Top 50 Best Cooking Anime In 2025

"Hotaru no Haka" (Grave of the Fireflies) is set in the waning days of World War II, depicting Japan under relentless bombing raids in 1945. The film focuses on siblings Seita and Setsuko, who are orphaned by the war and left homeless, struggling to survive amid utter devastation.

As they contend with hunger, illness, and pervasive indifference, their journey lays bare how severe hardship can erode compassion and expose people's most desperate instincts. This heart-wrenching tale offers a poignant reflection on the human cost of war and its aftermath.

"Grave of the Fireflies" earns its place on this list as a stark reminder of food's fundamental importance, vividly illustrated through Seita and Setsuko’s daily fight against starvation. Few anime so profoundly foster gratitude for every meal as this unforgettable masterpiece.

"Yuru Camp" beautifully embodies the tranquility that follows a satisfying meal, an essential aspect of the cooking experience. The story centers on Rin Shima, who finds her greatest peace in solo camping trips near Mount Fuji, relishing moments of solitude and self-sufficiency away from everyday distractions.

Rin's quiet routine changes when Nadeshiko Kagamihara, lost while chasing a view of Mount Fuji, stumbles upon her campsite. The unexpected meeting quickly blossoms into friendship as they share warm meals and heartfelt conversations beneath the night sky. As Nadeshiko's sister arrives to take her home, both girls look forward to more shared camping—and cooking—adventures together.

Souma Yukihira is determined to surpass his father in the art of cooking and dreams of taking over the family diner. He believes that victory in culinary competitions is the key to achieving his goal. However, his ambitions are put to the test when his father unexpectedly closes their restaurant and enrolls Souma in the prestigious Tohtsuki Academy.

At Tohtsuki, Souma encounters demanding challenges and faces off against driven rivals, experiencing a level of intensity far beyond what he's ever known. The academy boasts a reputation for producing culinary legends, and its rigorous environment shapes every student. Among his classmates is Erina Nakiri, whose enigmatic presence and personal ambitions spark Souma's curiosity, highlighting just how extraordinary Tohtsuki truly is.

With fierce battles of skill and ego unfolding daily, Souma soon discovers that excelling at Tohtsuki means mastering every aspect of cooking and personal growth. In "Food Wars!", only a select few succeed each year, pushing Souma to relentlessly hone his talents and claim his place among the culinary elite.

As we reach the last entry on our list, it's only fitting to highlight "Gin no Saji" (Silver Spoon). This engaging anime follows Yuugo Hachiken, a hardworking and ambitious student who decides to enroll at Ooezo Agricultural High School.

Yuugo chooses this path in hopes of escaping the high expectations set by his parents. However, he soon discovers that his classmates, most of whom are seasoned farm kids, possess practical experience and knowledge far beyond his own in both academics and hands-on work. "Silver Spoon" delves deeply into themes of livestock care, food production, and the intricacies of farming life.

The series shines a light on the origins of our food, revealing the dedication and effort that go into agricultural life. It reminds us that while food may come easily from stores or packages, its journey begins with hard work on the farm. Yuugo's attempts to adapt often result in funny situations, adding both relatability and humor to his journey.

Although he initially feels out of place, Yuugo remains determined to find his own way. Through his experiences, he forms meaningful friendships and gains a profound respect for those who work the land, ultimately enriching both his perspective and the viewer's understanding of agriculture.

If you love bread, "Yakitate!! Japan" is a true treat for the senses. The anime delivers a whimsical yet inspiring journey as Japan strives to carve its own place among the world’s bread-making giants—France, Germany, and Britain. For years, these nations have led the global bread scene, inspiring Japan to develop its own praised specialties.

At the heart of this culinary adventure is Kazuma Azuma, a passionate baker whose love for bread began in childhood. Determined to create a uniquely Japanese national bread, Kazuma stands out with his extraordinary 'Solar Hands,' which naturally warm dough, speeding up fermentation and giving him an edge in the bakery.

Kazuma's dreams lead him to Pantasia, a celebrated bakery chain, where he dives into high-stakes baking competitions. There, he forms lasting friendships, faces fierce rivals, and constantly pushes the boundaries of his craft—all on his quest to create Japan’s very first legendary bread.

"Emiya-san Chi no Kyou no Gohan" (Today's Menu for the Emiya Family) invites viewers into a peaceful Fuyuki City, where the once-intense Holy Grail War is now a distant memory. The city's iconic Masters and Servants have settled into a harmonious daily life, leaving behind the chaos and battles of their past.

