Pokémon Legends: Z-A isn’t quite the visual feast I’d hoped for, but it does have a few tasty details that make me consider leaving a tip. Food plays a big part in the latest game!
The streets of the Paris-inspired Lumiose are lined with restaurants and cafes, each offering a diverse range of cuisines. From rare steak dinners to macarons and fire-roasted coffee — there’s something for all trainers.
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Visually, the food in Pokémon Legends Z-A is not exactly standing up against the detail of Final Fantasy XV or Monster Hunter World, but it does give us a little glimpse into Pokémon’s culinary world — most notably curry and croissants… Don’t knock it until you try it, I guess.
But what ingredients really make up these Poké meals?
The original series highlighted the edibility of Magikarp — hell, the dragon-type Pokémon Tatsugiri looks exactly like sushi on rice — but when every “animal” in the game is a Pokémon… What’s happening to the Miltanks, Fidough, and Vanilite of the world!?
Team Rocket’s notorious exploitation of Slowpoke and their tails is one we won’t soon forget. Even though it was later confirmed that Slowpoke can regenerate their tails, it only makes it a little less upsetting.
There are a few references to actual animals existing in the world — this video from Prof. Brasher highlights them — but it’s not consistent across the games and series.
Here’s a look at what’s in the menu in Pokémon Legends Z-A:
Starting with the game’s signature dish: the croissant curry. Taunie traditionally treats Team MZ with a croissant curry after a big event. As a big fan of a Japanese curry and flaky pastry, I’d be keen to taste this fusion feast.
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A fresh baguette filled with sliced meat and salad — I can get around it. As for what type of meat is inside the sandwich… Only the Nintendo gods can tell us.
The world of Pokémon Legends Z-A contains many food inspired Pokémon, including the floating ice-cream cone, Vanilite. As for what’s in these crepes, let’s just hope it’s fresh moo moo milk, frozen and scooped into a delicious crepe (or is that a cone?).
Fine dining plays a prominent role in the world, though the player unfortunately can’t partake — all the tasty-looking mains spread across tables in Lumiose are a feast for the eyes only.
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The avocado and matcha in this sushi restaurant look fresh! Nori wrapped around rice filled with… anyone’s guess. Is that some kind of Basculin roe peppered atop one of the pieces? Itadakimasu!
The Porygon polygon count may not be the highest, but this spread of tarts, quiches and bread look delectable. Though the soup (at least I think that’s soup) has me questioning who would eat it with a fork.
At the end of the day, it’s best not to think too much about it. Whether it’s a platter of Cherubi and Applin or a big bowl of roasted Foongus, the world of Pokémon is fictional as they get — doesn’t make it any less fun.
Pokémon Legends Z-A is out now on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
Quest Daily was provided with a copy of Pokemon Legends Z-A by Nintendo.
