Step into a world where adventurers don’t just battle monsters-they savor them. Delicious in Dungeon turns dungeon crawling into a culinary quest, cooking up extraordinary dishes from the most unlikely ingredients, from giant scorpions to red dragons. But which monster meal reigns supreme? Join us as we rank the most mouthwatering and inventive dishes that bring fantasy flavors to life in this unique blend of adventure and gourmet delight.
It’s no secret that anime food has a reputation for being gobsmackingly good-looking. This is especially true in Delicious in Dungeon, the new “action gourmet” fantasy anime from Studio Trigger that premiered in January on Netflix. Each episode, our intrepid troupe of adventurers ventures deeper and deeper into the catacombs of a gigantic underground kingdom as they vanquish (and cook) a slew of foul creatures on their way to rescuing one of their own from a powerful red dragon. All of the dishes look amazing, though some more than others.
In the spirit of such shows as Top Chef and Chopped, we’ve assembled a panel of AELGAMES’s premiere anime food gourmands to rank each of the dishes as they appear throughout the series. We’ll check back every week to update our ranking and offer our take on which ones look the tastiest, but for now, here’s our verdict on the most delectable-looking dishes we’ve seen so far in Delicious in Dungeon.
Our latest update added Porridge made from Grain that was just Lying Around, Giant Parasite from Giant Kraken, and Kelpie Grilled Meat.
17. Steamed Living Armor
The “Steamed Living Armor” dish in Delicious in Dungeon is part of a unique four-dish feast prepared from the Living Armor, a creature resembling a mollusk that inhabits the layers of metal armor. In the series, the steamed version of the Living Armor helmet is noted to have a disappointing taste, described as moldy, contrasting with the other preparations like grilled, stir-fried, and soup versions, which have varying degrees of success. This meal highlights the experimental nature of cooking dungeon monsters and the hit-or-miss outcomes the party faces when trying new recipes with unfamiliar ingredients.
Appears in: Ep. 3
Ingredients: Living Armor, seasonings (salt, soy sauce, vinegar, etc.)
Of all the mouthwateringly scrumptious-looking dishes seen in Delicious in Dungeon so far, this is easily the least appetizing. I mean, c’mon; it’s literally just the head of a living suit of armor heated over a pot on a stove with some seasoning thrown in. Even Laios said it tasted like mold, and that guy loves eating dungeon creatures. The next time I go out to eat and see a full-course living armor meal on the menu, I’ll tell the waiter to leave the head. -Toussaint Egan
16. Grilled Living Armor
Grilled Living Armor is one of the unique and surprisingly delicious dishes featured in Delicious in Dungeon. Despite being made from what appears to be enchanted armor, the Living Armor actually houses mollusk-like creatures beneath its plating, making it edible. When grilled, this dish sheds the musty flavors found in other preparations and offers a tasty experience reminiscent of high-quality clams. Chef Senshi’s skillful cooking transforms the seemingly inedible into a savory delight, showcasing the inventive culinary adventures of the dungeon explorers.
Appears in: Ep. 3
Ingredients: Living Armor, seasonings (salt, soy sauce, vinegar, etc.)
OK, now we’re talking. These grilled Living Armor dishes look like grilled oysters or calamari arranged on small metallic platters. They look succulent and chewy, and I can only imagine what they taste like when well seasoned with salt and soy sauce. They’re far from the most appetizing dish seen so far in Delicious in Dungeon, but they’re certainly a step up from the abysmally undercooked Steamed Living Armor. I’d take this as an appetizer any day, if only for the fact that I could say that I tried it. -TE
15. Man-Eating Plant Tart
The Man-Eating Plant Tart from Delicious in Dungeon is a unique and imaginative dish inspired by the anime’s adventurous culinary theme. Senshi’s creation features a tart filled with a blend of man-eating plant fruits, slime, and scorpion soup, all cooked inside a crust made from the flattened peel of the plant’s fruit. While the original crust in the anime is inedible, many recreations use a paprika-infused flaky pastry crust to mimic the vibrant red color and texture. The filling combines eggs, heavy cream, cheese, potatoes, and dried apricots, resulting in a creamy, savory tart with a hint of sweetness and earthiness. This dish perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the series, blending fantasy ingredients with real-world cooking techniques to create a surprisingly delicious and visually striking meal.