At the heart of this newfound tranquility is Shirou Emiya, whose love for cooking shines as he crafts mouthwatering meals for his family and friends. With a limited budget, Shirou ingeniously selects ingredients and embraces innovation in the kitchen, always seeking new ways to refine his culinary art. Surprise guests frequently visit, providing fresh challenges that inspire Shirou to elevate his cooking skills even further.

Each episode offers a hands-on journey through the preparation of tempting recipes, making "Today's Menu for the Emiya Family" irresistible to food enthusiasts. Standout dishes include creamy bamboo shoot gratin, festive New Year soba with shrimp tempura, and perfectly steamed foil-baked salmon, all lovingly prepared by Shirou.

Ichigo Amano might be clumsy, but her enthusiasm for sweets launches her into the delightful world of baking. After a fateful meeting with famed patissier Henri Lucas, she discovers her exceptional cake-tasting abilities—a rare gift that quickly catches Henri's attention. Moved by her talent, he invites her to attend the prestigious St. Marie Academy, a renowned school dedicated to the culinary arts of dessert-making.

With Henri's endorsement, Ichigo becomes part of an elite team with the "Sweets Princes"—gifted pastry students each mastering their unique craft. She soon befriends Sennosuke Andou, an expert in traditional Japanese confections, Makoto Kashino, an accomplished chocolatier, and Satsuki Hanabusa, famous for his elegant candied flowers. The series features enchanting Sweets Spirits—magical fairies who guide and encourage aspiring patissiers on their journey.

Together with her friends and the magical Sweets Spirits, Ichigo faces fierce competition and discovers the true meaning of friendship and teamwork in the high-stakes world of pastry. Blending culinary passion with whimsical magic, "Yume-Iro Pâtissière" offers a delightful experience that cooking anime lovers won't want to miss.

Souta Tawara returns to his hometown of Kagawa, Japan, after years away, only to find his family's udon restaurant shuttered and his loved ones gone. The now-empty shop stirs bittersweet memories of happier days spent together. During a visit to the closed eatery, Souta stumbles upon a young boy inside, clearly in need of care and comfort. Moved by compassion, Souta offers food and clothing to the child.

To Souta’s amazement, the boy soon reveals animal ears and a tail—an uncanny sight that brings to mind local legends about a shape-shifting tanuki residing in Kagawa. Convinced he’s found this mystical creature, Souta takes the boy in, affectionately naming him Poco, setting the heartwarming tale of "Poco’s Udon World" into motion.

As their friendship blossoms, Poco gently helps Souta heal emotional wounds from his past, especially those connected to his father. The comforting presence of udon and memories of family become the flavorful foundation of their heartfelt journey together.

Managing a restaurant is no small feat, but the meaningful lessons learned along the journey make each obstacle worthwhile. After inheriting the cozy Rokuhoudou café from his grandfather, Kyousui Tougoku—better known as Sui—runs the cherished eatery with the unwavering support of Gure, Tokitaka, and Tsubaki. Their genuine hospitality quickly transforms newcomers into loyal and welcomed regulars.

Despite facing personal struggles from their pasts, each team member devotes themselves to serving delightful tea, delectable desserts, and heartfelt advice to every guest. Life at Rokuhoudou is filled with warmth and friendship, but when the café's popularity unexpectedly soars, Sui and his staff must adapt without losing the special connections that make their café so unique.

After her mother leaves her, Aoi Tsubaki must navigate the world alone. Possessing her grandfather's gift of seeing "Ayakashi"—spirits from the Hidden Realm—she draws upon the wisdom he shared to coexist with these often-dangerous beings.

When her grandfather dies, Aoi turns to her remarkable culinary talents, preparing delicious meals for wandering spirits. Her gentle heart and skills in the kitchen become her way of protecting both humans and Ayakashi, preserving balance at this unique bed and breakfast for spirits.

The story shifts dramatically when Aoi's kindness transports her into the Ayakashi realm after she feeds a hungry spirit. There, she meets Oodanna, the enigmatic and powerful ogre god known as the Master Innkeeper, who unexpectedly holds ties to her family's past.

Aoi discovers that her grandfather left a massive 100-million-yen debt to Oodanna, who demands her hand in marriage as payment. Refusing to accept this fate, Aoi boldly offers to open a restaurant in his inn, sparking a blend of heartwarming food, magic, and self-discovery throughout the anime.

