What happens when two girls who barely know each other are suddenly forced to live under the same roof as sisters? Let’s Have a Meal Together! is a gentle, food-centric Japanese yuri drama based on Yutaka Hiiragi’s manga of the same name.
Set against the backdrop of shared dinners and quiet domestic rituals, this 2019 series beautifully captures the awkward, heartwarming journey of Sachi and Ayari—non-blood-related stepsisters navigating their new relationship through the art of home cooking. Each episode serves up both emotional tenderness and gourmet delights, wrapped in warm tones and minimal dialogue. If you loved What Did You Eat Yesterday?, this is its soft, sapphic younger cousin—with a distinctly feminine touch.
Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan Official Trailer
Let’s Have a Meal Together Summary |
|
|---|---|
| Title: | Let’s Have a Meal Together |
| Series Info: | Japan (2019) |
| Length: | 30 minutes |
| Total Episodes: | 12 episodes |
| Genre: | Romance, Girl's love |
Plot
After their parents remarry, Sachi and Ayari become sisters overnight. The two couldn’t be more different—Sachi is a cheerful, food-loving high schooler with no cooking skills, while Ayari is quiet, reserved, but a culinary prodigy. As they navigate their awkward co-living situation, it’s food that gradually bridges their emotional distance. Every shared meal becomes a step closer to understanding and warmth… maybe even something more.
What begins as a modest exploration of unfamiliar bonds blooms into a tender, slow-burning tale of chosen family, healing, and subtle intimacy—all wrapped in warm lighting and mouthwatering dishes.
Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan Cast
Charactor
Sachi is energetic, emotional, and initially clumsy in the kitchen. Her cheerful, open-hearted nature is what first melts Ayari’s quiet defenses.
Anna Yamada
Anna Yamada brings youthful brightness to the role. Known for her appearances in Misumisou and Tokyo Alien Bros., she balances naïveté with sincerity, making Sachi instantly endearing.
Ayari is calm, precise, and a gourmet genius. Despite her social awkwardness, she expresses affection through food and quiet gestures.
Karen Otomo
Karen Otomo, a model and actress, is best known for her supporting roles in Kakegurui and Anoko no Yume wo Miteta. Her restrained performance adds emotional depth, even if her line delivery at times feels stiff.
Supporting Cast
Takagi Eri [Sachi's classmate]
Tanaka Mei
Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan Review
Review
⭐Story – 4.0/5
The narrative is simple but cozy—ideal for fans of healing dramas. It blends cooking segments with gentle emotional beats, and while it stops short of full-on romance, the subtext is undeniably there for those who want to see it. It’s not a heavy drama, but rather a sweet slice-of-life about comfort, connection, and delicious meals.
⭐Acting – 3.8/5
While the performances may not be award-winning, the leads—especially Anna Yamada—bring a natural charm to their roles. Their youth and softness lend credibility to the subtle affection that grows between their characters, even if some emotional scenes feel a bit underdeveloped.
⭐Chemistry – 4.3/5
Sachi and Ayari share countless little moments that suggest a connection deeper than sisterhood—hand warming, shared blushing, meaningful glances. The chemistry is light but constant, and feels sincere in its restraint.
⭐Production – 4.5/5
The cinematography is surprisingly refined for a small drama. Food prep scenes are shot with almost cinematic reverence—close-ups of sizzling bacon, glistening omelets, or knife work that’s rhythmic and elegant. The mood lighting and soft colors make every meal look sacred.
⭐Ending – 4.2/5
There’s no dramatic climax or confessional scene, but the series ends on a quietly emotional note, having carved out a new sense of family and affection between the girls. The openness of the conclusion leaves space for both platonic and romantic interpretations.
Best Scenes of Shinmai Shimai no Futari Gohan
The heartwarming hand-warming scene while mixing meat is subtly intimate.
Sachi’s growing admiration for Ayari’s cooking becomes a soft kind of devotion—especially during their outdoor picnic episode.
The show’s signature cooking montages—featuring everything from wild boar to European prosciutto—are pure visual ASMR.