Kitchen no Ohimesama

As far as stories go, Kitchen Princess is rather mediocre. The artwork feels inconsistent, the pacing seems somewhat rushed, the characters are clichéd, and certain plot devices are excessively overused. Nonetheless, I still found it to be an entertaining read.

You have the new transfer student who gets harassed by all the girls because she grows close to the most popular guy on campus (yawn). But she persists and with his help, manages to win them over so that they now cheer for her relationship.

I did appreciate that the main characters don’t drag out their secret crushes for five volumes and martyr themselves for another six volumes for their love interest's happiness. Instead, there was a more natural variety of pacing, including some who got straight to the point. However, one plot device was extremely contrived (and overused in this series) and felt far too dark for a story that otherwise would suit pre-teen girls perfectly. The characters also gloss over it very quickly, making it utterly unrealistic. You really don't need such intense tragedy just to incite sympathy for the protagonist.

In summary, Kitchen Princess isn't a masterpiece, but it’s an enjoyable, quick read.

I believe Kitchen Princess is an excellent choice for fans of "classic" manga. When you start reading, you'll notice a familiar art style (the protagonist has a big heart and even bigger eyes, haha) and a dramatic flair that was common in many shoujo manga from the 90s and early 2000s. Personally, I adore these melodramatic tales filled with plot twists and over-the-top characters; their absurdity often makes me chuckle.

Additionally, I find the overall concept delightful. The manga incorporates numerous charming food themes and elements that keep the narrative light and fun, even amidst some intense drama and more mature subjects. If you're into lighthearted, cheesy stories, you might really enjoy Kitchen Princess. Najika aspires to follow in her parents' footsteps and is incredibly determined to achieve her goals—no matter what stands in her way. She possesses a kind nature and is resolved to find the "Flan Prince" from her childhood. It all sounds quite cheesy, but that's precisely why I love it, haha!

In summary, if you're seeking a more serious or profound story, this one may not be ideal. While Kitchen Princess offers an entertaining and occasionally heartwarming plot, the drama can be so outrageous that it’s hard to get fully immersed. However, it can be a thoroughly enjoyable read if you know what to expect going in!

I stumbled upon this manga at the bookstore, and its cover caught my attention enough to pick up a volume for a read. I must admit, it wasn't a waste of money... just not as enjoyable as I had hoped. Don't misunderstand me; this manga is definitely a ten - if you're about eight years old. That's exactly the age group this manga targets.

The plot is standard for a young girl's manga - a cheerful, lively girl as the protagonist, with two boys vying for her affection. Knowing it was aimed at young girls didn't make the storyline any more appealing - I still cringed when it became obvious early on who her 'prince' would be. The male leads are stereotypical, cookie-cutter characters for their roles. One is the bright, friendly, most-loved son of the family, while the other is an angry, argumentative 'black sheep', if they can be called that at their ages. And the Lead Girl? She can cook, and she's nice. Not terribly original - these same concepts have been used elsewhere with better results.

Given the length of the manga, you don't really get a deeper insight into their personalities. Naturally, you also have the typical mean classmates, clueless school administrators, and the lead girl always enlightening them with her cooking. I must say, all the dishes she makes look delicious, but it still doesn't say much when that's the most memorable part of the story.

Do NOT let this be the pinnacle of your manga experience. Use it as a stepping stone to dive into better and better series. If you're looking for good manga similar to this, try Shugo Chara! and Beauty Pop, or if you're a bit older, Chibi Vampire, Ouran High School Host Club, or even Ah! My Goddess. Those offer the same stories but with a twist each time and are classics in their own right.

Kitchen Princess is a fascinating and intense Shojo manga that truly captures the essence of its genre. (Once you read it, everything falls into place.) Spread across 10 volumes, it manages to touch on numerous significant plot points in a way that feels entirely plausible. Is it clichéd? To some degree, yes. However, given that it's a Shojo manga, if you're caught off guard by the clichés within this genre, you might not be an avid reader of it.

Two quick notes: Whoever you believe the "Flan Prince" to be, hold your judgment until you reach the end of volume 10 to see if you guessed correctly.

This manga takes a notably darker turn starting from the latter part of the fifth volume.

In summary, it is an exceedingly enjoyable manga that has already been fully released in the U.S. If possible, try to pick it up at your local bookstore—or simply read it there, as I did.

Having stumbled upon this recommendation from Beauty Pop, I didn't set my expectations high.
But to my surprise, it exceeded my initial hopes.

The storyline might not break new ground, but in the realm of shoujo manga, what does nowadays? The protagonist, Nijika, as a child, is rescued by an enigmatic boy who tells her, "When you eat something delicious, you smile." These words, a flan dessert, a spoon engraved with the name of the prestigious Seika Academy, and her vow to create the ultimate dessert for him, all resonate deeply with Nijika, driving her to study diligently and eventually earn a place at Seika Academy - all in search of her 'Flan Prince.'