After the loss of his wife, Kouhei Inuzuka must navigate life as a single father, striving to care for his young daughter, Tsumugi, while juggling his responsibilities as a busy teacher. With limited cooking skills, he becomes disheartened that he can only provide ready-made meals for Tsumugi.

Kouhei's routine takes a heartwarming turn when his student, Kotori Iida, invites him and Tsumugi to her family restaurant. There, they discover Kotori often dines alone due to her mother’s demanding work schedule. Bonds are formed as the three come together in the charming world of "Sweetness & Lightning."

At Kotori’s restaurant, Kouhei and Tsumugi not only share meals but also cook together, allowing Kouhei to learn the art of home cooking for his daughter's sake. As they provide companionship to Kotori, the trio finds joy, friendship, and fulfillment—all while celebrating the joy of good food and the importance of family.

Tadayasu Sawaki appears to be your average freshman, but he possesses a remarkable gift: the ability to see microscopic organisms with his naked eyes. "Moyashimon" brings this unique talent to the forefront, showcasing Tadayasu as he identifies everything from fermentation yeasts to the fungi behind athlete's foot.

Pursuing studies at an agricultural university, Tadayasu finds himself in just the right place to hone his extraordinary skill. Under the guidance of the enthusiastic Professor Itsuki, he realizes the full potential of his abilities, which begin to bloom in the new environment.

Supported by the quirky university community and driven by curiosity, Tadayasu dives deeper into the microscopic world that shapes the ingredients—and therefore the food—we enjoy. While "Moyashimon" doesn't center directly on cooking, it offers a fascinating perspective on the essential bacteria that influence what we eat, shedding light on the unseen elements behind our meals.

Liu Maoxing's mother, Bei, left behind a remarkable culinary legacy. As an ambitious young chef, Liu strives to live up to her reputation as a nationally renowned cooking genius, revered across 19th-century China. His journey begins when he becomes the youngest winner in history of the prestigious 'Super Chef' cooking contest.

Determined to perfect his craft, Liu heeds the advice of his mentor, Master Zhou Yu. Joined by his friends Meili and Shirou, Liu embarks on an adventurous journey across China, honing his skills and experiencing the rich diversity of culinary traditions. His passion and dedication to cooking never waver.

Upon returning home, Liu faces the formidable 'Underground Cooking Society,' notorious for their disregard of fair play. Teaming up with Xie Lu and Lei En, Liu sets out to discover the legendary '8 Legendary Cooking Tools,' powerful secrets that could change the world of cuisine. Following in his mother Bei's courageous footsteps, Liu must confront the Society to protect these tools and fulfill his mother's legacy.

Also known as “Isekai Shokudou,” this anime takes place inside Nekoya, a cozy restaurant nestled within Tokyo’s shopping district. Regular patrons can enjoy both Western and Japanese dishes, but Nekoya’s true secret lies in its unique clientele. Every Saturday, when the restaurant appears closed to the public, it welcomes guests from another world.

Fairies, mages, elves, and dragons—magical beings of every kind gather here to indulge in Master’s culinary creations. The chef, known simply as ‘Master,’ is shrouded in mystery. The anime skillfully maintains this sense of intrigue, making each interaction captivating.

Much of the chef’s story remains concealed behind his gentle smile as he serves heartfelt favorites to his extraordinary customers in “Restaurant to Another World.”

In the heart of Kyoto, Japan, stands a bar named 'Nobu.' Here, the main characters stumble upon a mysterious doorway that opens into another tavern located in a parallel world. This unique establishment soon becomes a popular meeting place for a fascinating array of inter-dimensional travelers, all in search of delicious food and refreshing drinks. The anime "Isekai Izakaya" beautifully explores the powerful role that food plays in bringing people together, no matter their world of origin.

The mouthwatering culinary scenes are a feast for the senses. Fans often find themselves curious about 'Toriaezu Nama'—the famously popular ale in the series—and what its taste might be like if it existed in real life.

The enigmatic Libra organization emerges from the shadows to share a meal with a distinguished guest—the heir to the nation’s throne. Seeking to showcase the very best of Hellsalem’s Lot, they select the renowned Molzzogazza restaurant as the venue, aiming to impress and build lasting diplomatic connections.

The stakes are high, with every detail of the evening meticulously managed by Libra’s leader, Steven A. Starphase. Tensions simmer as the group hopes to secure vital political favors. Yet, even Steven cannot foresee the bizarre, supernatural side effects that Molzzogazza’s infamous cuisine will wreak on its guests, dazzling them while subtly unsettling their sanity.