Appears in: Ep. 2
Ingredients: Leftover scorpion broth (from lunch; 200 ml), slime gelatin (80 grams), Baraselia (3 med. size), Meeroak (5 or 6 med. size), Betan (3 med. size), salt (to taste), pepper (a little)
I love fluffy baked foods and I absolutely love vegetables, so yeah, this dish would totally fit my palate. I don’t know, something about the idea of scorpion broth and slime gelatin baked into a scrumptious and crunchy treat. The only drawback is that you can’t eat the crust; otherwise, this dish would be much higher up on my personal ranking. -TE
14. Golem Field Fresh Veggie Lunch
The Golem Field Fresh Veggie Lunch is a vibrant and wholesome dish that perfectly captures the essence of nature’s bounty in Delicious in Dungeon. Packed with crisp, freshly harvested vegetables, this meal offers a refreshing and nutritious break for adventurers navigating the dungeon’s depths. Its simple yet satisfying flavors highlight the importance of balance and vitality, making it a standout choice among the series’ many inventive culinary creations.
Appears in: Ep. 4
Ingredients: Cabbage (1 head), carrots (2), potatoes (4 large size), onions (2 med. size), thick-sliced basilisk bacon (8 slices), salt and pepper (to taste), water (a generous amount); turnips (2 med. size), carrot (a small amount), carrot greens (to taste), olive oil (to taste)
I find the most appetizing foods in Delicious in Dungeon are the ones that come together in a whole rounded meal. This one looks like a lovely lunch of quick vegetable soup in a bacon-flavored broth, a substantial but light meal that won’t weigh you down as you continue on your adventuring way. But I must confess that the most appealing thing about this dish is philosophical. Cow’s milk, sheep’s wool, bees’ honey – you can’t tell me there’s any conceptual difference between those animal byproducts and these golem-flesh-grown vegetables. I would eat this to absolutely freak a vegan out. -Susana Polo
13. Living Armor Dwarf-Style Stir-Fry and Living Armor Soup
The Living Armor Dwarf-Style Stir-Fry and Living Armor Soup are standout dishes in Delicious in Dungeon, showcasing the creative culinary use of the dungeon’s unique creatures. The Living Armor, which resembles a hollow suit of armor but is actually inhabited by mollusk-like creatures, offers a surprising flavor akin to high-quality clams. The Dwarf-Style Stir-Fry emphasizes hearty, robust flavors fitting the dwarven palate, while the Living Armor Soup provides a comforting, savory broth that highlights the delicate taste of the mollusk beneath the armor. These dishes exemplify the series’ inventive approach to monster-based cuisine, turning unlikely ingredients into delectable meals that deepen the story’s immersive dungeon experience.
Appears in: Ep. 3
Ingredients: Antidotal herb (2 bunches), medicinal herb (1 bunch), Living Armor (7-8 med. pieces), special sauce (1 tbsp), salt and pepper (a little)
Easily the most appetizing and well-rounded course of the Living Armor meal, the stir-fry-and-soup combo is definitely my idea of good eating. As soon as I heard Chilchuck say that the living armor itself tastes like mushrooms, I was sold. I love mushrooms! Just looking at the image alone makes me want to dig in, crunch up those scrumptious-looking medicinal leaves, and slurp up that delicious broth that Senshi prepared. Très magnifique! -TE
12. Mandrake Kakiage and Giant Bat Tempura
Mandrake Kakiage and Giant Bat Tempura is a standout dish from Delicious in Dungeon, combining the unique flavors of dungeon ingredients with traditional Japanese cooking techniques. The kakiage is made by mixing mandrake root with vegetables like onions, ginger, and spinach, then dipping them in tempura batter and deep-frying to a crispy perfection. Alongside it, the Giant Bat breast meat is also battered and fried, creating a savory and crunchy tempura that highlights the adventurous spirit of dungeon cuisine. This dish exemplifies the series’ creative approach to cooking with fantastical ingredients, blending familiar textures with exotic flavors.
