.
Be it a regular episode or a backstory episode, food will always be a part of it and not in a forced or out-of-place way.

When it comes to the characters, I wouldn't say they are anything to write home about individually but, the dynamics and chemistry of the entire party are definitely there. There's not a single character that doesn't feel close to any individual party members.

Both the OP and ED music provide a lovely energy that fits the vibe of the show.

Judging from these 12 episodes that are available so far, and the hints on where and/or how the story will go from here, I think it's now fairly safe to assume that it's going to remain the way it is now and maintain its vibe. As for me, my concern will be focused on their handling of the 'Food' aspect of the show, and whether they can keep it relevant even if the story starts getting a serious vibe without it beginning to feel like a nuisance to the story.
But so far, they've done a great job in doing so, in my opinion.

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 express ... my 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.

Masterpiece!

The worldbuilding is one of the most unique and well written,they mixed realistic science into fantasy and its fits pretty well. the animation is gorgeous,they know when to do do serious action scene and when to do comedy literally one of the best animation wise as of now for this year. the characters,this is probably one of my favourite things in the anime the characters is so unique and written well. PLOT is the best thing in this anime, they have mystery and have their own pace to introduce it. idk this is pretty amateur review but i just love so much this anime

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.

TL;DR Dungeon Meshi is one of those animes that's so good that you hate to see it come to an end.

Basically, Dungeon Meshi story follows a group of adventurers who delve deep into a dungeon to rescue Laios' sister, Falin. However after losing all their gear and being poor AF to the point of they can't even afford some decent food, they decide to eat monsters along the way instead - And soon enough meet Senshi, a dwarf that specializes in cooking (monsters).

Most people's first thought is that this is just another "fantasy anime" but with cooking this time. However, it sets itself apart enough ... at the beginning to prove otherwise, with everything really 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 nicely with each other because of this.
The story/worldbuilding is great and isn't too complicated to understand. It picks up halfway through when it starts to be more than just about cooking monsters, this is something especially important even for a fantasy anime since the original author actually has an understanding of it, as it takes various aspects from various fantasy games such as DnD and the likes.
Although the characters can come off as simple, they are well-written/developed, each with distinct personalities and backstories with little tidbits of their history coming up as the episodes progress - they also aren't annoying to the point I want to claw my eyes out. Even with Laios and Izutsumi being my personal favourites, you'd find it hard not to like them all.
And of course, the wonderful animation and sound design is top-notch thanks to TRIGGER doing the adaptation, it's the best I've seen this season so far, this anime is something else.

For something as underrated as this, it's a REALLY good shift from the Isekai/Shonen slop you see get season after season nowadays, and it shows.

Final rating would be a 9, but it was just that good I ended up buying "The Adventurer's Bible" book, so its a 10.
(I also just don't want to type anymore)

🔵2024---Dungeon Meshi was my favorite for the best new anime of winter 2024 and it did not disappoint.

Dungeon meshi is a typical fantasy world with guilds and dungeon expeditions, but it approaches it all in a way I haven't seen before (I'm not saying that something similar doesn't exist), instead of fighting, the anime focuses on cooking.
I like this refreshing approach to dungeon exploitation, each monster encountered is described in detail, as well as the method of its preparation.

The cooking isn't just an addition to make the anime stand out, this anime actually spends a lot of time delving into how to cook ... a monster.
Each episode surprises with something new, everything found in the dungeon can be used for cooking and the series does
Cooking with traps?
A garden of golems?
It's everything and it's not just for the sake of it, it has a plot purpose, eating monsters gives our hero an advantage in exploiting dungeons, so we don't feel like it's forced, "why are they cooking? they should be fighting" there are no such thoughts.

Despite everything, this anime is not only about cooking, we will also see some interesting fights, it is not something like typical isekai, this anime approaches it much more realistically without great fireworks.
The world building here is at the highest level, the dungeons are reminiscent of those from Made in Abyss, there is a curse and different ecosystems on each floor.
The lore and various details are conveyed in a very interesting way, not everything is explained directly and this is a big plus for me, you have to think and connect the dots.
The characters in this anime are great, each team member is different but equally necessary, we clearly see their strengths and weaknesses, which are revealed to us in each episode. The four of them create a great team with a family atmosphere. I like Laios and Senshi the most, they are the most important weirdos in the team, I love them.