Though the gathering starts off composed and dignified, "Kekkai Sensen" quickly reveals its signature suspense. Twists unfold like hidden blades, ensuring the culinary narrative is as unpredictable as it is flavorful.

"Toriko" stands out as one of the most imaginative and unconventional cooking anime on this list. In its vibrant world, you’ll encounter fantastical sights such as mountain ranges made of ice cream, volcanoes bubbling with mac and cheese, and even hamburgers sprouting like four-leaf clovers. This is the 'Gourmet Age', where 'Gourmet Hunters' travel far and wide in pursuit of the world’s most sought-after and rare culinary treasures.

The story follows Gourmet Hunter Toriko, who has the impressive record of discovering 2% of all known rare ingredients. Alongside him is his loyal friend Komatsu, a remarkable chef from a prestigious five-star hotel. Together, they embark on thrilling adventures, with Toriko determined to create the legendary 'Full Course Menu of Life'. Their journey is filled with epic battles against ferocious beasts, shadowy organizations, and the wild wonders of their fantastical food-filled landscape.

"The Way of the House Husband" is an anticipated anime series that has rightfully earned its spot on this list. The story follows Tatsu, once a notorious legend in the Japanese Yakuza and feared by both criminals and police alike as the “Immortal Dragon.” He unexpectedly abandons his dangerous lifestyle to become a devoted house-husband, surprising everyone familiar with his past.

Tatsu’s sudden transformation into a supposedly meek homemaker sets the stage for plenty of hilarious moments. He struggles hilariously with even the simplest household tasks—from culinary disasters in the kitchen to constant mishaps at the supermarket, and a cascade of misunderstandings. "Gokushufudou" ("The Way of the House Husband") promises comedy fans a highly entertaining watch rich in both heart and humor.

Hidden within the backstreets of the Ginza District lies Eden Hall, home to one of anime’s most remarkable cocktail mixers. In "Bartender," Ryuu Sasakura is celebrated as a prodigy, attracting anyone who seeks to savor some of the world’s finest cocktails. His reputation alone draws in countless fans of fine drinks.

Curiously, not everyone can simply stumble upon Eden Hall—it is said that the bar itself chooses its patrons. In a series where beverages are as central as food is to most cooking anime, "Bartender" stands out for spotlighting the art and soul behind every drink.

As Eden Hall welcomes a variety of customers, each arrives with their unique struggles and stories. These diverse backgrounds enrich the narrative and deepen the show’s emotional arcs. Ryuu expertly crafts the perfect cocktail for each guest, offering solace and lifting the spirits of those in need.

Nicoletta's childhood was marked by hardship after her mother, Olga, abandoned her at a young age and moved to Rome to remarry. Driven by a desire for closure, Nicoletta meticulously tracks her mother down and finds her working at the charming Casetta dell'Orso restaurant. From the moment she steps inside, Nicoletta's life begins to transform.

The staff is made up exclusively of mature gentlemen, all of whom wear spectacles—a detail Nicoletta finds both peculiar and intriguing. The guests, too, possess a warmth and depth that reflect the staff's demeanor. Nicoletta is unexpectedly captivated by the gentle romance and pleasures of Italian living, especially its exquisite cuisine. Casetta dell'Orso is owned by Olga’s new husband, adding another layer to Nicoletta’s discovery.

As Nicoletta settles in, her initial desire for retribution fades, replaced by newfound understanding. She no longer wishes to reveal her true identity to Olga’s husband. Amidst the congenial atmosphere, her heart softens, and she forms a special connection with Claudio, one of the staff members, despite their age difference.

Nicoletta soon begins working as an apprentice chef at Casetta dell'Orso. Her journey in the anime "Ristorante Paradiso" centers on her growth as a cook and her search for belonging and happiness.

Ajiyoshi Yoichi goes about his childhood with barely a thought for his future. He is often busy helping his mother manage the ‘eating house’. However, everyone who has met Ajiyoshi thinks the kid is a culinary genius. It is only when Murata Genjiro, Japan’s most respected food critic, enters Ajiyoshi's life that the boy's future takes a turn for the better.

One taste of the boy’s katsu-don is all it takes for Murata to confirm that Ajiyoshi is a prodigy. Meanwhile, Murata silently believes he may have found an heir to take over his empire. When the ‘untrained chef’ is invited to the Aji-oh Building to be part of a spaghetti match against Marui (the in-house Italian chef), Ajiyoshi feels more excited than nervous.