Appears in: Ep. 2
Ingredients: Mandrake, Big Bat breast meat, basilisk egg (1), weak flour (150 grams), water (170 cc), soy sauce (1 tbsp), sake (1 tbsp), salt (a pinch), garlic and ginger (to taste)
I’m not super sold on eating a giant bat, but I cannot deny the satisfying crunch that it makes on screen. And anyway, deep frying kills all the potentially suspicious bacteria. right? I also love a good kakiage, so the mandrake version would be appealing (though hopefully I don’t have to see their screaming faces). It really looks like the perfect ratio of crispy batter and food substance within it! -Petrana Radulovic
11. Naturally Delicious Treasure Insect Snacks
The Naturally Delicious Treasure Insect Snacks are a unique culinary creation by Senshi, crafted entirely from various types of Treasure Insects found in the dungeon. These insects, resembling coins and jewels, are considered lucky to eat and are transformed into a variety of snacks such as crackers made from Coin Bugs and skewers from Pearl Centipedes. Additionally, a special jam is prepared using the eggs, larvae, and nests of these insects, which even plays a role in making other dishes like the Exorcism Sorbet. These snacks highlight the inventive use of dungeon ingredients, turning seemingly odd creatures into gourmet treats that the party enjoys, showcasing the blend of adventure and cuisine in Delicious in Dungeon.
Appears in: Ep. 5
Ingredients: Treasure insect nest (1 with eggs and larvae), water, sugar, coin bugs, oil, salt, pearl centipedes
This is easily one of the most creative and unconventional dishes to appear on Delicious in Dungeon so far. The thought that insects could devise a way to mimic the appearance of treasure in order to ensnare their victims is about as surprising as the realization you could prepare them to be eaten. The Insect Nest Jam is the most fun and tasty-looking of the bunch, though the Coin Bug Crackers sound pretty appetizing, too. I’d have to pinch my nose and brace myself to take a bite out of a Centipede Skewer, though. The way that Marcille describes the taste as “creamy” has me about as intrigued as I am worried I might wretch it back up. -TE
10. Boiled Mimic
Boiled Mimic is a simple yet flavorful dish from Delicious in Dungeon, made by boiling mimic meat with salt. The preparation involves using thin tools to extract the chewy and savory meat, which is enjoyed similarly to shellfish. This dish highlights the unique texture and taste of mimic, making it a distinctive delicacy within the dungeon cuisine.
Appears in: Ep. 6
Ingredients: Mimic upper body (1), claws (1 pair), legs (4), salt
I love shellfish, so for me the boiled mimic seems like the juiciest, biggest crab ever. I know cracking those claws would be so satisfying! And sure, maybe getting some of the meat out of those more spindly legs would be hard, but part of the appeal of eating crabs and lobster to me is the challenge. The only thing missing is some nice butter for dipping and a spritz of lemon. On its own, the boiled mimic might be a little bland, even if it’s juicy. -PR
9. Giant Parasite from Giant Kraken: Grilled Plain and Kabayaki-Style
The Giant Parasite from Giant Kraken is a unique dish featured in Delicious in Dungeon, prepared by grilling the parasite meat over an open flame. Senshi, the party’s cook, serves it in two distinct styles: plain grilled and kabayaki-style, the latter involving a glossy soy-based glaze that enhances the umami flavor with a slight sweetness. Despite originating from a sea creature, the meat is tender and surprisingly does not taste fishy, making it a bold and flavorful delicacy that stands out among the dungeon’s culinary creations.
