Delicious in Dungeon: A Review

As an anime and manga enthusiast, I’ve devoured my fair share of fantasy shows and novels. But of all the shows I’ve watched/read this year, one series truly stands out: “Delicious in Dungeon” (or Dungeon Meshi in Japanese) is a truly one-of-a-kind that I’ve been suggesting to everyone. While generally a fantasy adventure, “Delicious in Dungeon” has its fair share of humor, a dash of romance, and a whole lotta cooking. Having read the original manga by Ryoko Kui and watched the first season, this show is my newest obsession—and it should be on your to-watch list too. 

Laios Touden, the protagonist, is an adventurer exploring dungeons for a living. After his sister Falin was killed in a fight gone wrong, Laios is in a battle against time to resurrect her before she gets fully digested. Determined to rescue her, yet lacking the money to buy supplies, or recruit more party members, Laios hatches an unusual plan: to survive (and save money) by eating the monsters they encounter instead of taking a backpack full of food. With Marcille, a talented magician, Chilchuck, a locksmith, and later Senshi, a dwarf chef, Laios embarks on a quest to save his sister.  

What sets “Delicious in Dungeon” apart is its ingenious premise, the intricate world-building, and meticulous plot. While most fantasy anime make me sigh and look away (I’ve watched way too many Ore Tueee protagonists slaughter monsters and somehow end up with a harem to be entertained), this show is completely different. For a battle isn’t finished here until the monster has been slain and consumed. Each episode introduces fearsome monsters with unique quirks that end up as a mouth-watering dish after. The creativity in slaying the monsters, not to mention transforming them into dishes, is not only hilarious, but also oddly appetizing. 

As a quick side note, I’d also like to applaud Ryoko Kui for how she handles her characters. It is an unfortunate, yet true fact that in many fantasies, female characters are purposely drawn scantily, or put in compromising positions as a form of fan service. Yet in “Delicious in Dungeon,” the female characters are treated with dignity, and the only panty shots available are those of Senshi, the stout male dwarf. In the bathing scene after Falin is initially resuscitated, Marcille and Falin take a bath together to celebrate being reunited. At this moment I started feeling a bit let down as I sensed the onset of a manufactured sexy scene. Marcille was probably going to fall in a compromising position, and Falin was going to show her cleavage—destroying the world building and the tender moment in the name of pleasing fans. Yet, even when there was the opportunity, nothing happened. I cannot begin to describe the relief I felt at this moment because I was just so, so glad that this show, with beautifully crafted worldview and plotlines could continue to keep its artistry, without bending to mainstream pervertism. 

And while the first season of the anime has only covered the earlier scenes, where Laios kills and eats monsters to get to Falin, I have to let you know that it only gets better. While continuing to eat monsters, Laios and co. get involved in an issue bigger than themselves, where the dungeon master threatens to kill Laios, elves threaten to destroy the dungeon, and the winged-lion, a mysterious entity, schemes to make Laios the new dungeon master. Here, the nuance of cultural and racial differences are well-explored, offering an almost-allegory for real-world cultural interactions. 

“Delicious in Dungeon” just does so well with taking a new spin on well-explored tropes, making it a rare treat that’s both comforting and refreshing. It takes the best of fantasy, adventure and cooking animes, and manages to make all its components stand out. And no matter if you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer to anime/manga, this show will blow your mind.