I was thoroughly impressed by the pacing of this story; I finished reading it in a single day, and its impact remains vivid. The writer deserves applause for their craftsmanship. Often, stories can feel either too rushed or overly slow, especially those confined to ten volumes yet aiming for a complete narrative. For instance, shoujo tales can easily fall into the trap of 'filler' chapters and clichés when progressing sluggishly. Conversely, they might seem too swift, with the main character diving into a relationship faster than one can snap their fingers.

That said, this story does rely on familiar plot devices. There's a love triangle, overbearing parents, and romantic rivals obstructing our heroine's quest for love and success. However, the writer's approach feels refreshing. Perhaps it's the unexpected plot twists that compensate for these clichés.

The artwork is commendably executed for a cutesy shoujo. Sometimes, characters can drastically change appearance across panels, presenting unfamiliar looks to beloved characters. This wasn't the case here; the characters remained consistent from start to finish.

Speaking of characters, they were well-developed. Nijika is an admirable heroine, steadfast throughout, showing more resilience than many would under similar circumstances. The two main male leads received development fitting for a ten-volume shoujo, though no more than necessary. Supporting characters were kept relevant and involved throughout, which I always appreciate.

So, why didn't I give it a perfect score, despite my praise? It's because while enjoyable, it doesn't push boundaries. Compared to classics like Mars and Akuma to Love Song, this shoujo adheres closely to genre conventions, executing them well but without innovation.
However, if you're looking for an enjoyable and decently crafted manga, I'd definitely recommend giving this a read.

I found this book in the children's manga section of my local library and decided to borrow it after a quick skim.

The illustrations are charming, much like the story's focus on desserts. The plot is somewhat predictable, but it aligns well with what young teenage girls might enjoy. Many girls would adore this book. Another delightful aspect is that it includes recipes for the desserts featured in the story. In volume 3, one of the main characters, Sora, unexpectedly passes away. I assume this was done to set up future volumes.

The way Najika (the kitchen princess) prepares her cakes is both novel and captivating, driven by warmth and passion. To me, this is the most beautiful element of the book. Reading it as a form of relaxation is very pleasant, especially when paired with some dessert.

I genuinely enjoy this manga. The concept is straightforward. Najika, the protagonist, was feeling down due to her parents' death when she was young. A boy gave her some flan to cheer her up, and it worked! She nicknamed him her Flan Prince, which ignited her passion for cooking, particularly baking. She refined her skills to gain entry into a prestigious culinary academy to reunite with her Flan Prince.

The plot is simple, and the manga is laden with clichés. You have the parent who despises their child's love interest, a love triangle, and girls bullying the main character over a guy, among other tropes. However, the strength of this manga is akin to that of Black Clover; its approach to these clichés feels refreshing. I also appreciate how a crush isn't everything. No one is endlessly pining or whining over rejection. Much like real life, people move on and accept that their feelings aren't reciprocated. That's an excellent message to convey!

Despite its cute demeanor and simple premise, the manga doesn't shy away from serious topics. Eating disorders, death, and suicide are addressed with gravity. This depth elevates the manga from a 6/10 to an 8/10 in my opinion.

I stumbled upon Kitchen Princess in my middle school library and decided to give it a read. Back then, I enjoyed it quite a bit; the story seemed engaging, and I appreciated the included recipes. However, after finishing volume 3, my school never acquired the subsequent volumes, so I waited, but they never arrived. As I grew older, my interest waned, and eventually, I forgot all about it. While I might revisit it someday soon, at present, I consider Kitchen Princess to be a rather average tale. It's neither terrible nor exceptional—it's just okay.

Kitchen Princess...a very fluffy and cute shoujo romance. But it is more than just that; it's a gripping manga with great characters and a worthwhile romance.

STORY:
8/10
The storyline is fairly cliche, revolving around a girl named Najika who is searching for her "Flan Prince," the boy who saved her from drowning in Hokkaido when she was young. Although the initial concept wasn't groundbreaking, the story unfolds impressively. It includes significant plot twists and multiple love interests.

ART:
10/10
The artwork is stunning, perfectly executed. It aligns well with the typical shoujo aesthetic.

CHARACTER:
9/10
Najika: The protagonist of the series. She aspires to become a professional chef like her parents and joined the academy due to a spoon left by her "Flan Prince" years ago. I found her endearing; though she appeared naive, she was actually highly skilled and compassionate. She is clever and always considers others' feelings.
Sora: Najika's first romantic interest. He fits the stereotype of a shoujo boy - kind and quick to move on relationships, popular among girls, captivated by Najika's talent, and later by Najika herself. Despite being typical, he adds depth to the narrative.
Daichi: Sora's brother. He is also popular but almost the opposite of Sora. While still amiable, he is more secretive and colder. This demeanor hides his genuine care and the heavy guilt he carries.
Akane: Initially Najika's rival, she later becomes her best friend. A model known for her beauty, she is in love with Daichi. I found her character very engaging - interesting and funny. Overall, a brilliant addition.

ENJOYMENT:
10/10
To me, this isn't merely a shoujo romance. I felt genuinely upset upon finishing the series. Certain chapters evoke happiness effortlessly. It's quite addictive.

OVERALL:
10/10
As usual, I wouldn't recommend this unless you enjoy romance manga, but it's an excellent read.
-OtakuKLP >.< hope this helped!!