Delicious in Dungeon takes a leap from anime screens to real-life experience with a captivating pop-up café in Shibuya. But hold on, this isn't your typical café affair. The new anime thrusts us into a fantastical realm where daring adventurers delve into dungeons, combat monsters, and plunder treasures. Yet, the real treasure lies in the culinary delights we encounter along the way – specifically, the monsters themselves. Each episode unveils one or two tantalizing dishes crafted from the creatures featured in the series. The burning question: how do these dishes translate into the real-world realm of taste and presentation? Thankfully, the answer awaits at the Shibuya Delicious in Dungeon Store, a four-day extravaganza.
Announced on January 9 via Twitter, this two-story haven, situated in Shibuyan_space, might be compact, but it packs a flavorful punch. The first floor beckons visitors with samples of monster-inspired delicacies and a delightful array of items. Imagine a family-owned or local restaurant ambiance, complete with posters, cozy countertop dining, and a tempting selection of refreshing beers. The walls echo with posters showcasing challenges like conquering scorpion soup in 30 minutes, advertisements for exotic ingredients such as basilisk eggs, menus scattered around, a calendar detailing closed days and special events, and promotions for Red Dragon Beer. The pièce de résistance includes signboards from those involved with Delicious in Dungeon and a mysterious covered cage harboring a basilisk within.
Venturing up the stairs to the second floor, patrons encounter more Delicious in Dungeon-themed posters reminiscent of Japan's local eateries, enhancing the lived-in atmosphere of the store. Ascending to the second level unveils life-sized acrylic stands featuring the main characters – Laios, Marcille, Chilchuck, and Senshi. Complementing these standees is a brief introduction to the first three episodes, providing a charming refresher for visitors. The space also boasts signed Delicious in Dungeon scripts and figures on display. Early birds are treated to a delightful parting gift: a complimentary limited edition dragon broth instant ramen pack. Inside this culinary treasure, one finds soba, eggs, and potentially pork products, along with soy and chicken. A word of caution to those with dietary restrictions or allergies to these ingredients – approach the dragon broth ramen with care.
The Shibuya Delicious in Dungeon Store, although modest in size, exudes the charm of a hole-in-the-wall Japanese family-owned restaurant specializing in monster-inspired dishes. Open from Thursday, January 18, to Sunday, January 21, the pop-up experience was a delightful exploration of the intersection between fiction and reality. As we savor these real-life (albeit fictional) monster dishes from Delicious in Dungeon, let's anticipate more pop-up stores that bring anime worlds to life in the future.
