For anime lovers who have ever craved the delicious-looking treats on screen, Nadine Estero’s The Anime Cafe: 50 Iconic Treats, Snacks, and Drinks from Your Favorite Anime is a dream come true. This cookbook brings anime-inspired dishes to life, offering an immersive culinary journey through some of the most iconic foods from beloved series. Estero’s book makes it easy to recreate the mouthwatering meals from the anime world right in your kitchen. https://www.instagram.com/issagrill/
We first met Nadine and her anime characters in her first book, The Anime Chef Cookbook at https://canadiancookbooks.ca/the-anime-chef-cookbook-2/ Now the author sends us down a lighter and fun stories and recipes that will please both adults and children alike.
At first glance, The Anime Cafe is visually entertaining. The stylized photography captures each dish in all its glory, making it hard to resist the temptation to start cooking immediately. The layout is clean and well-organized, with each recipe featuring step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and an introduction explaining its anime origins. This makes the book not just a cookbook but also a mini guide to anime’s culinary culture.
Estero’s selection of 50 recipes is diverse, spanning everything from classic comfort foods to quirky snacks. The book covers a mix of traditional Japanese dishes, such as ramen, onigiri, and taiyaki, as well as Western-inspired anime favorites like omurice and cream stew.
Some standout recipes include:
- Hinata’s Naruto Onigiri – These classic Japanese snacks are rice balls with savory fillings inside and shaped into beloved caricatures.
- Omurice Blessed with Dark Arts – This fluffy, ketchup-laced omelet over fried rice is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
- Classic Strawberry Cake – A beautifully presented dessert that features in the Death Note series. A quickly devoured favourite!
- Bear Pancakes – Join the PreCure cute girls as they make and enjoy a fun presentation of a favourite breakfast dish. You too can make it in our Recipe section…just in time to have your own cute fun making them with your kiddos this March Break!
Beyond the food, Estero’s love for anime shines through in her storytelling. Each recipe comes with a short blurb about its significance in anime, giving fans a nostalgic connection to their favorite shows. The book feels like more than just a cookbook—it’s a love letter to anime’s rich food culture. Get your copy at https://www.quarto.com/books/9781631069918/the-anime-caf%C3%A9 or win the book in our Giveaway section.
The Anime Cafe is a must-have for anime enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Nadine Estero has crafted a cookbook that is as informative as it is fun, making it easy to bring anime magic into your kitchen. Whether you want to impress guests with a themed meal or simply treat yourself to an anime-inspired snack, this book is the perfect guide. Beautifully designed, accessible, and packed with delicious recipes, The Anime Cafe is a delightful addition to any collection.
Reprinted with permission from The Anime Café by Nadine Estero. Illustrations by Jana Paynor. Published by Rock Point, an imprint of The Quarto Group, copyright 2024. https://www.quarto.com/books/9781631069918/the-anime-caf%C3%A9