This is expected from the jovial kid who has only ever served food to his guests with the sole desire of giving them his best. Suffice to say, it was a game, set, and match for Marui the Italian. As for Ajiyoshi’s culinary journey in the “Mister Ajikko Special” anime, it was only just beginning.

The boy's approach to cooking proves to be as inspiring as it is exquisite.

A spooky town filled with haunted locations and enough ghost stories to go around does not deter Shou, Ako, and Reiko. The three buddies check out one such abandoned place – the Kaidan Restaurant. Tales of supernaturalism abound in this anime, with the three main characters finding themselves smack in the middle of them.

The ‘Thriller Restaurant’ takes fans on a fun-filled legend-packed spirit-suffused paranormal adventure. It serves cuisine and interactions with the dead in equal measure. The “Kaidan Restaurant” cooking anime has a distinct structure. Each episode comprises three ‘dishes’ or stories. These represent appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

This anime is essentially a drama revolving around newspaper reporters. The main character is a food critic known for being cynical. This is Shirou Yamaoka, and fans see plenty of foodie moments unfurl whenever he comes on the scene. This show, particularly its comic book version, even found mention in an episode of the hit 90s TV series ‘Iron Chef’.

This anime contains some nice meal-worthy moments and makes some rather provocative points as well.

We adore China’s food, its people, and its culture. This next entry on our list focuses on the beautiful side of China, namely its hard-working people. The “Shikioriori” anime features three well-defined coming-of-age stories. It highlights the wonders of youthful memories and short-lived childhoods. Food, love, and family are all explored in this gorgeously simplified anime.

Fans live these themes vicariously through the eyes of three separate characters in the “Flavours Of Youth” series. These characters go about recalling and cherishing the oft-neglected flavours of their youth. This anime will make you see a warm bowl of noodles in a whole other light.

Any apartment complex with a supermarket on the premises is attractive for plenty of reasons- safety, and convenience, to name two. But something goes wrong with this idyllic atmosphere when the store in question holds one of its nightly half-off sales. The as-yet-unsold bento boxes suddenly seem to catch everyone’s attention.

The residents clamour for dinner, in more ways than one. Friends turn foes as the store comes under a pride-filled honor-bound Black Friday-style battle for goods. Winners are referred to as ‘Wolves’ and losers, as ‘Dogs’. Unwittingly stepping into this war zone is You Satou. He presently makes up his mind to return fire.

His amateur attempt at ‘bread winning’ catch the attention of not just upperclassmen but also Wolf Sen Yarizui. He invites the boy over to his place. Yarizui also calls over a girl called Hana Oshiroi whom he spotted spectating the ‘fights’. Sen Yarizui then works on educating the two about the differences between Dogs and Wolves.

He also enrols them in his ‘Half-Priced Food Lovers Club’. You and Hana are taught about the importance of fighting for food. Note: Entoin does not condone such behaviour, which only seems reasonable when it happens within the framework of Anime J.

The idea of dining at an actual dinner table is a cherished traditional practice that goes back centuries. In this anime, which translates to ‘Cooking with Valkyries’, you will find memories galore being made at one such table. The “Nu Wushen de Canzhuo” anime features Valkyries in lead roles. They cook and share memories in an ambience of camaraderie and good food.

Fans see this fictional world unfold through the eyes of six Valkyries – Himeko, Kiana, Theresa, Bronya, Mei, and Fu.

Hailing from Kyoto’s Aomori Prefecture, Kiyo and Sumire harbour dreams of becoming Maiko. A series of unexpected events unravel in the “Maiko-san Chi no Makanai-san” anime. Kiyo ends up working as a live-in cook. The plot unfolds across three Kyoto districts: Maiko, Geiko, and Kagai. Other characters include fellow maiko housemates.

Kiyo’s beautiful home-cooked meals are the real show-stealers in this series. Sumire, on the other hand, works hard every day to become a once-in-a-century maiko. From kitchen episodes to behind-the-scenes anecdotes, this cooking anime has something for everyone. It centres on two childhood friends who motivate one another to pursue their dreams.

The translation “Unbeatable Delivery Girl” pretty much sums up this comedy. Miki Onimaru works at the restaurant run by her mother where she serves as a delivery girl. The Chinese ramen place may be admirable but Miki’s attitude is anything but. While amusing to some, her energetic and rather boisterous behaviour gets Miki into trouble with those who find it frustrating.

Her over-the-top behaviour lends exquisite comic relief to the “Muteki Kanban Musume” anime. Plenty of foodie moments are also woven into the show. Those scenes where Miki parodies other popular anime styles (rivalry, fighting, and sundry themes) are certain to entertain anime aficionados.

