- 🍽️ Not Sure Where to Start? Here’s the Best Food Wars! Watch Order!
- 🍜 What Is Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma About?
- 🍽️ Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Watch Order Guide (2025 Edition)
- 🍽️ Where to Watch Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma in Japan (2025 Edition)
- 🌏 Watching Japanese Streaming Services from Overseas? Here’s What You Should Know!
- 🌍 Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma – International Streaming Availability (2025)
- 🍳 Food Wars! Seasons & OVAs – Fan-Friendly Highlights Guide 💖
- 🍽️ Final Thoughts – Ready to Enter the World of Food Wars!?
- ✅ Before You Go…
🍽️ Not Sure Where to Start? Here’s the Best Food Wars! Watch Order!
“Where should I start watching Food Wars!?” “What about the OVAs and specials—are they important?”
If you’re asking those questions, you’re in the right place! Here’s the best recommended watch order (which also follows the story timeline):
🧭 Recommended Watch Order (same as chronological order)
Season 1 → OVA ①② → Season 2 → OVA ③④⑤ → Season 3 → OVA ⑥ → Season 4 → Season 5
In this article, you’ll learn:
- ✅ The correct and most enjoyable viewing order of all 5 seasons + OVAs
- ✅ The highlights of each season and OVA
- ✅ Where to watch it online (Japan & international options, 2025 edition)
Whether you’re a longtime anime fan or a total newbie, we’ll make sure everything is easy to follow and fun to explore. 🍳✨
🍜 What Is Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma About?
Food Wars! is a deliciously intense culinary battle anime that follows Yukihira Soma, the son of a humble diner owner, as he enrolls in the elite Totsuki Culinary Academy.
There, he faces off against genius chefs in thrilling “shokugeki” (cooking duels) to prove his skills and grow stronger with every challenge.
With mouthwatering dishes, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable characters, this anime blends the excitement of battle with the passion of cooking. If you’re into action, creativity, and tasty drama, you’re going to love this ride! 🍥🔥
🍽️ Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma Watch Order Guide (2025 Edition)
If you’re ready to dive into the intense, hilarious, and mouth-watering world of Shokugeki no Soma, this is your ultimate viewing roadmap! 👨🍳✨
This list includes all TV seasons, OVAs, and specials—arranged in the best viewing order (which also follows the in-story timeline). I’ve also added some personal tips and fun commentary to help you enjoy the series to the fullest. 🧡
| # | Type | Title | Year | Episodes | Highlights & Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TV Series | Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma (Season 1) | 2015 | 24 eps | The perfect intro! Watch Soma enter Totsuki Academy and shake things up. His wild creativity + competitive cooking = pure hype. This is where it all begins, so don’t skip! |
2 | OVA | Takumi’s Downtown Battle | 2016 | 1 ep | A fun side story with Takumi and his brother battling it out in Tokyo. Totally skippable for plot, but worth watching if you love Takumi’s proud Italian spirit. 🍝 |
3 | OVA | Erina’s Summer Vacation | 2016 | 1 ep | A chill, beachy OVA featuring Erina and the gang. Not important for the story, but it gives some lovely character moments (and yes, swimsuit scenes). 🌊🔥 |
4 | TV Series | Season 2: The Second Plate | 2016 | 13 eps | Picks up right where Season 1 left off. The Autumn Elections heat up, and we get a taste of the brutal Stagiaire (internship) arc. Great development for Soma and Megumi! |
5 | OVA | A Chance Encounter at Moonlight | 2017 | 1 ep | Everyone’s chilling at a hot springs inn post-Stagiaire. Very relaxing, full of character bonding. Recommended if you enjoy the ensemble cast just hanging out. 🛀🍶 |
| 6 | OVA | Nakama Ryo’s “Ukiyo wa Mazui yo” | 2017 | 1 ep | A hilarious parody OVA done in the style of Isobe Isobee Monogatari. Absolutely non-canon, but super fun if you like gag anime. |
7 | OVA | The Elite Ten | 2017 | 1 ep | Explores the backstories of Totsuki’s Elite Ten Council. This one ties into the main plot and adds depth—don’t skip it if you’re invested in the academy’s politics and power structure! |
8 | TV Series | Season 3: The Third Plate | 2017–2018 | 24 eps | The plot thickens! This is where things get darker, with the Azami regime rising. The train arc in the second half is packed with tension, teamwork, and top-tier battles. 🚂🔥 |
9 | OVA | Erina at Polar Star Dorm | 2018 | 1 ep | A sweet OVA showing Erina adjusting to life with Soma & friends. Great for character growth, especially if you’re an Erina fan. 💜 |
10 | TV Series | Season 4: The Fourth Plate | 2019 | 12 eps | The team battles against Central intensify. Some of the most high-stakes shokugeki happen here. Watch it for the hype, the drama, and that epic father-son connection! 👊 |
11 | TV Series | Season 5: The Fifth Plate (Final Season) | 2020 | 13 eps | The grand finale! Some mixed reviews, but still satisfying if you’ve come this far. See how Soma’s journey wraps up—and don’t miss the final surprise! 🍽️✨ |
🧡 Why This Order?
