Why Delicious in Dungeon Should Be Your Next Binge Watch

If you told me a story about a bunch of people eating their way through a dungeon would be interesting, I probably would have laughed you out of the room. Then I watched Delicious in Dungeon, and guess what? Now I’m here to convince you why you should watch it.

Delicious in Dungeon is a tale that begins with a party of adventurers losing one of their members during a dragon raid. Afterwards, the party partially disbands, with most members choosing to chart their own path rather than rescue their captured comrade. From this split, we get our main cast, which includes Laios, the tall man; Chilchuck, the half-foot; and Marcille, the elf.

The courageous trio henceforth decides to embark on the perilous journey to get Falin, their captured comrade, back. However, before setting off, they realize they lack the necessary supplies for the journey, having lost all their money during their failed dragon raid. This leads them to make the bizarre decision to nourish themselves by eating the monsters they encounter along the way.

Here’s why you should watch it.

Detailed World-Building

The world-building in Delicious in Dungeon is rooted in classic fantasy archetypes, yet it deviates from these tropes, making it a breath of fresh air in the anime fantasy genre. Set around a dungeon inhabited by various fantastical creatures and races, the show offers a unique twist on familiar fantasy elements.

For example, orcs initially exhibit “classic orc behavior” of being brutish and unkempt, but they are later portrayed as compassionate and thoughtful beings. Senshi, a dwarf who joins the main cast early on, defies the typical dwarf trope of weaponry expertise. Instead, he is revealed to be a master chef, showcasing his deep knowledge of the culinary arts rather than combat.

Additionally, the focus on the dining aspect of the main cast’s adventures adds an interesting spin, as they often find inventive ways to cook the monsters they encounter. In fact, Delicious in Dungeon is both a survival story and a gourmet adventure.

Engaging Storyline

Delicious in Dungeon is deceptively complex. In the early episodes, it appears to be an episodic, slice-of-life adventure anime. However, as the show progresses, you start to piece together the puzzle and realize how wrong those initial impressions were.

Enemies that seemed like the “monster of the week” start exhibiting great importance in the overarching narrative. Some episodes go against the happy-go-lucky vibe that was established early on, with stakes rising and the show assuming a more sombre tone. Despite all these changes, the show somehow manages to remain grounded in its central premise of eating monsters.

A Compelling Cast of Misfits

The plot of Delicious in Dungeon is driven by unique characters that have their own unique backstories and motivations. Due to this, their different personalities make their interactions feel fresh and exciting to watch.

Laios, the obsessive and socially inept yet dependable leader, is driven by his desire to save his sister Falin. Chilchuck, the cautious rogue, anchors the group with common sense even in the most ridiculous situations. Marcille, the reluctant yet loyal mage elf, provides the much needed firepower in dangerous situations but struggles to reconcile with her refined tastes and the need to survive. Senshi ultimately brings the wayward band together with his wealth of culinary knowledge and innovative survival tactics.

Stunning Animation

Each scene in Delicious in Dungeon is characterized by vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds that truly bring the fantastical setting to life. The character designs might not be masterpieces, but they’re unique enough to help audiences distinguish the characters apart from their silhouettes. The monsters are also given special attention, both in life and on plate (after all, they are delicious!).

In the end, the only real reason you need to watch Delicious in Dungeon is because it’s tons of fun, and isn’t that what we all want in a show?