The comedy in this anime is great, at the beginning it may seem that it will mainly consist in the reactions of an elf who is unable to convince herself to eat monsters, but in the end we get a variety and absurd humor that is not about "haha sex" as in most anime.

As for the main plot of the anime.
The peace of our heroes and the lack of time pressure was a bit strange to me, I wondered why they weren't worried about whether their friend was still alive, then I heard about the magic of resurrection but it was also mentioned that it could fail so... I know it's more of a comedy but they should care more about their friend since that's the main goal of this anime.
In later episodes they made up for the lack of any concern for Falin's fate, their slow pace can also be explained, but it would have been better if the main goal had been better established from the beginning.
This isn't a big mistake, considering the direction the plot took.

After ep 12 it seems like this is just the beginning and something much bigger awaits us, I can't wait to see it♥️
This is the most underrated anime of winter 2024

9/10 with a good chance of promotion xD

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 two ... popular 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.

Halfway in, and so far it's easily one of the best series of the season.
It's like the writer found everything that's trending and mushed it all together, AND SUCCEEDED!

The writing is brilliant, I don't find myself missing anything from the story or the character development. The story progresses nicely, while giving the best of cooking sequences in the middle of it all. And most refreshing thing of them all: Everything makes sense! Every motive for every character is explained and it all makes sense. The world also! I saw some reviews complaining that Marcille is annoying but imo if every other character is weird ... and eccentric, you need the ''straight-guy'' in the midst of them all. Her being there is imo justified through the storytelling. It makes the whole thing more relatable.
And speaking of relatable, I love every single character in this. They're easy enough to understand but they're complex enough to find them interesting as characters.

The art-style is amazing and feels like a mixture between Frieren and Ranking of kings. Light but impactful.

And the voice acting feels natural and is pleasant. Good stuff.

DELICOUS SPOILER FREE REVIEW!

Dungeon Meshi. Ah, Dungeon Meshi. You know this is a very smart show. It disguises itself as a Dungeon Culinary show but it's so much more than that. I was surprised to find out that this was made by Studio Trigger, by the next, younger generation too. This seems very different and "sane" compared to their other works like Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill. I have to say this does not disappoint. It's a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre in the midst of all the generic isekai these days.

It starts of with the MC's sister getting eaten ... by a Dragon. The MC and co go on a quest to retrieve his sister's body before she gets digested by the Dragon so they can revieve her. However they're broke and hungry. The MC comes up with the brilliant plan of eating the Monsters on their way. Initially I thought, "Wait that's it?". Well Yes and No. This anime sets a great example that anything can be good if Executed properly and the anime medium has a knack for exactly that. I was actually shocked to find out there's an actual story midway, and a really good one at that. Usually shows like these don't take themselves seriously but thats where it's different. I'm really glad that it did. It's a serious comedy if that makes sense. That being said the comedic timing and tone is perfect. It's funny when it wants to be and serious when it should. Even very dark at times.

What makes the show really fun is the characters and the dynamics between them. I really love them. It's like how you make fun of each other among your friends if you have any. Laios is an oddball but also the leader of the group. He appears dumb but he's a walking encyclopedia of monster and world knowledge. Marcelle the "terrible" mage who refuses to eat monsters but eats them anyway. Chilchuck the lockpicker who appears to be more mature than he looks. Senshi the dwarf, also the monster chef. They're all odd but in a very human way. There's a lot of situational humor that occurs due to the character's stupidity. Along the way they meet a lot of characters, who even they appear for a brief period really stick with you. Not to mention a really good antagonist, who I think will make a lot more impact futher down the line. Every character feels important. Both the Main ones and others. They have distinct roles within the story, more so for the main bunch which is great. It's worth mentioning the diversity of characters and races. They're presented how they are without shoving them down your throat in the name of "cULTURaL dIvErSiTy."

The world building in this is just godly. The Dungeon feels very lively, pretty similar to Made in Abyss. You have all the classic fantasy monsters like Unicorns, Dragons, Mimics, Minataurs, Mermaids etc etc. Races like Dwarves, Elves, Orcs etc. What makes it so fresh is how they're presented. There is an immense attention to detail. Like what they eat, how they hunt and where they live. Just like a living breathing creature, they feel alive. The world itself has a deep history which is cleverly mentioned bit by bit through dialogue.

