If you’ve ever watched a Studio Ghibli film and suddenly felt hungry, you’re not alone.
I’ve absolutely loved recreating Studio Ghibli’s recipes.
The way these films depict food—whether it’s a simple fried egg breakfast or a steaming bowl of ramen—makes everything look incredibly delicious.
Even the most basic meals feel warm, comforting, and nostalgic.
Now, you can recreate that Ghibli magic in your own kitchen! Below are 10 iconic Studio Ghibli dishes, with step-by-step recipes so you can enjoy these heartwarming meals at home.
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1. Howl’s Breakfast – Bacon & Eggs (Howl’s Moving Castle)
Why It’s Iconic
That sizzling bacon, those glossy fried eggs, and the warm, rustic feel of the kitchen make this scene unforgettable.
It’s simple, yet perfect and it takes me back home because my mom always made me this on Sundays.
Ingredients
- 3 slices thick-cut bacon (Shop Here)
- 2 large free-range eggs
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 slices of rustic bread (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and crack the eggs directly into the bacon fat. Fry until the edges are crispy but the yolk remains runny.
- Toast your bread and serve with the bacon and eggs for a true Howl’s Moving Castle-style breakfast.
You’ll need: Cast Iron Skillet
2. Ponyo’s Ramen (Ponyo)
Why It’s Iconic
A warm, homey bowl of instant ramen with ham, egg, and green onions—simple, yet packed with childhood nostalgia.
I was surprised at how tasty this is – this is the perfect college meal and it’s so wholesome and filling too!
Ingredients
- 1 pack Japanese instant ramen (Shop Here)
- 2 slices ham
- 1 soft-boiled egg
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Boil 2 cups of water and cook the ramen noodles as per package instructions.
- In a separate pot, soft-boil an egg for 6 minutes, then peel.
- Slice the ham and lay it on top of the noodles.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame oil, and a soft-boiled egg.
Essential Ingredients:
Japanese Ramen Noodles
Dashi Powder (for an extra umami boost)This is my favorite brand.
3. Herring & Pumpkin Pie (Kiki’s Delivery Service)
Why It’s Iconic
This rustic, homemade pie represents kindness and tradition. It’s sweet and savory, making it a perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed
- 6 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
- 1 cup roasted pumpkin, mashed
- 1 cup smoked herring, flaked
- ½ cup caramelized onions
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the crust: Mix flour and salt. Cut in butter, then add water until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: Combine pumpkin, herring, caramelized onions, and seasonings.
- Roll out the dough, fill with the mixture, and cover with a lattice crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes.
All you need:
Pie Pan
4. Spirited Away’s Steamed Pork Buns (Spirited Away)
Why It’s Iconic
Soft, pillowy buns filled with juicy pork—these look so good, they might turn you into a spirit, too!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
For the filling:
- ½ lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (Shop Here)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Make the dough: Mix all ingredients, knead until smooth, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Divide dough into balls, fill with pork mixture and seal.
- Steam for 15 minutes in a bamboo steamer.
Recommended Steamer:
Bamboo Steamer
5. Laputa’s Fluffy Toasted Bread & Egg (Castle in the Sky)
Why It’s Iconic
Pazu’s simple meal of toast and egg is a Ghibli classic. And it’s so easy to come together!
Ingredients
- 2 slices Japanese milk bread
- 2 fresh eggs
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Toast the bread until golden brown.
- Fry eggs sunny side up in butter.
- Place eggs on toast and serve warm.
6. Sophie’s Hearty Beef Stew (Howl’s Moving Castle)
Why It’s Iconic
This dish is the definition of comfort food—a slow-cooked, rich, meaty stew that warms the soul. Imagine sitting in Howl’s moving castle on a rainy day, enjoying this thick, flavorful stew with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb stewing beef, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 3 cups beef broth (Shop Here)
- 1 cup red wine (optional but recommended!)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute.
- Pour in red wine (if using) and let it reduce by half.
- Add the beef back in, along with carrots, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and a bay leaf.
- Cover and simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender and the broth thickens.
- Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Recommended Cookware:
Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
7. The Secret World of Arrietty’s Herbal Tea (The Secret World of Arrietty)
Why It’s Iconic
This scene exudes calm and coziness—a tiny teacup filled with steaming, fragrant herbal tea, perfect for winding down.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried chamomile flowers
- 1 tsp dried mint leaves
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
- In a tea strainer or tea infuser, add chamomile and mint leaves.
- Pour boiling water over the herbs and let steep for 5 minutes.
- Sweeten with honey and enjoy warm.
Recommended Teaware:
Glass Teapot with Infuser
8. Okonomiyaki (Japanese Savory Pancakes) – From From Up on Poppy Hill
Why It’s Iconic
Okonomiyaki is a hearty Japanese street food that’s rich, savory, and layered with toppings. In From Up on Poppy Hill, we see delicious homemade meals being shared among friends, embodying the spirit of community and comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup dashi broth (Shop Here)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup shredded cabbage
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 4 slices pork belly or bacon
- 2 tbsp Okonomiyaki sauce
- 1 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp bonito flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Mix flour, dashi broth, and egg to make a smooth batter.
- Fold in cabbage and green onions.
- Heat sesame oil in a pan and pour in half the batter. Lay bacon or pork belly slices on top.
- Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
- Drizzle with Okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, and bonito flakes.
Essential Ingredients:
Okonomiyaki Sauce
Japanese Mayo (Kewpie)
9. Honey Lemon Candies – From The Wind Rises
Why It’s Iconic
In The Wind Rises, we see the simple pleasure of honey lemon candies, a small but significant comfort. These are sweet, tangy, and incredibly nostalgic.
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat sugar, honey, lemon juice, and water over medium heat until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
- Carefully pour into small candy molds or onto parchment paper to cool.
- Once hardened, wrap in parchment paper for an authentic homemade touch.
Recommended Tools:
Candy Thermometer
Silicone Candy Molds
10. Jiji’s Chocolate Cake – Kiki’s Delivery Service
Why It’s Iconic
Nothing says love and warmth like a homemade chocolate cake.
The one from Kiki’s Delivery Service is simple, rustic, and filled with heart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
- Pour into cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Dust with powdered sugar or frost with chocolate ganache.
Final Thoughts
Cooking like a Studio Ghibli character isn’t about complicated dishes—it’s about cozy, comforting food that feels special. Whether it’s a simple toast or a steaming bowl of ramen, each meal carries warmth, nostalgia, and the magic of slowing down.
Which recipe are you trying first? Let me know in the comments! 🍳✨