Appears in: Ep. 7
Ingredients: Giant Parasite (1); Dipping sauce (Soy sauce (100 ml), Mirin (100 ml), Sugar (80 grams), Sake (40 ml))
While the thought of eating a literal parasite makes my stomach turn a bit, I can’t argue with the results of Laois and Senshi’s gastronomical experimentation. Simply put, I love grilled food. I can’t get enough of it. Of the two ways prepared, I would totally eat it marinated with the sweet and tangy dipping sauce that Senshi whipped up. That said, I would absolutely not be so bold as to eat it raw, as Laois’ brush with parasitic food poisoning would be more than enough to make sure my meal was grilled all the way through. –TE
8. Kelpie Grilled Meat
Grilled Kelpie meat is a standout dish in Delicious in Dungeon, showcasing the unique flavors and textures of this mythical creature’s meat. Different cuts of kelpie, combined with vegetables, are expertly grilled over an open fire, resulting in a savory and satisfying meal that highlights the creativity of dungeon cuisine. The dish is notable for its distinct taste, which varies depending on the cut, making it a memorable experience for adventurers seeking both nourishment and novelty in the dungeon.
Appears in: Ep. 8
Ingredients: Round, Loin and Chuck, Fillet, Liver, Plate, Tail, Mane (aquatic plants), Cabbage, Onion
While a part of me feels a tiny bit bad about eating a majestic shape-shifting water spirit, that treacherous creature’s life was forfeit the exact moment it tried to drown and eat Senshi. I’ve never had horse meat before, but grilled meat is amazing, and a variety of different flavors and textures based on the assorted cuts of the Kelpie’s body sounds even better. –TE
7. Porridge made from Grain that was just Lying Around
The “Porridge Made from Grain that was Just Lying Around” is a signature dish from Delicious in Dungeon, crafted using pearl barley found floating in a dungeon lake. The barley is simmered in a kombu-based dashi broth, absorbing rich umami flavors, and then topped with mimic meat (surimi), waterweed (dried kombu), and fish-men eggs (tobiko), creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This hearty porridge is not only comforting and filling but also showcases the resourcefulness of the characters as they transform simple, overlooked ingredients into a delicious meal essential for their dungeon adventures.
Appears in: Ep. 7
Ingredients: Barley (200 grams), Water (1000 ml), Salt (to taste), Mimic meat (1 leg), Waterweed
While I’ve never quite considered myself a fan of porridge, Laios’ improvised dish is absolutely scrumptious to behold. I love the lightly browned texture of the barley, the simmering broth melding with the crunchy flavor, topped off with an enticing garnish of waterweed and mimic meat. I especially like the tiny fish eggs sprinkled between the waterweed that pop while you’re chewing, adding just a variety of flavor and sensation that makes the meal as a whole feel less like simple food and more like a flavorful experience to behold. -TE
6. Roast Basilisk
Roast Basilisk is a standout dish from Delicious in Dungeon, prepared by the character Senshi. It features a whole basilisk stuffed with medicinal herbs and slowly spit-roasted over an open fire, resulting in a healthy and flavorful meal. The preparation involves brining the meat overnight, seasoning it with a blend of herbs and spices, and roasting it until tender and juicy. This dish captures the adventurous spirit of the series by turning a fearsome dungeon monster into a delectable feast, blending fantasy with culinary creativity.
Appears in: Ep. 2
Ingredients: Basilisk (1, tail and innards removed), mana herb (to taste), salt and pepper (to taste); antidotal herb (1 med. size), strong medicinal herb (1 bunch), ultra medicinal herb (1 bunch), anti-paralysis herb (1 med. size), anti-petrify herb (1 med. size)
OK, this just looks like a rotisserie chicken. But consider: It looks like the juiciest, most decadent rotisserie chicken I’ve ever seen in my life. I just know the skin is crispy and will drip some delicious juices down my chin as I take a bite. Also! There’s healing herbs in it, so no skimping. I trust that it’s not like the dry rotisserie chickens at my local grocery store. -PR
5. Mandrake and Basilisk Omelet
The Mandrake and Basilisk Omelet is a standout dish in Delicious in Dungeon, combining the unique flavors of two rare and magical ingredients. The mandrake root adds an earthy, slightly bitter undertone, while the basilisk meat brings a tender, savory richness. Together, they create a balanced and adventurous meal that perfectly captures the spirit of the series-turning dangerous dungeon finds into culinary masterpieces. This omelet not only satisfies hunger but also showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of the characters in transforming monsters into mouthwatering dishes.
