Released in 2023, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill should be added to the comforting food anime. Unlike most of Isekai, it doesn’t overpower its plot but rather savors the sheer humor with its quirky characters and tasty dishes. The protagonist turns his culinary prowess into a survival strategy, proving that sometimes, the way to power isn’t through brute strength, but through a well-seasoned meal.
Background :
Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill (Tondemo Sukiru de Isekai Hōrō Meshi) is a Japanese light novel series by Ren Eguchi, originally published on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website in 2016 before receiving a printed edition with illustrations by Masa under Overlap Novels.
The series expanded into a manga adaptation by Akagishi K, serialised on Comic Gardo since 2017, with a spin-off illustrated by Momo Futaba debuting in 2018. Both continue to thrive, amassing multiple volumes. In 2023, the renowned animation studio MAPPA brought the series to life with an anime adaptation, airing its first season from January to March. The second season is set to premiere in October 2025, promising more culinary adventures and quirky fantasy hijacks.
Story :
The story follows Tsuyoshi Mukouda, an ordinary Japanese salaryman who, along with three high school students, is summoned to a fantasy world by the Kingdom of Reijseger. The kingdom seeks heroes to fight against the demon folk, and while the students possess powerful magical abilities, Mukouda is left with a seemingly useless skill—Online Supermarket.
Realising the kingdom might have ulterior motives, Mukouda convinces them that his ability is worthless, allowing him to leave and forge his own path. However, his skill turns out to be incredibly useful, as it lets him purchase modern Japanese food and supplies in this medieval fantasy world. His cooking quickly attracts the attention of powerful beings, including the legendary wolf Fenrir , who, after tasting Mukouda’s cooking, decides to stick around as his familiar and Sui, an adorable yet surprisingly strong slime with the ability to evolve and assist in combat. Sui adds an unexpected edge to Mukouda’s crew. Alongside Fenrir, the fearsome but food-loving wolf, the trio embarks on adventures where cooking isn’t just a survival skill—it’s the secret ingredient to winning allies, avoiding trouble, and thriving in a world where strength alone isn’t enough.
Characters and their Designs :
If there’s one thing Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill gets right, it’s the way it embraces simplicity while still delivering something fresh. The character designs fit the tone perfectly—Mukouda isn’t your typical flashy isekai protagonist; no grandiose armor, no intense battle scars, just a regular guy thrown into a world where magic is the norm. His humble, everyday look only reinforces the idea that he’s an outlier, someone who survives through instinct rather than brute force.
Then there’s Fenrir. If you’re going to have a massive, mythical wolf as a companion, it needs to look the part, and Campfire Cooking nails it. Towering, powerful, unmistakably intimidating, yet somehow… oddly relatable when food is involved. His expressive moments—whether it’s pure joy at a delicious meal or a sharp, protective glare when danger lurks—make him feel more than just a beast meant for combat.
And, of course, Sui – the little slime, with a simple, adorable design. As Sui grows and evolves, so does its design, which subtly shifts, reinforcing the idea that even the smallest, cutest, most unassuming creature can become something so extraordinary.
Goddesses of the World – Mukouda’s cooking doesn’t just attract mythical beasts—it catches the attention of divine beings as well. The goddesses Ninlil, Agni, Kisharle, and Rusalka take a liking to him, granting him blessings in exchange for offerings of modern-world snacks. Their support gives Mukouda access to powerful magic, further solidifying his place in this world.
Themes, Visuals and OSTs :
Campfire Cooking in Another World is indeed about survival in a different world, but through unconventional means. Mukouda doesn’t rely on brute strength but instead uses his cooking skills, combined with his absurd ‘Online Shopping’ skill, which helps him not just survive but thrive in a world that wasn’t meant for him. He wins people over with food. The bond between Mukouda, Fenrir, and Sui is another key thread. They’re not just a random group thrown together by circumstance; they evolve into something closer to family. It’s found companionship in its purest form—Mukouda isn’t leading a team of warriors, but he’s built something equally strong through trust, loyalty, and, of course, shared meals.
MAPPA’s animation brings a balancing tone to the visuals. Scenes have been kept quite simple but alluring to the eyes. Cooking scenes are all beautifully illustrated and detailed with recipe narration. Fenrir’s design emphasises his power while keeping his expressions playful, and Sui’s simple yet expressive form adds charm to the visuals.
The OST include an Instrumental album composed by Masato Kouda. The album has 40 songs sung by Masato Kouda, Utatane Kana, Kuricorder Quartet. The music complements the series’ mix of humor, adventure, and slice-of-life elements.
In Then End :
Campfire Cooking never takes itself too seriously, so do its characters. They find their funny mishaps even in the face of dangerous situations. The series never loses its charm over its 12-episode runtime. Every episode is fun to watch, especially the cooking scenes. This series takes a refreshing detour in a genre that often revolves around overpowering enemies or strong character development. Strength here isn’t about raw force—it’s about knowing how to adapt and navigate an unfamiliar world with skills that others underestimate.
Although the anime does miss out on showing us a little bit of background of Mukouda in his real world. It would be interesting to watch how his life was before entering the kingdom of Reijseger. Hoping that it will be covered in the next season.
Apart from that, it is a must-watch anime, especially if you enjoy cooking!
It’s a story about making the best out of an unexpected situation, about thriving in a world that wasn’t designed for you. And honestly? That’s something we can all relate to.
You can watch it on : Muse Asia
Animexon 