The title is not watch-bait, there are actual dragons in this show. Justifiably considered rulers of the sky, this series is filled with thrills and amazements of the draconian kind. However, to several people living on solid ground, these dragons pose great peril. They are also the source of crucial resources: food, oil, and medicine.

The “Drifting Dragons” anime also has dragon hunters who rove in search of reptilian targets on Steampunk-ish airships. ‘Quin Zaza’ is the main ship featured in the show. It tracks the characters, or rather crew, who call it home. Mika, Vanabelle, Takita, Jiro, and the rest of the air-worthy gang have given fans of this series an appetite for the hunt.

Catching dragons for their meat is only part of their repertoire. They also cook the meat into varied drool-worthy dishes. On a serious note, hunting is a means to survive for the Quin Zaza crew. Otherwise, they go hungry, perhaps even starve. Plenty of scenes in this series feature some fantastic gourmet cooking that will give the “Monster Hunter” game a run for its money.

This memorable anime focuses on a family, specifically Mr. Araiwa’s. The man’s passion for cooking reveals itself every time he is back home from work. Being employed at a large enterprise certainly has not dampened Araiwa’s love for the culinary arts. He prepares delectable dishes for his wife, Nijiko, and adds to his lovability in the “Cooking Papa” anime series.

The way this anime highlights the beauty of making tasty homemade food truly makes it worth watching. Araiwa has a young son (who fans first see when he is seven years old), for whom he also cooks. His love for the boy is admirable to watch. His wife works quite hard as a full-time journalist.

This makes Araiwa feel that it is up to him to bring much-needed foodie comfort into her overworked life. Energetic and perfectly capable of managing his duties at the workplace as well as back home, the show’s protagonist seems like the perfect husband and father. Nijiko’s attempts at being a cheerful mom do her great credit in this food-loving anime.

Becoming a world-class chef has made Ono Yuusuke a household name. No matter his accomplishments, he’s silently yet to get over his high school crush, Tachibana (once a middle-weight boxing champion). Ono’s cooking skills are not the only thing steamy about him. He’s also become a world-famous gay playboy. Fate leads Ono down a strange path.

Fourteen years later, he finds himself working for the same Tachibana who rejected his advances in school. How differently does Tachibana feel about Ono? And what’s all that cake got to do with it? The “Antique Bakery” anime imparts a Boy's Love spin on the cooking anime trope.

Before she became great, Ryou Machiko’s food looked the part but tasted average. Her grandmother once told her that to become a fine wife, she must first become a fine cook. This sexist-traditional thinking ended up motivating Ryou’s decisions. The plot twists when Ryou learns of Kirin Morino’s (her second cousin’s) coming to stay with them every weekend.

Kirin’s schooling circumstances demand this commute. It is around this time when Ryou’s cooking improves considerably. She learns that sharing culinary experiences with those closest to her inspires her art form, and enables her to cook better. There’s a significant symbolic message in this for any foodie who can read between the lines.

This beautiful and rather fun-filled anime is child-centric in all the ways that matter. In the plot, different kids learn to cook with the lead character, named Main. They get a chance to do this by watching a TV show featuring Main. This plot point makes the Cooking Idol anime a series within a series, in a way.

The program which all the kiddies tune in to watch is itself titled Cooking Idol. In each episode, Main presents fun instructions on how to prepare various yummy meals. An interesting idea incorporated into the “Cookin’ Idol Ai! Mai! Main” anime is their use of a live-action segment. These portions feature Fukuhara Haruka (an actual person) who also happens to be the voice of the lead character in the anime.

Interestingly enough, Fukuhara follows the instructions of her anime counterpart to see if she can re-create those very meals in real life using relevant ingredients and tools.

For nine generations, the Shikada family has been successfully running a sweet shop in the countryside. Known matter-of-factly as ‘Shikada Dagashi’, their Japanese sweet shop has only grown in popularity over the decades. The anime takes a turn when the latest heir to the family business wishes to become a manga artist instead.

Kokonotsu Shikada seems to have become something of a black sheep in the family and by extension the “Dagashi Kashi” anime. The story soon shifts when the eccentric Hotaru Shidare visits them. This young lady wishes to poach the talents of Kokonotsu’s dad. She wants to hire him for her world-stage sweet manufacturing business, ‘Shidare Corporation.