I did not expect how well written the entire thing is. It all starts of with a simple idea, "What would Monsters taste like?". A silly aspect in media that I often used have a discussion about was "Ok but why don't we ever see the characters go to bathroom". Here we DO get to see them do that and the status of the toilets in the dungeon is literally a plot point. We get to see them being hungry, actually removing their attire, being hestiant about doing something anyone would be etc. The point here again is Attention to detail. It makes everything much more realistic. A great example of how good the writing is, is when the MC jumps inside the portraits for food. You casually find out the backstory of the king, the villain and the world too through the ages in the background which comes into the picture much later. This is what makes this show so different where as in other shows this would all be tossed out and you'd move on. It has what I call "Logical writing" where it just feels rational and makes sense. Like beating a monster with it's own weakness. In time, eating a monster doesn't feel bizzare anymore.

The Animation. SO GOOD! The animation for the backgrounds is breath taking. You get that juicy sakuga during action sequences. I really like the color palettes that they used for this one. It's quite soothing. The food animation's too good. It's all hand drawn. Even the monster and other big stuff like Dragons. There's no CGI used. The character animations retain that classic Trigger feel. One of the best parts was the character's reactions to the food, mostly Marcelle. It gives you life in case you lost that along the way.

This has some the best OST's in recent times and in general. It was composed by the legendary Yasunori Mitsuda, who also composed for videogames like Chrono Trigger, Chrono Cross and Xenogears. Alongside Shunsuke Tsuchiya. It was very smart to bring a couple of videogame composers for this. No wonder it sounds like a JRPG game, which works perfectly with the show. The music choices are perfect too. It's smoothing while they're having their Monster lunch and travelling. However it gets really epic during those intense moments, reminiscent of Dark Souls. I was so stunned how good it was. They use those classic fantasy music instruments that everyone knows but doesn't know the names of. "Senshi's Wisdom, Prepare for Battle, Lunatic/Mad Mage" are some of the really good tracks.

Now for a few negatives about the show. Some might feel that pacing is too slow, especially at the start. However I felt it was quite smooth with a lot of information coming in. If you're type who wants a story right away, you might be disappointed as it takes some time and not to mention there's lot of SOL moments in it. On the other hand, some really like that wacky Trigger animation during those tense times, but I'm not the biggest fan of that. The OPs and EDs imo felt quite lackluster in terms of songs and not visuals. It featured Furthermore, there was a point in the story where they needed a certain type of magic for something and someone conveniently had exactly that. There might have been some foreshadowing for it but it still felt like it came out of the blue. However it was handled very well soon after.

The Author Ryoko Kui is obsessed with Fantasy, Monsters and Dungeons and Dragons. She even made a COUPLE of BIBLES for Dungeon Meshi, giving extra info and illustrations for the Monsters, the characters and the world. The director Yoshihiro Miyajima was already obsessed with the manga that he was asking the author permisson for making an anime adaptation long before there were any plans for it. He even made an anime PV for the manga a long time ago. Combine this with studio Trigger's passion to make something really good and to prove what the new generation is capable of and you have the perfect recipe for Dungeon Meshi. It's been a while since I've been so hooked with an anime. Ended quite well too. Imo, this will be a classic and I think it already is. Season 2 is already confirmed at the time of writing, meaning we'll get a full adaptation.

SIMILAR SHOWS: There are a few shows that come to mind which are Golden Kamuy, Made in Abyss, Food Wars and Frieren. The most similar imo is Golden Kamuy. Both have MCs who go on a quest to find something while having random cooking sessions along the way. They meet various characters with various motives. They both have wacky characters and incredible writing minus the fantasy for Golden Kamuy. Next up is Made in Abyss which feature fanatasy worlds that feel extremely alive and get more dangerous as they go deeper where survival is the most important thing. Also about finding someone. Then we have Food wars for that detailed and satisfying cooking ofc. Lastly Frieren. It reminded me quite bit of this one as they go on a quest with that "new age fantasy" and SOL. However I'd argue this is much better than Frieren as the world building, writing and characters are far better. Not to mention having an actual story.

Rating:
Visuals: 4/5
OST: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Overall: 4 - 4.5/5 OR 9 - 9.5/10