Food Wars Season 1 Episode 1

Food Wars: First Bite, Unpopular Opinions?

Okay, let's talk about *Food Wars!* and that very first episode. Remember when Soma Yukihira struts into Totsuki Culinary Academy?

Yeah, the kid who can make anything taste delicious. Even with ingredients that seem like they were found in the back of your fridge after a power outage.

The Intruder Alert

The episode's all about Soma challenging Erina Nakiri. Erina, aka "God Tongue", is basically food royalty. She's got the palate of a queen and an ego to match.

He shows up with his...wait for it...transformed squid. I'm going to be honest here.

Maybe it's just me, but the squid dish *didn't* look appetizing.

Taste the Rainbow (of Eww?)

Look, I get it. It's a shokugeki (sort of). He has to wow her with simple food. But squid and peanut butter? Really?

It's supposed to be some culinary revelation. But honestly, it makes my stomach do a little flip… and not in a good way.

I will say this, I don't think I'd trust myself enough to try to combine squid and peanut butter together.

Erina's Overreaction: Valid or Just Dramatic?

And then there's Erina's reaction. The legendary "God Tongue" melts down over a humble student's cooking.

Sure, she's got high standards. But her whole deal with rejecting the dish seems a bit...much.

Maybe she was just having a bad day. Or maybe she just prefers her squid deep-fried and served with a side of caviar, who knows.

The "Clothes Explosion"

Of course, no Food Wars! episode is complete without the infamous clothes explosion. You know, when food tastes so good, people's clothes magically disappear.

It's a staple of the series. But in this first episode, it felt a little...forced? Did it add to the narrative?

Like, did we *really* need to see Erina's reaction visualized through a gust of wind and strategically placed steam?

Soma's Charm: Instant or Annoying?

Soma is supposed to be charming, right? The underdog chef who wins you over with his skills and his laid-back attitude.

But his overconfidence in the first episode was grating. Especially when he acts like he is better than everyone.

Like, dude, you're at the best culinary school in the country. Maybe show a little respect?

Is the Hype Justified?

Look, *Food Wars!* is a fun anime with amazing food art. But that first episode? It was a bit overrated, wasn't it?

The food wasn't drool-worthy, the fan service felt gratuitous, and Soma's initial persona needed some work. But at least we have the OP song, it does slap.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I stuck with the series. But that first bite? Not my favorite.

So, am I alone in thinking this? Sound off in the comments! Let me know if you thought Soma's squid creation was a culinary masterpiece or a crime against seafood.