10 Anime Characters Who Master the Culinary Arts (& Stand Apart from Food Wars)

Anime characters are known for their diverse skills in martial arts, swordsmanship, and weaponry. Recently, cooking has also become a prominent skill in anime, with shows like Food Wars!, Cooking Papa, and Fighting Foodons leading the way. The upcoming Delicious in Dungeon is set to further elevate the popularity of food anime. Whether achieved through hard work or innate talent, these cooking skills make for an entertaining and engaging genre. Here are some professional chef anime characters not featured in Food Wars!

Anime characters not from Food Wars! who are professional chefs

10) Ryuuji Takasu (Toradora!)

Ryuuji Takasu, the anime character from Toradora! (Image via J.C.Staff), is particularly skilled in a wide range of household duties, with cooking being one of his greatest strengths. Although not a professional chef, he has worked hard to refine his culinary skills, largely due to the responsibilities he has shouldered as the primary caretaker of his mother in their fatherless household.

Throughout Toradora!, he has showcased his impressive skills in the kitchen. Once, he whipped up a curry so irresistibly tasty that people couldn't stop eating it, even though it was too spicy for them.

9) Agni (Black Butler)

Agni in Black Butler is an anime character from A-1 Pictures. He has earned the nickname "the Hand of God" for a significant reason. Unlike Sebastian and Claude who are perfect chefs because of their demonic abilities, Agni is the complete opposite.

He honed his skills through his natural talent, years of dedicated training, and a profound passion for culinary arts. This is evident in his ability to craft exquisite dishes from the most basic ingredients. Once again, he presented a formidable challenge to Sebastian at the curry festival, showcasing his exceptional culinary abilities.

8) Komatsu (Toriko)

Meet Komatsu, the anime character from Toriko (Image via Toei Animation)

Komatsu is the ideal partner for Gourment Hunter Toriko, with his exceptional culinary skills. As Toriko travels the world in search of the finest ingredients, Komatsu is there to expertly prepare and cook the amazing finds.

His proficiency in the kitchen flourishes as he joins Toriko on his adventures. He even dares to confront formidable creatures to obtain rare ingredients. Komatsu can enhance established recipes to significantly enhance their potency (and Toriko's).

7) Antonio Trussardi (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)

Antonio Trussardi, the beloved anime character from Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (Image via David Production), is known for his culinary prowess at Trattoria Trussardi. Diners not only leave with satisfied appetites but also with a sense of rejuvenation. The enigmatic power of Trussardi's Stand, Pearl Jam, is said to infuse his delectable dishes with healing abilities, capable of curing any ailment in those who partake.

As long as Antonio is aware of the problem and has the correct ingredients, he can prepare a healing and nourishing meal.

6) Kazuma Azuma (Yakitate!! Japan)

Kazuma Azuma, the beloved pastry chef in Yakitate!! Japan, is on a mission to create a signature type of bread for Japan. His determination and dedication to this cause make him a true Shonen protagonist, capturing the hearts of fans everywhere.

He perseveres through numerous baking tournaments and never wavers from his aspiration. Kazuma possesses the Solar Hands trait, enabling him to craft delicious loaves of bread. In the course of the series, he has unfailingly produced exquisite renditions of his "Ja-pan."

5) Brock (Pokemon)

Brock and Misty are iconic characters in the world of Pokemon. Brock's difficult past has given him a strong sense of responsibility, especially when it comes to taking care of his siblings and showcasing his cooking skills. Despite his lack of formal training, his culinary talents are evident throughout the series.

He is a talented cook in the kitchen and also demonstrates his culinary skills in the wilderness, creating delicious meals from foraged ingredients. Additionally, he has been observed preparing meals for Pokemon, showcasing his exceptional culinary abilities.

4) Bols (Akame ga Kill)

Bols, the character from Akame ga Kill (Image via White Fox C-Station), defies expectations with his complex nature. Despite his intimidating exterior, he harbors a shy and gentle interior. This was evident when he confronted his dark past and strived for atonement.

3) Sebastian Michaelis (Black Butler)

Despite the uncertainty of whether he has undergone formal culinary education, he undeniably excels as a chef. He skillfully prepares meals for the team, consistently leaving them craving for more.

Sebastian Michaelis is depicted as an anime character in Black Butler, produced by A-1 Pictures.

Sebastian's demonic nature allows him to excel in various tasks, including culinary arts. Taking advantage of Bard's inability to cook, Sebastian takes on the role of the Phantomhive House's chef.

2) Kirio Hikifune (Bleach)

He is tasked with attending to the needs of the Aristrocracy. This makes it crucial that each meal he presents is of the utmost quality, whether it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This also includes providing impeccable desserts and late-night snacks for his master.

Character from the anime Bleach: Kirio Hikifune (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Once the Captain of the 12th Division and now a member of the Royal Guard, Kirio Hikifune is renowned for her exceptional culinary skills. Her delectable dishes have been known to significantly enhance the physical and spiritual power of souls. Renji and Ichigo have both praised her cooking as the best they have ever tasted.

1) Sanji Vinsmoke (One Piece)

In keeping with her passion for food, her Zanpakuto adopts the shape of a sizable spoon, setting her apart from others. Its power is evident in its ability to summon tree-like entities that consume any Reishi in their path. Her capabilities serve as a testament to her conviction that "to control food is to control life."

One Piece's Vinsmoke Sanji is a widely recognized anime character from the popular series One Piece. He is renowned as the Straw Hats' exceptional chef and made his debut by delivering a brutal beating to Fullbody for disrespecting food in his presence.

Sanji, raised by the chefs of Baratie and driven by his quest for the All Blue, is dedicated to ensuring that everyone is well-fed. His exceptional culinary skills have been showcased numerous times in the series, including his ability to create a five-course meal using leftovers and bake a cake that pacified Big Mom, despite having no prior knowledge of her preferences. Stay updated on all anime, manga, film, and live-action news as we move through 2024.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited to see the growing popularity of food anime. It's refreshing to see characters who excel not only in combat and adventure but also in the culinary arts. These characters bring a unique blend of action and cooking, making for an entertaining and engaging experience.

The characters mentioned in the article, such as Ryuuji Takasu from Toradora! and Komatsu from Toriko, showcase their culinary skills in different ways. Ryuuji's hard work and dedication to cooking, despite not being a professional chef, is inspiring. Komatsu's partnership with Toriko highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the culinary world. Each character brings their own strengths and talents to the table, making them stand out in the world of anime.