Movies transport us to mythical worlds, spark our imagination, and even tease our taste buds. While we’re often fascinated by the characters, plots, and settings, food takes center stage in a few cinematic moments. Join me on a gastronomic journey as we explore ten weird foods inspired by some of your favorite movies.
Related: 10 Menu Hacks from Your Favorite Fast Food Joints
10 Chilled Monkey Brains from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
In the wacky world of cinema-inspired food, few dishes raise eyebrows like chilled monkey brains from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. If you’re feeling adventurous (perhaps eccentric), this dish might just be the peak of culinary audacity.
Dr. Jones and his crew find themselves on a dangerous adventure in India, where they stumble upon a feast that includes chilled monkey brains. Now, before you start clutching your pearls, let’s clarify something: This dish, thankfully, is purely a creation of Hollywood magic. But that doesn’t mean we can’t delve into the absurdity of it all.
Imagine a silver platter decorated with the chilled head of our primate friend. The top sliced off like the lid of a cookie jar, revealing the gelatinous, chilled brains within. It’s the stuff of nightmares… or perhaps culinary curiosities.
While the movie garnered acclaim AND controversy for its portrayal of Indian culture, the chilled monkey brains scene remains a standout moment, etching itself into viewers’ minds (and stomachs).
9 Bruce’s Chocolate Cake from Matilda
Have you ever dreamed of a dessert so indulgent it could make even the most stoic of food critics weak at the knees? Bruce Bogtrotter’s chocolate cake from Matilda is it. In Roald Dahl’s beloved tale brought to life on the silver screen, Bruce Bogtrotter faces off against the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull in a battle of cake consumption. And let me tell you, this cake is a symbol of rebellion, resilience, and sheer gluttony.
In the movie, the chocolate cake takes center stage during a pivotal scene where our hero, Matilda, witnesses Bruce being forced to devour an entire gigantic cake by the fearsome Trunchbull. The cake itself is a towering masterpiece of chocolatey goodness, each layer oozing with rich icing and enough cocoa to send even the most loyal chocoholic into a blissful stupor.
But the defiance it represents makes Bruce’s chocolate cake truly iconic. As Bruce valiantly tackles the mammoth dessert, it’s a rallying cry for all those who have ever felt oppressed by authority. It’s a sugary symbol of sticking it to the man, or in this case, the terrifying headmistress.
So, if you ever need a dose of rebellion or just a darn good dessert, take a cue from Bruce Bogtrotter and indulge in a slice (or five) of chocolate cake. After all, as Matilda herself would say, “Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”
8 Lembas Bread from Lord of the Rings
Lembas bread is the ultimate snack for a long journey through Middle-earth. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ve probably daydreamed about taking a bite out of this Elvish sustenance. Picture trekking across the landscapes of Middle-earth, battling Orcs and dodging Ringwraiths. All you need is a nibble of lembas to keep you going.
In the movies, lembas bread is a dense, filling bread wrapped in mallorn leaves, the ultimate travel snack for Frodo, Sam, and the rest of the Fellowship. While you can’t buy the snack at the store, lembas bread has inspired plenty of real-world bakers to recreate it. Some have created recipes for dense, sweet bread that they imagine might resemble the fictional treat.
While we may never get to taste the real deal, we can still appreciate the fantasy and wonder what lembas bread brings to Middle-earth. And who knows, maybe one day someone will discover the secret recipe hidden in the depths of Rivendell. Until then, we’ll just have to satisfy our cravings with regular old bread.
7 Imaginary Pie from Hook
If Peter Pan taught us one thing (besides the fact that growing up is overrated), it’s that sometimes food can be downright magical. Case in point: the imaginary pie from the classic ’90s flick Hook.
Imagine a dessert so unbelievable that you can taste it with your imagination alone. Now that’s next-level culinary wizardry. In Hook, the Lost Boys conjure up this mystical pie during a memorable food fight scene where the tables (and pies) are literally turned. This pie symbolizes childhood imagination and the power of belief.