Of course, the father refuses the offer but also appends that he will join Hotaru on one condition… If she can somehow drive some sense into Kokonotsu about taking over the family business, Shikada senior says he will more than gladly join Hotaru. Everything hinges on the characters’ interactions with one another, including the future of the most delicious Dagashi in Japan.

Murasaki Wakako cherishes going out and spending time by herself eating and drinking (in a good sense). She feels this urge to head out, especially when situations get hectic at work. Her solitary roving makes for pleasant viewing in this anime. It is mainly focused on her life and the things happening in it.

What she eats and drinks is particularly highlighted. This only serves to enhance the ‘lone foodie’ ambience that pervades the “Wakako-Zake” anime. Fans have enjoyed the way she learns new food-and-drink pairings. It is just as amusing when she says “Pshuuu” after finding a meal especially alluring.

Also called “Ramen Daisuki Koizumi-san”, this anime follows the life of a beautiful Ramen-loving high school girl called Koizumi. She deliberately travels miles from home to find Ramen. Then again, Koizumi also does not mind standing for hours under the sun if it means getting some tasty Ramen. Yuu Oosawa, her female classmate, starts developing feelings for her.

The show unravels with the two of them getting closer through their Ramen adventures. Yuu is not always welcome. But that does not stop the infatuated Yuu from trying to steal Koizumi’s heart. Yuu is equally shocked and amused by Koizumi’s gigantic appetite. Koizumi’s passion to taste every variety of Ramen out there makes for memorable viewing.

This anime is full of aesthetic ramen cooking and mouth-watering visuals.

Romance and cooking feature equally well in this anime series. To realize her dreams of becoming a pastry chef, Sayuri Haruno enrols herself in an elite school called Fleurir Confectionary Academy, situated in Tokyo’s Aoyama district. Surrounded by charming young men, each with their own distinct culinary techniques, Sayuri soon finds herself struggling to stand out in class.

Her competition is definitely fierce. Mitsuki Aoi, the most popular boy at this prestigious school, has a penchant for acting pompous and princely. Then there's the Frenchman Gilbert Hanafusa, who often sets a nice mood among his classmates. Also, there's the reserved Yoshinosuke Suzumi, who covertly wields a passion for Japanese sweets called "Wagashi." At this school, which is known to teach only the most skilled cream of the crop, Sayuri realizes she has to do more than any of the men to rise above the noise.

A strangely loud title for an interesting yet doubly strange anime that is worth checking out. The story is seen through four non-human characters named Pekorin, Moforun, Aroma, and Pafu. They spend their time making delicious cookies. All this until a foreign ingredient is added to the dough, which results in the creation of a monster.

This creature is given to chase the fairies. It also ends up adding strange yet captivating storytelling value to the “Petit Dream Stars! Let's La Cooking? Showtime!” anime. Granted, the animation style used in this show is more 3D than old-school anime. However, the characters’ dewy big-eyed features and core story structure reflect Anime’s narrative techniques.

This is why we chose to add this one to the list.

The "Good For You Party" is a political organization that has legally banned all sweets and chocolates in the “Chocolate Underground” anime. They enforce their new laws with fervour and force that should be reserved for the military. Silently rebelling against their policies are two teenage boys, Smudger and Huntley.

They just desperately want to eat chocolate again, and who can blame them? Their journey begins when they seek out chocolate bootleggers. Before long, the boys come up with their own chocolate underground distribution system that flies in the face of everything the ‘Good For You Party’ stands for.

Summer break has arrived, and Morina Nanase is on the hunt for a part-time job. She lands a waitressing gig at a popular Italian restaurant called ‘Trattoria Festa’. Not only does she fall in love with the place, it being so near her house adds to her reasons to work there.

A while into her employment, she discovers there’s a lot more to Italian cooking than she knew possible. Her co-workers are an eccentric lot, but she finds them fun to hang with. In the “Piace: Watashi no Italian” anime, fans experience a gorgeous dive into Italian cuisine. The show boasts some lip-smacking selections – penne arrabbiata, caponata, and tiramisu, to name a few.

Morina’s customer service scenes are counter-balanced with her learning more about whom she works within this beautiful cooking anime.

This anime does not begin with coffee, or anything food-related. It involves a samurai named Jin who falls in battle and wishes to be reincarnated in an ‘invincible metal body’. The narrative then shifts to modern-day Seoul where this unfortunate samurai has reincarnated as a coffee vending machine (!). Talk about being careful what you wish for J. Jin’s battle-worthy days are far from over.

