One of the most incredible series to be released in 2024, Delicious in the dungeon has unexpectedly taken the anime community by storm with its refreshing take on the fantasy genre, incredibly dynamic characters, and tantalizing monster fare. Even though Ryoko Kui’s original manga began in 2014 and will end in 2023, it’s only now that many people are discovering this little gem of a series thanks to Studio Trigger’s excellent adaptation.

Series director Yoshihiro Miyajima and the endlessly talented team at Trigger have excelled at bringing the fan-favorite manga to life, with the adaptation remaining faithful to the source material while elevating it through impeccable use of cinematography dynamic and captivating dubbing. A series with obvious passion and love put into every image, Meshi Dungeon has almost no bad episodes. Yet the best of the series truly surpass anything fantasy anime fans have ever seen before.

10 Episode 1: Hot Pot/Tart is a stellar introduction to the world of Dungeon Meshi

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The quality of an opening episode can make or break a series, and Delicious in the dungeon sets the tone masterfully with its first episode. After showing the high stakes with the opening sequence of Red Dragon, the episode gradually introduces viewers to the world of the series, its memorable and unique characters and their affable idiosyncrasies.

The opening of the series also does not forget the most crucial part of Meshi Dungeon – cooking and how to enjoy monstrous delicacies brings the party together from the start. While not as filled with exciting plot developments or hilarious gags as later episodes, Hot Pot/Holding excels at establishing what Delicious in the dungeon Above all, it’s about hooking the audience from the first seconds.

9 Episode 8: Raspberries and Grilled Meat are a great combination of action and moving storytelling

Meshi Dungeon being less action-oriented than typical Trigger projects, audiences never forget that they’re seeing some of the medium’s best animation talent at play. And none of the first episodes of the series illustrate this better than Raspberries/Grilled Meat. A tense battle between Marcille and the water spirit Ondine that takes place atop the monster’s natural domain is a spectacle of vibrant animation and dynamic direction.

One of the best fight sequences in the entire series, the confrontation keeps viewers in suspense throughout. In addition to being visually stellar and engaging, the episode also incorporates Marcille’s story with Falin into its action-packed narrative, developing the elf’s relationship with the cleric and making viewers even more invested in the quest of the party to save her.

8 Episode 23: Griffin Soup/Dumplings -1- Tugs at Viewers’ Heartstrings in Senshi’s Story

Although awkward and unserious most of the time, Delicious in the dungeon has always been clear about the nuanced tenderness of its core message: that people gain acceptance and strength through their connections, as explored most obviously through cooking. One of the most bittersweet episodes of the series, Griffin Soup/Dumplings -1- dives into the theme of the series by finally shedding light on Senshi’s past.

It is symbolic that with the help of his new companions, Senshi manages to put an end to the traumas of his youth by tasting Griffin soup, the taste of which has haunted him for years. For all the emotional weight of this episode, it ends on a comedic note that one might expect. Meshi Dungeon at this point, each member of the group changes race thanks to their accidental entry into a ring of Changelings.

7 Episode 24: Dumplings -2-/Bacon and Eggs was a perfect way to wrap up season 1

The incredible finale of Meshi Dungeon first season, Episode 24 features no dramatic twists or cliffhangers, instead providing viewers with a classic sequence of hilarious party shenanigans. As all members of the group have transitioned to different species, the episode delves into the obstacles of adapting to the new bodies, while adding to the series’ fantasy races story.

Light and funny, Dumplings -2-/Bacon and Eggs highlights how far the party has progressed in their friendship while still retaining the same dynamic chemistry from their early days together. The episode ends with some hints about the future – the Canaries entering the dungeon and the group discussing their plan for dealing with Falin – and leaves the audience satisfied but excited for what comes next.

6 Episode 3: Living Armor adds to the world-building while keeping viewers captivated with stellar visuals

An episode that truly established Meshi Dungeon as one of the greats when it comes to fantasy world building and monster design, Living Armor follows the group’s encounter with what appears to be a hostile group of sentient armor. However, in a clever twist, Laios discovers that the true identity of their enemy is a colony of molluscs controlling the metal of the gaps in the plates.

