Tag: Gourmet

Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi – Episode 2 Review: A Cozy Culinary Adventure

If you’re looking for a show that serves up equal parts comfort, comedy, and mouthwatering food, Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi (or Food for the Soul) is the perfect pick. Episode 2, titled “Cleaning Up and Cooking Up,” continues the charming journey of four university girls trying to legitimize their “Food Culture Research Club” while navigating the chaos of young adulthood. Produced by Aniplex and animated by P.A. Works, this slice-of-life gem is quickly becoming a fan favorite for its wholesome vibes and relatable antics.

The Plot: Dust, Doubts, and Deliciousness

The episode kicks off with the girls—Maco, Shinon, Tsutsuji, and Kurea—facing their first real challenge: proving their club isn’t just an excuse to slack off. Their clubroom, a dusty, neglected space, becomes the battleground for their determination. As they scrub floors and haul in furniture (with Shinon somehow managing to “acquire” free stuff from other clubs), their camaraderie shines.

But the real test comes when a university clerk (who’s clearly onto their shenanigans) demands proof of actual club activities. Cue the panic—until Maco, the group’s resident food enthusiast, suggests cooking a meal together. What follows is a delightful montage of them preparing a simple yet surprisingly appetizing curry pilaf, complete with a side of ukulele strumming by Tsutsuji.

Fan Reactions: Why Everyone’s Loving It

Scouring forums like MyAnimeList and AniList, it’s clear that Episode 2 struck a chord with viewers. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. “The Chemistry Is Everything”
   Fans adore the dynamic between the girls. Shinon, in particular, is being compared to Yuru Yuri’s Toshino Kyouko for her chaotic energy. One user joked, “How did Shinon even get into university?!” while another praised her as “the life of the party.”

2. “Comfy Vibes for Days”
   The show’s laid-back atmosphere is a major draw. Comments like “This is the perfect Saturday watch” and “The ukulele + food combo hits different” highlight how effortlessly the episode balances relaxation with lighthearted humor.

3. “That Curry Pilaf Though…”
   The food scenes are already a standout. While some debated whether the dish looked “gross” (one user hilariously admitted, “I eat too much instant ramen to judge”), most agreed it was oddly tempting. “I craved it immediately,” wrote one fan, while another teased, “Adding camembert to curry? Bold move.”

4. “The Clerk Knows All”
   The university clerk, who sees right through their fake club facade, is already a fan-favorite side character. “She’s mommy material,” one comment read, while others predicted she’ll become a recurring figure, keeping the girls in check with a mix of sternness and warmth.

Why This Episode Works

What makes Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi stand out in the crowded slice-of-life genre?

• Relatable Struggles: From cleaning a filthy room to scrambling to meet deadlines (or in this case, club requirements), the show nails the small but universal stresses of student life.
• Food as a Love Language: The cooking scenes aren’t just about the food—they’re about bonding. Maco’s joy in sharing her passion with friends is heartwarming.
• Visual Charm: P.A. Works’ animation brings warmth to every frame, whether it’s the cozy clubroom or the steam rising from the curry pot.

Final Thoughts

Episode 2 solidifies Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi as a must-watch for fans of cozy, character-driven stories. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—just serving up good vibes, great food, and a group of girls you’ll instantly want to befriend.

As one fan perfectly put it: “This show is like a warm hug after a long day.” And honestly? We couldn’t agree more.

Rating: 4.5/5 – A deliciously fun episode that leaves you hungry for more.

What did you think of Episode 2? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi – Episode 1: A Delicious Slice of Life

When it comes to anime that serve up a hearty dose of comfort, Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi (or Food for the Soul) is the latest dish on the menu, and Episode 1 has already left fans hungry for more. Produced by Aniplex and animated by P.A. Works—known for their stunning visuals in shows like Shirobako and Hanasaku Iroha—this series premiered in April 2025, promising a wholesome blend of college life, friendship, and, of course, mouthwatering food.

A Recipe for Relaxation

The first episode introduces us to five university girls who are just starting their journey into adulthood. The protagonist, a timid but endearing character, is quickly swept up by her more outgoing friend, and together they form a little group bonded by their love for good food. The episode doesn’t rush into anything dramatic; instead, it takes its time to let the characters breathe, making it a perfect example of the Cute Girls Doing Cute Things (CGDCT) genre.

Fans on MyAnimeList have been quick to draw comparisons to other beloved series. One user noted, “It’s Bocchi the Rock but with food instead of a band,” while another joked, “This is just K-ON! without the music.” The similarities are undeniable—bright pastel colors, lighthearted humor, and a focus on the small joys of life—but Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi carves out its own niche with its culinary theme.

Food Porn at Its Finest

If there’s one thing P.A. Works excels at, it’s making everyday activities look magical. The cooking montages in this episode are nothing short of mesmerizing, with every dish animated in such vivid detail that you can almost smell the flavors through the screen. One fan warned, “Don’t watch with an empty stomach… it’s torture.” Another compared it to Koufuku Graffiti, praising how realistic and appetizing the food looked.

The show doesn’t just rely on visuals, though. The soundtrack complements the laid-back vibe perfectly, with cheerful tunes that make you feel like you’re right there with the girls, sharing a meal and laughing over silly conversations.

Mixed Reactions but Mostly Positive

While the episode was generally well-received, some viewers felt it was “too safe” or predictable. One commenter pointed out, “There were zero surprises or any stand-out features… Cutesy girls. Timid protagonist. Outgoing friend. New friends. Club activities. ‘Mmm Oishiiii~.’” For fans who’ve seen their fair share of CGDCT anime, this might feel like more of the same.

However, others argued that predictability isn’t always a bad thing. “It’s a pretty chill start,” one user wrote, “I want to see a few more episodes to decide if I’ll watch the whole season.” Another fan was already sold, declaring, “I’m loving this already. Back-to-back interesting CGDCT? Count me in!”

The Unexpected Twist

The episode’s ending caught some viewers off guard. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it hinted at a deeper layer to the story that wasn’t apparent from the promotional material. One fan admitted, “I totally didn’t expect that ending at all,” while another gushed, “This anime is pure wholesomeness and even better than I thought!”

Final Thoughts

Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi Episode 1 is a warm, comforting meal in anime form. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to—sometimes, all you want is a show that makes you smile and leaves you craving your next bite. Whether you’re a longtime fan of CGDCT or just looking for something lighthearted to unwind with, this series is worth a taste.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go raid my fridge.