Soma's Dishes from Food Wars: the Science of Cooking in Anime

Soma's Dishes from Food Wars: the Science of Cooking in Anime

Food Wars (Shokugeki no Soma) turned gastronomy into martial art. Soma Yukihira's dishes shock with unexpected combinations, but each is grounded in real culinary technique.

History and origin

The anime debuted in 2015 and quickly became famous for its gastro-pornographic scenes — characters literally 'explode' with pleasure tasting dishes. The creators consulted professional chefs, and the recipes in the manga actually work.

Key ingredients

One iconic dish is 'Wagyu beef cutlet with wild mushroom sauce': the fillet is wrapped in bacon, seared to a crust and served with a rich mushroom demi-glace. Another is 'Miner's egg' with a miso-based sauce.

How to cook at home

Soma's key principle is never to fear experimentation. Try combining the seemingly incompatible: Japanese umami ingredients (miso, dashi) with French techniques (sauté, flambé) — that is how unexpected masterpieces are born.

Try this recipe at home — it's much easier than it looks and will make you feel part of your favourite universe.