Appears in: Ch. 4
Ingredients: Mandrake (1 med. size), basilisk bacon (use the fattiest cuts, 50 grams), basilisk egg (1), salt and pepper (to taste), ketchup (to taste)
The mandrake is the Delicious in Dungeon ingredient I am most frustrated that I cannot try. It seems so versatile! It’s firm enough to fry up in kakiage, but cooks down soft enough to enjoy in an omelet. Is it a strong flavor like the similarly gnarled ginger root? Or more mild like a carrot? Or sweet like a yam? In real life, eating any of the plants at one time classified as a “mandrake” will mess you up pretty good in a completely non-supernatural way, so I will never know. This haunts me. -SP
4. Court Cuisine: Full Course Meal
The “Court Cuisine: Full Course Meal” in Delicious in Dungeon is a lavish and rare non-monster-based feast that showcases an elegant array of bread, cheese, fruits, and meats. This meal stands out in the series for its sophistication and variety, offering a contrast to the usual monster-derived dishes the adventurers prepare. It highlights the culinary diversity within the dungeon world, reflecting a more traditional and refined dining experience amidst the otherwise wild and monstrous fare.
Appears in: Ep. 6
Ingredients: Pumpkin soup, sautéed green soybeans and white fish, fruit, golden wheat bread, duck roast, golden cow’s cheese
Is this food real? No. Does it fill you up? Also no. Does it look absolutely delicious? Yes. Honestly, the fact that it doesn’t fill you up might be a perk. You eat as much as you want, try every last morsel, then hop right out of the painting. Ground yourself, then jump right back in for even more. I see no downsides. – PR
3. Freshly Stolen Vegetables and Chicken Stewed with Cabbage Accompanied by Plundered Bread
The dish “Freshly Stolen Vegetables and Chicken Stewed with Cabbage Accompanied by Plundered Bread” is a hearty and rustic meal prepared by Laios’ party in Delicious in Dungeon. It features tender chicken stewed with fresh cabbage and a medley of vegetables, reflecting the resourcefulness of adventurers gathering ingredients from the dungeon environment. This stew is served alongside plundered bread, adding a satisfying and robust complement to the dish. The combination highlights the theme of survival and camaraderie, making it a memorable and flavorful part of the series’ culinary repertoire.
Appears in: Ep. 4
Ingredients: Chicken (400 grams), cabbage (stolen, 1 head), carrots (stolen, 2), onions (stolen, 2 med.), cayenne pepper, salt and pepper; wheat flour (stolen, 60 grams), olive oil; bread flour (stolen, 250 grams), water (160 ml), bread starter (stolen), sugar
When I sit to eat I don’t just want good food – I want a good meal. That’s why the stolen vegetables with chicken and bread dish is my favorite of the series so far. It looks delicious, it’s got a variety of foods in it, it covers a lot of nutritional bases (which Senshi would remind you is important), and it’s a successful tool of interspecies diplomacy. I don’t just want to taste this food, I want to have this experience. That’s the real potential of a good meal with friends. -SP
2. Exorcism Sorbet
Exorcism Sorbet is a refreshing and sweet dessert featured in Delicious in Dungeon, known for its vibrant flavors and magical touch. It is essentially a chilled version of the Special Interfaith Holy Water recipe, with a lemon-lime base complemented by colorful syrups flavored with exotic fruits like cactus fruit, mango, ginger, and starfruit. This sorbet melts smoothly on the tongue, offering a unique and delightful taste experience that perfectly blends fantasy elements with culinary creativity, making it a standout dish for fans and adventurous eaters alike.
