Hibi wa Sugiredo Meshi Umashi [Season 1 Episode 1]

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.