Ep 16. The Cook Who Traveled Thousands of Miles

In this episode of Food Wars, titled "The Cook Who Traveled Thousands of Miles," the students of Totsuki Academy are preparing for the Fall Classic quarter-finals. They are tasked with creating dishes that will impress the judges and advance them to the next round.

One of the contestants is Akira Hayama, a first-year student who comes from a family of spice merchants. His dish, which features a unique blend of spices, impresses the judges and earns him a spot in the semi-finals.

However, after the competition, Akira receives a letter from his grandfather in India, informing him that his mother is ill and he needs to return home immediately. Akira decides to withdraw from the Fall Classic in order to go to India and take care of his mother.

Meanwhile, Soma and his friends learn about Akira's situation and decide to organize a surprise for him. They prepare a special dish called "yum cha noodles," which they hope will lift Akira's spirits and remind him of home.

Soma and the gang travel to the airport to wait for Akira's arrival. When he lands, they greet him with the noodles and invite him to join them for a meal. Akira is touched by their gesture and impressed by the delicious dish they have prepared.

Later, Soma and Akira have a cook-off to determine who is the better chef. The judge is Akira's grandfather, who has recovered from his illness and traveled to Japan to see his grandson. The two chefs prepare a curry dish, with Soma taking a risk by adding an unusual ingredient.

The judge tastes both dishes and declares Soma the winner. He tells Akira that while his dish was excellent, Soma's was more creative and daring. Akira is disappointed but gracious in defeat, and thanks Soma for helping him rediscover his love for cooking.

The episode ends with Akira's grandfather inviting Soma and the gang to India, promising to show them the world of Indian spices. The students are excited at the prospect of learning more about international cuisine and can't wait to begin their next adventure.

Overall, "The Cook Who Traveled Thousands of Miles" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the power of food to bring people together and transcend cultural boundaries. It also highlights the passion and dedication that go into creating exceptional dishes, and the importance of family and community in the world of cooking.