In addition to featuring one of the coolest monsters in the series, the episode features spectacular action animation.ending with a stunning boss fight between Laios and the suit housing the colony’s leader. Filled to the brim with Trigger’s visual signatures, Living Armor proves very early that Meshi Dungeon is a show to watch.

5 Episode 17: Harpy/Chimera is one of the most shocking episodes of Dungeon Meshi

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The surprisingly gruesome and disturbing culmination of the party’s strenuous efforts during the first half of the season, Harpy/Chimera is as bloody and horrible as Meshi Dungeon the anime gets. After all the party’s struggle to resurrect Falin, she returns to them as a bloodthirsty, brainwashed chimera. Unable to distinguish between friend and foe, Chimera Falin goes on a killing spree, and not even the joint efforts of Laios and Kabru’s groups can stop her rampage.

While visually spectacular, this episode doesn’t hold back on the gore, really selling the horrific consequences of disrupting the dungeon’s natural order. Harpy/Chimera is where Meshi Dungeon completely moves to a new stage, introducing a new, infinitely more dangerous quest that will trigger a massive change throughout the entire dungeon.

4 Episode 12: Red Dragon II offers a much-appreciated moment of calm before the storm

The summit of Meshi Dungeon First season, the Red Dragon arc is full of exciting and unpredictable developments. In Red Dragon II, the group finally discovers Falin’s remains – the goal they have been doggedly pursuing since the very beginning. Even though Falin’s recovery requires Marcille to resort to dark magic, the episode allows guests to enjoy the long-awaited reunion with their friend – if only for a little while.

Despite the menacing tone of the episode, Red Dragon II is full of sweet and uplifting moments, including the celebration of the holiday around the delicious Red Dragon meal. Unfortunately, the happiness of Falin’s resurrection does not last, his fate becoming uncertain again after this small respite.

3 Episode 22: Griffin/Familiars face a particularly nasty enemy

An episode that ends the world-building section in the Golden Country with the party hitting the road again with a new objective, Griffon/Familiars enters the home stretch of the season. As Senshi is unexpectedly captured by a Gryphon and questions about the dwarf’s mysterious past begin to surface, this episode features some of the most extraordinary action of the season.

From Marcille’s unorthodox use of rations to create a flight familiar to her and Laios’ hilarious teamwork, Griffon/Familiars features just the right amount of humor, visual spectacle and tension – Meshi Dungeon characteristic mixture of elements. When it comes to showcasing the series’ signatures, both in tone and animation, no episode can compete with Griffon/Familiars.

2 The series takes a shocking and exciting turn in episode 13: Red Dragon III/Good Medicine

After the fleeting joy of Falin’s return to the group, Episode 13 cruelly snatches victory from under the noses of the adventurers, signaling a significant change in Meshi Dungeon narrative. Enter the Lunatic Magician Thistle – a brand new enemy that Laios and the party will now have to face if they wish to find Falin once more.

Thistle’s setup as the new main antagonist is handled wonderfully in this episode, selling the audience on both his irrational, cruel nature and his formidable magical power that the party doesn’t have the strength to counter at this point. An episode of cathartic turns, disturbing clashes and mysterious allusions, Red Dragon III/Good Medicine is an incredibly climactic finale to the series’ most exhilarating arc.

1 Episode 11: Red Dragon I Stellarly delivers the most anticipated confrontation of the series

For the entire first half of the series, Laios and the party went down the dungeon in search of the red dragon that swallowed Falin. It is in episode 11 that the anticipation of this decisive encounter finally bears fruit. In typical Meshi Dungeon fashion, little goes as planned, but the party faces its most formidable opponent yet while putting everything on the line..

Intense and captivating, Red Dragon I is the pinnacle of Meshi Dungeon fantastic spectacle, with Trigger pulling out all the stops to do justice to this vigorous battle. And, with how invested the audience has been so far in the quest to save Falin, emotions are at an all-time high for viewers and band members alike during this spectacular encounter.

Delicious in the dungeon

Can sisters be reincarnated from dragon droppings? Laios and his friends Marcille and Chilchuck delve into an endless dungeon in search of his fallen sister, battling monsters, famine and corruption.

Release date

January 4, 2023

Studio

Triggering

Main actors

Sayaka Senbongi, Kentarou Kumagai, Hiroshi Naka and Asuna Tomari