The ‘coffee-rai’ wages battle with other similarly reincarnated samurai in the crazy “Watashi no Coffee Samurai: Jihanki-Teki Na Kareshi” anime. Then Hemi comes along, a girl who purchases a beverage from Jin’s now vending machine form. She inadvertently draws the romantic attention of the samurai within. This show takes ‘coffee and dating’ to unconventional levels.

This show is based on an original published short story written by Kenji Miyazawa and uses the same name. Since the story came out in the early 1920s, this is possibly the oldest anime adaptation of all. It uses a stop-motion animation technique that remains captivating to this day. The “Chuumon no Ooi Ryouriten” anime tracks two British hunters who lose their dogs in a woodland zone.

They, in turn, get lost while attempting to find their pets. Before long, they happen upon a restaurant whose outlandish location is not the only thing strange about it. Counting their blessings, they decide to rest up inside. Little do they know that they are in for a life lesson about the difference between predator and prey.

Yet another animation-anime blend is the “Pororo Daemoheom” series. The eponymous Pororo is a penguin prepping for Christmas. Along with his buddies, they receive a direct message from none other than Santa Claus. This show is a curious twist from the traditional version. Fans see Claus falling ill and therefore unable to bring cheer to ‘Candy Castle’.

This place is run by King Cream Puff under whose aegis cookies of all kinds are baked, ready to be served to children all over the world. Pororo and friends thus take it upon themselves to save the Christmas spirit by ferrying the cookies to Candy Castle on Santa’s behalf. As with all such tales, there’s bound to be a villain.

Enter, the wicked Witch of Winter whose scheming presents obstacles to our ‘heroes’. When all is said and done, this show makes for interesting viewing.

Since we’re on the topic of coffee, here’s another interesting anime that uses the beverage as part of its core narrative. It contains a food truck that sells coffee on the go. The barista, however, does not casually fill and serve. He takes his time intentionally making each cup special for every customer.

The sincerity with which Hajime Aoyama brews and delivers each coffee makes the “Coffee Ikaga Deshou” anime a definite must-have on this list. After all, our top 50 cooking anime list includes the promise of dedicated deliciousness. In this anime, for instance, how Hajime makes each coffee directly influences how it makes his customers feel. Now THAT hits the spot.

Anthropomorphic rice! Yes, you read it right. Some rice get transformed into schoolboys. These characters are at the heart of the anime series “Love Kome: We Love Rice.”  The cook-crazy plot unfolds at the Kokuritsu Inaho Academy (a play on words which translates to ‘Rice Ear Academy’). Some of the rice-turned-boys who attend this school are busy attempting to replace bread as the school staple.

Evidently, they are members of the "Love Rice" unit and are determined to make a positive mark in the school’s upcoming Harvest Show. This anime is as funny as it is intriguing. Of particular fun is watching the characters go around selling the idea of rice grains (which happens to be Japan’s soul food) as being way better than bread. The challenges they face at the Harvest Show add to the comedic value of the plot.

It takes skill and effort to master the art of preparing ‘JK Meshi’. These are nothing but simple B-class meals. Reina, Ryouka, and Ruriko are second-year high school classmates. They together cook such meals in the “JK Meshi!” anime. The show is about girls getting distracted while studying for tests. During such instances, they take to the kitchen and cook up some surprisingly delicious JK Meshi meals.

There’s little more to be said about this anime, except that it has foodie value and has therefore made it to this list.

Fair warning: this is the most disgusting and nauseating addition to this list. The “Walking Meat” anime plotline has a strong food foundation. This, more than anything else, has ensured it a place on this list. We do not recommend those with weak stomachs to watch this show. After all, this ridiculously crazy series focuses on zombies of the savoury kind.

This is a zombie-centric story where instead of fleeing from the undead, people find nifty ways to eat them – sautéed, stewed, squeezed. ‘Flesh Inc.’ is the fictional Japanese corporation at the heart of events in this show, which takes place in the roaring 60s. They intentionally create zombies using African voodoo techniques with the sole purpose of finding any ways to commercialize them via the food industry.

Hamburgers, pet food, soda beverages, and instant noodles aside, the show also finds insane ways to incorporate lab-grown zombies into an assortment of cosmetics. Entering this crazy narrative are three selfish millennials who find themselves working at Flesh Inc. They get trapped at one of the fully automated zombie farms.

Along with their ‘techno-tard’ supervisor, they are thrown into a survival scenario they never saw coming in this bizarrely interesting anime. The show is filled with comic relief and more than a handful of stomach-turning moments.