The story draws many elements and concepts that fans of DnD and other fantasy RPGs should already be familiar with: Dungeons, adventuring parties, multiple races, magic, etc. But Dungeon Meshi chooses to focus not on a legendary hero party out to save the world, but an average one frequently down on their luck, just trying to save one friend. Never one to let hopelessness get the best of him, our quirky party leader Laios suggests saving money by relying on the dungeon to provide for them. Seeing familiar monsters being prepped for a meal as though they actually existed irl was both fascinating and, at times, comedic gold. Just when you think they've found something that's more sus than sustenance, Laios and the groups' new companion Senshi will find a way to make it so. With every successful battle and subsequent meal, we learn a bit more about the party and they, in turn, about one another. As I mentioned earlier, mealtime is when the party begins to bond beyond mere coworkers. We see them become more openminded, not just about the food, but also lifestyle practices, personal motivations, or even belief systems. For those seeking instant narrative gratification, I implore you to give it time. Just like cooking, sometimes the best stories need a bit of prep work before they can become a feast fit for a king.
Knowing the source material, I would have have watched this anyway. But hearing that Trigger was involved with this was all the reassurance I needed that the anime adaptation was in loving hands. For those unfamiliar with Trigger's other works, I highly suggest you check them out as well. It truly is a name synonymous with quality.
Speaking of quality, the opening song by Bump of Chicken checks another box for top shelf ingredients for a SSS rank anime. It has all the energy to match the atmosphere of the light-hearted, opening portion of the story. The use mandolin was a nice touch to match the medieval setting. I can close my eyes and just picture the rousing dances accompanied by ever flowing ale casks and the scent of pig spit roast in the wind. The ending song, Party!! by Ryokuoushoku only really matches the imagery during the staff roll, though it does a good job of it. I will be very surprised it we don't see a change in opening and credit music by episode 13 since, without going into spoilers, a LOT of stuff happens.
I sincerely hope that the anime will be able to cover the full story. Even more-so that anyone reading this is interested enough to give this adventure a taste. If I might be allowed to amend another popular phrase "its not the destination, its the journey.", I'll say it's not the meal, it's the feelings that go into it.
