Step into the gorgeous world of Studio Ghibli meals

Mehreen Kasana May 24, 2020 Culture Sometimes life is about the simple, delicious things. Studio Ghibli Japan / Giphy

Studio Ghibli / Giphy

Food, our mouthwatering lingua franca

Studio Ghibli characters convey an overwhelming lot through mere morsels. In various scenes of cooking and preparing food, Ghibli characters signal love, affection, greed, gluttony, longing, care, and much more. It is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming. Howl's Moving Castle

When Marnie Was There

Speaking of love...

There are many scenes involving food as a proxy for love and care in Studio Ghibli films, but perhaps no other scene conveys this tenderness as beautifully as this rice ball exchange between Haku and Chihiro. Spirited Away

The catharsis in making a meal

It's not just about eating. In Ghibli's world, much of the food-bliss you see comes from how it's prepared, how long it takes, and just how much attention is given to the little details. Kiki's Delivery Service

Food as the source of chaos

While food mostly denotes joy in the Ghibli world, a hearty meal can also signify the beginning of chaos as is evidenced in this buffet early on in Spirited Away. Spirited Away

Delicious chaos reigns

Attention to detail

It would be a crime to overlook this perfect tempura from From Up On Poppy Hill. From Up On Poppy Hill

From Up On Poppy Hill

Grave of the Fireflies

When Marnie Was There

Simplicity — be it through gestures, storylines, character traits, and yes, food — governs the world of Ghibli films. Nothing is overwrought or overdone. This thoughtful opposition to unnecessary complication is most obvious when you look at these food scenes where characters sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the perfect bite into their favorite meal. The Wind Rises

From Up On Poppy Hill

Bon appétit.

Now, how about recreating one of these delicious meals?

Thanks for reading, head home for more!

Thanks for reading,
head home for more!