This watch order follows the story timeline perfectly, which means you’ll experience the characters’ growth, relationships, and battles in the intended emotional arc. Watching in this order helps you:
- Feel Soma’s evolution from a cocky diner kid to a top chef
- Appreciate the deepening bond between the Polar Star members
- Understand Erina’s transformation and her complex family dynamics
- Enjoy the stakes building up naturally across each season
OVAs are sprinkled between seasons and mostly serve as fun extras—you can skip them if you’re short on time, but I recommend watching at least “The Elite Ten” for plot depth and “Erina at Polar Star” for heartwarming character moments.
✨ Final Tip!
If you binge the series in this order, you’ll get maximum impact from the rivalries, friendships, and final showdowns.
Trust me—it hits different when you see where Soma started and where he ends up. 🍳🔥
🍽️ Where to Watch Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma in Japan (2025 Edition)
If you’re in Japan and looking to binge Shokugeki no Soma, you’re in luck! 😋 Several major streaming platforms have the entire series available—including OVAs! Here’s a quick guide to where you can watch each season.
| Platform | Availability | Free Trial | Monthly Price (JPY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-NEXT | All seasons + OVAs (streaming) | ✅ 31 days | ¥2,189 | Best choice for completionists—covers 8 titles including OVAs. Great interface & extras! |
| DMM TV | All seasons + OVAs (streaming) | ✅ 14 days | ¥550 | One of the cheapest options! All 8 works available. Highly recommended for budget-conscious fans. |
| dAnime Store | All seasons (streaming) | ✅ 31 days | ¥550 | Anime-focused platform with a massive library. Affordable and reliable. |
| Hulu (Japan) | All seasons (streaming) | ❌ | ¥1,026 | Solid option if you’re already subscribed. Easy to use and stable playback. |
| Netflix (Japan) | All seasons (streaming) | ❌ | From ¥790 | Popular choice with clean UX. Good for casual viewers already on Netflix. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Rent per episode/season | ✅ 30 days | ¥600 (Prime) + ¥200〜 per episode | Great for watching a few select episodes. Not included in Prime—requires extra fee per episode. |
🧡 Which One Should You Choose?
- 💥 New to the series? → U-NEXT is a top pick. It offers everything including OVAs, with a generous 31-day free trial!
- 💰 On a budget? → DMM TV or dAnime Store are awesome at just ¥550/month. DMM TV also includes the OVAs!
- 📱 Already using Netflix or Hulu? → You can dive in right away—no extra fees needed!
- 🎯 Only want to watch a few episodes? → Try Amazon Prime Video and rent exactly what you need (great for rewatching your favorite shokugeki battles!).
🍜 No matter where you watch, just be sure to bring some snacks—you’ll definitely get hungry! 😅
🌏 Watching Japanese Streaming Services from Overseas? Here’s What You Should Know!
So you’re thinking of watching Food Wars! (or any anime) on Japanese platforms like U-NEXT or dAnime Store? That’s awesome—but there are a few things to keep in mind before you jump in! 🧳📱
📌 Quick Overview: Things to Watch Out For
| ✅ What to Know | 💬 Details |
|---|---|
| 🔒 Region Lock | Most Japanese platforms are geo-restricted—you can’t access them outside Japan without a VPN. |
| 🌐 VPN Use | If you’re overseas, you’ll likely need a VPN with Japanese servers to access the site and content. |
| 💳 Payment Methods | Many sites require Japanese credit cards or mobile payment methods. Some accept international cards, but not all. |
| 🈁 Language | Interfaces and subtitles are usually in Japanese only. Some platforms have no English subs at all. |
| 📱 App Restrictions | Some apps (like dAnime Store) are only available on Japanese app stores—you might need to change your app store region. |
💡 Friendly Tips for Overseas Fans
- Use a trusted VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark if you’re accessing from outside Japan.
- Be ready for a fully Japanese interface—it’s a great way to practice your language skills! 🇯🇵✨
- If you’re looking for English subtitles or dubs, international platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix might be a better starting point.
🌍 Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma – International Streaming Availability (2025)
| 🌐 Platform | 🎞️ Available Seasons | 🌎 Regions | 🌐 Subtitles / Dub | 💬 Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Season 3–5 | US, Canada, Europe (except FR/IT), Latin America, Australia, Asia (selected) | Subs: EN, ES, PT, FR, DE, IT, RU, AR Dub: EN (some seasons) | Seasons 1–2 are currently not available due to licensing changes. Still great for later arcs. |
| Hulu (US only) | Season 1 | United States | Subs: EN Dub: EN, JP | Good entry point for US viewers. Easy to use. No access to later seasons. |
| HiDive | Season 1–2 | US, Canada | Subs: EN Dub: EN, JP | Offers both dubbed and subbed versions. Great for completing early story arcs. |
| Netflix | Varies (Season 1 or 2) | Depends on country (e.g., previously available in US, Latin America, SEA) | Subs: EN, ES Dub: JP (mostly) | Availability is inconsistent. Check your region’s Netflix catalog. |
| Amazon Prime Video | Seasons 1–3 (purchase/rental only) | Select regions (e.g., US, UK) | Subs: EN Dub: EN, JP | Not part of Prime subscription—available via rental or digital purchase. |
🧭 Recommendation Summary:
- 🎯 Want full access?