Appears in: Ep. 5
Ingredients: Special interfaith holy water (500 ml), sturdy jar (1), sacred cordon rope (1, if not available use regular rope), ghosts (5 or more)
Who’d have thought Laois and his band of adventurers would be eating a frozen confection on their quest to slay the red dragon? Not me, that’s who! This sorbet looks so tasty with its assorted medley of colors and its soft, creamy texture. Throw in a couple leftover candy critters from the Treasure Insect Snacks and a mint leaf and you’ve got a dessert worth fighting a whole dungeon’s worth of ghosts for. -TE
1. Huge Scorpion and Walking Mushroom Hotpot
The Huge Scorpion and Walking Mushroom Hotpot is a warm, nourishing dish featured in Delicious in Dungeon, made from ingredients found on the first floor of the dungeon. It combines scorpion (often substituted with shrimp or lobster), walking mushrooms (oyster and shimeji mushrooms), algae, tubers like mountain yam or potatoes, and dried slime noodles, all simmered together in a light kombu-based broth enhanced with miso and soy sauce. The dish is known for its comforting, homely flavor, making it perfect for sharing on a cold day, and it invites customization to suit personal tastes. Its preparation involves crafting shrimp paste stuffed into bell pepper sections to mimic the scorpion, and carefully slicing mushrooms to replicate the walking mushroom, reflecting the inventive culinary creativity seen in the series.
Appears in: Ep. 1
Ingredients: Huge Scorpion, Walking Mushroom, seaweed, Invertatoes, dried slime, water
This is the moment. The legend. The first dish we see Senshi make and the one we’ve been chasing ever since. The individual parts are questionable – slime? Scorpions? Sentient mushrooms? – but by God, that is the most delicious soup I’ve ever seen. You know the slime noodles have a tantalizing texture, and that the scorpion meat is juicy, and that the mushrooms are flavorful. It’s the sort of dish where I’ll be eating every bit and slurp up the last drops of soup at the bottom of the bowl. -PR
Which dishes from Delicious in Dungeon are the most visually stunning and why
The most visually stunning dishes in Delicious in Dungeon stand out for their imaginative presentation and unique use of fantastical ingredients that blend the surreal with mouthwatering appeal.
-
The Stone-Baked Cockatrice and Egg Ankake is particularly striking, served in an edible brick with a shiny, lustrous sauce made from a cockatrice egg, combining an unusual presentation with rich, unorthodox monster parts that create a visually glossy finish.
-
The Man-Eating Plant Tart resembles a quiche but is made from deadly plant fruits, with a savory, textured look enhanced by dried slime and scorpion broth, making it both eerie and appetizing.
-
The Red Dragon Meal, featuring a roast, tail soup, and onion pizza bread, is depicted as a world-class, lavish feast with vibrant colors and a grand presentation that evokes the majesty and rarity of dragon meat.
-
The Treasure Insect Snacks are visually opulent, crafted from money and gems, giving the impression of edible treasure that is as dazzling to the eyes as it is intriguing to the palate.
-
The Paralyzing Plant Tentacle Snack surprises with its bright green exterior and banana-like interior, combining a simple yet striking visual contrast that intrigues fans.
These dishes are visually stunning not only because of their colors and plating but also due to their inventive use of fantasy elements that make each meal a feast for the eyes as well as the imagination.
Which dish’s vibrant presentation makes it the most visually striking in Delicious in Dungeon
The dish with the most visually striking and vibrant presentation in Delicious in Dungeon is the Red Dragon Full Course Meal. This lavish feast features a roast, tail soup, and onion pizza bread, showcasing rich, vivid colors and an extravagant plating that captures the grandeur and rarity of dragon meat, making it the most eye-catching dish in the series.
