What is an ultimate adventure? A journey toward a new world? An encounter with new companion? A battle to save a kingdom? Quite a typical theme for a fantasy adventure don't you think(not that I against it though)? Now consider this new dimension: An adventure won't be complete without taking on a whole new taste.

Dungeon Meshi is an unique fantasy adventure that able to bring that new dimension of adventure, which surprisingly resonates with the concept of adventure in real life. What differentiate this from other similar manga is the fact that this series try to appeal the reader's appetite not from the drawing, but through the whole process of preparing food toward the table. The dishes is well planned (or should I say designed?) by considering the availability of the ingredient, the nutritional balance, and at some point: moral value.

However, the whole story goal are not exactly to collect ingredients or eating the best food. Food in this series is portrayed as daily necessity (and sometimes a reward) to continue their main quest, which quite humbled compared to typical fantasy adventure you'll commonly see. For me, this hit a balanced point that make this enjoyable both as fantasy adventure and cooking manga.