→ Use HiDive (S1–2) + Crunchyroll (S3–5) for the most complete experience. - 🇺🇸 In the U.S.?
→ Start on Hulu (S1), then continue on Crunchyroll (S3–5). - 💸 Prefer owning episodes?
→ Buy/rent on Amazon Prime Video as needed. - 🔁 Need subs/dubs?
→ Most platforms offer English subtitles, and both subbed and dubbed options depending on region and season.
🍳 Food Wars! Seasons & OVAs – Fan-Friendly Highlights Guide 💖
| Title | Episodes | Year | 💡 Highlights (Why You’ll Love It!) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma | 24 eps | 2015 | 🍙 Soma enters Totsuki Academy and immediately starts shaking things up! 🔥 Intense food battles from the start. 🍥 Tons of character intros—your fave is probably here! |
| OVA ① Takumi’s Downtown Battle | 1 ep | 2016 | 🍝 Takumi and his brother explore Tokyo’s food scene! ✨ A fun monja (Japanese savory pancake) showdown. 🧡 A must-watch if you’re a Takumi fan! |
| OVA ② Erina’s Summer Vacation | 1 ep | 2016 | 👙 Yes—Erina in a swimsuit! 🌻 Sweet, summery vibes with the cast. 💘 Some cute relationship moments too! |
| Season 2 The Second Plate | 13 eps | 2016 | 🍚 The Autumn Election finals are on fire! 🔥 Stagiaire internship arc is emotional and powerful. 🍁 Soma & Megumi’s bond gets stronger and more heartfelt. |
| OVA ③ A Chance Encounter at Moonlight | 1 ep | 2017 | ♨️ Everyone’s chilling at a hot springs inn! 🍶 Relaxing and fun character moments. 🌙 Soft, heartwarming vibes all around. |
| OVA ④ Nakama Ryo’s “Ukiyo wa Mazui yo” | 1 ep | 2017 | 😂 A full-on comedy episode—period-drama parody style! 🎨 Completely different art style for extra laughs. 🌀 Totally goofy and perfect for a fun break. |
| OVA ⑤ The Elite Ten | 1 ep | 2017 | 🏆 Learn the backstory of Totsuki’s top-tier chefs! 🧠 Insight into the power dynamics of the school. 👀 Ties directly into the main story—don’t skip this one! |
| Season 3 The Third Plate | 24 eps | 2017–2018 | 🚂 The Totsuki Train arc is epic! ⚔️ Clashes with Central hit full force. 💓 Soma & Erina’s relationship gets deeper—SO many emotional moments! |
| OVA ⑥ Erina at Polar Star Dorm | 1 ep | 2018 | 🏡 Erina joins dorm life with the gang!? 🍳 Chill slice-of-life moments, full of warmth. 🫶 A must-watch for Erina stans! |
| Season 4 The Fourth Plate | 12 eps | 2019 | 🍴 Massive battles between the Elite Ten! 👨👩👧👦 Soma and his dad’s history gets emotional. 🎯 Team battles, bonds, and big decisions! |
| Season 5 The Fifth Plate | 13 eps | 2020 | 🎉 The final chapter begins! 💥 It’s now a global cooking competition. 😢 Full of heart, closure, and dramatic flair—what a send-off! |
🧡 Perfect for You If:
- ❓ You’re wondering “Which part is the most exciting?” → Check the highlights to find your fave season!
- 💖 You’re watching for your oshi (favorite character)? → The OVAs are full of bonus character moments!
- ⏳ Don’t have time for everything? → Pick the most exciting arcs first and come back for the rest later!
🍽️ Final Thoughts – Ready to Enter the World of Food Wars!?
Now that you know the best way to watch Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma—from the main seasons to all those hidden-gem OVAs—you’re all set to start your culinary journey with Soma and the gang! 🔥🍳
Whether you’re here for:
- The epic food battles,
- The wholesome dorm life at Polar Star,
- Or just to see your favorite character shine…
There’s something delicious waiting for you in every episode. 🧡
📺 Pro tip: Watching in the recommended order lets you follow Soma’s growth naturally, enjoy all the emotional payoffs, and appreciate those subtle character moments (especially in the OVAs!).
💬 What’s Your Favorite Dish (or Episode)?
Let me know in the comments—or tell me who your “best boy” or “best girl” is! I love hearing from fellow fans. 😊✨
And if this guide helped you, don’t forget to share it with a friend who’s just getting started with Food Wars!!
✅ Before You Go…
📌 Looking for more watch order guides?
Check out our latest articles on:
- 🔨 Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest – Ultimate Watch Order Guide (2024)
- 💌 Kokuhaku Jikkou Iinkai – How to Watch the Anime (Definitive 2025 Guide)
- 💘 Kanojo mo Kanojo – How to Watch the Anime (2025 Watch Order Guide)
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