Cooking Papa [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 2]

A Heartwarming Slice of Life: Review of Cooking Papa (Season 1, Episodes 1-2)

If you’re looking for an anime that serves up equal parts humor, heart, and mouthwatering dishes, Cooking Papa is a hidden gem worth checking out. Based on the manga by Tochi Ueyama, this 1992 series follows the life of Mr. Araiwa, a seemingly ordinary salaryman who transforms into a culinary wizard the moment he steps into his home. The first two episodes set the tone for a delightful blend of family dynamics, workplace antics, and, of course, food that’ll make you wish your dad (or you) could cook like this.

The Premise: A Dad Who Cooks Like a Pro

Mr. Araiwa is the epitome of duality—by day, he’s a diligent, somewhat reserved employee at a large company, but by night (or rather, the second he walks through his front door), he becomes a passionate home chef dedicated to spoiling his family with gourmet meals. The contrast between his professional and personal personas is hilarious and endearing, especially when his colleagues have no idea about his hidden talent.

The first episode introduces us to the Araiwa household, where Mr. Araiwa’s cooking skills are the glue that holds everything together. Whether it’s whipping up a simple bento for his wife or experimenting with new recipes, his love for food is infectious. The second episode dives deeper into his workplace, where his culinary prowess accidentally becomes the talk of the office—much to his embarrassment.

What Fans Are Saying

Scouring forums like MyAnimeList, it’s clear that Cooking Papa has a small but dedicated fanbase. Many viewers, like one commenter, expressed frustration over the limited availability of episodes: “I can only find two episodes of this show. It’s a shame because it looks interesting.” Another fan, familiar with the manga, was thrilled to stumble upon the anime adaptation, even if just for one episode: “Good for you Makoto, seeing off Sanae with a delicious gift!… Hopefully one day more of this series will come.”

The consensus? People love the show’s wholesome vibe and wish there were more episodes to binge.

Why It Works

1. Relatable Family Dynamics
   The Araiwa family feels real—no over-the-top drama, just everyday moments made special by food. Whether it’s Mr. Araiwa’s wife teasing him or his kids eagerly awaiting dinner, the interactions are warm and genuine.

2. Food as a Love Language
   The anime doesn’t just show cooking; it celebrates it. Every dish Mr. Araiwa prepares is a labor of love, and the attention to detail in the animation makes even simple meals look irresistible.

3. A Unique Protagonist
   Mr. Araiwa breaks the mold of the typical anime dad. He’s not the bumbling, clueless father figure often seen in comedies. Instead, he’s competent, caring, and downright cool in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Cooking Papa is a cozy, feel-good anime that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day. While it’s a shame that only a handful of episodes are readily available, the first two installments are enough to leave you craving more. If you’re a fan of slice-of-life stories with a side of culinary magic, this is one show you won’t want to miss.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to raid my fridge—Cooking Papa has officially made me hungry.

Rating: 8/10 – A delicious start to a series that deserves more love (and more episodes!).

Have you watched Cooking Papa? What did you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from fellow fans!