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with adulting responsibilities, sometimes it’s nice to escape into a world where pie is as real as you believe it to be. So grab a fork, and let your taste buds take flight with imaginary pie. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself flying off to Neverland on a sugar high—it’s all part of the magic.
6 Blue Milk from Star Wars
Blue milk, the iconic beverage from a galaxy far, far away, has become a symbol of Star Wars fandom. Straight from the udder of a bantha (a fictional creature resembling a shaggy elephant), this sky-hued concoction has captured fans’ imaginations since it appeared in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.
Now, you might be thinking, “blue milk? Sounds like something out of a Smurf’s dairy farm.” And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. But let’s not judge a beverage by its color, shall we?
In the Star Wars universe, blue milk is a staple on the desert planet of Tatooine. But what does blue milk taste like? Well, considering it’s from a galaxy where aliens, droids, and lightsabers are commonplace, it’s anyone’s guess.
Thankfully, you don’t have to embark on a perilous journey through hyperspace to taste this celestial elixir. Thanks to Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, a Star Wars-themed land at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, you can now order a frosty glass of blue milk. Fulfill your Star Wars fantasies and quench your thirst for adventure all in one sip.
5 Scooby Snacks from Scooby-Doo!
If there’s one thing as iconic as Scooby-Doo’s signature “Ruh-roh!” it’s got to be those mysterious treats he can’t resist—Scooby Snacks. These little goodies aren’t just any old dog biscuit. They’re practically a character in the Scooby-Doo universe, inspiring everything from snacks to memes.
Imagine the Mystery Machine rolling up to yet another spooky mansion, and what’s the first thing out of Scooby’s mouth? “Scooby Snacks!” Those delicious little morsels are the secret weapon that gets Scooby-Doo and the gang out of all sorts of sticky situations. Velma losing her glasses? Scooby Snacks. Shaggy and Scooby being chased by a monster? Scooby Snacks. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of snacks.
Now, what exactly are Scooby Snacks made of? Well, that’s a mystery in itself. In the live-action movies, they’re portrayed as bone-shaped cookies. In the cartoons, they’re more like generic dog biscuits. Some fans speculate they might be laced with some kind of magic potion since they seem to give Scooby and Shaggy super strength or courage whenever they need it most.
Off-screen, Scooby Snacks have become a cult favorite among fans. You can find recipes online to make your own version at home, and there are even dog treats for your real-life Scooby-Doo. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classic cartoons or just love a good snack, Scooby Snacks are one movie-inspired treat that’ll have you saying, “Zoinks! That’s tasty.”
4 The Grey Stuff from Beauty and the Beast
The grey stuff from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a mysterious culinary creation that has tormented taste buds and sparked curiosity since its debut in the iconic 1991 movie. Remember that catchy line from the song “Be Our Guest?” “Try the grey stuff; it’s delicious! Don’t believe me? Ask the dishes!” Well, this peculiar dish isn’t a figment of Disney’s imagination. It’s a real treat.
Disney Parks fans will tell you you don’t need an enchanted castle to taste this whimsical treat. At the Be Our Guest restaurant in Disney World and the Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland, guests can indulge in their own serving of the grey stuff. The base is a round shortbread topped with a circle of red velvet cake, then covered in cookies and creme mousse. This creamy dessert is decorated with edible pearls for that extra touch of magic.
So, why all the hype about grey food? Well, it’s not every day you get to munch on something straight out of a fairy tale. And hey, if it’s good enough for Lumière and the enchanted castle’s dishes, it’s worth a try.
3 Butterbeer from Harry Potter
Butterbeer is a frothy, golden brew that tickles the taste buds and warms the soul in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. If you’ve ever dreamt of clinking tankards with Hagrid or chatting over a pint with Professor Dumbledore, butterbeer is the sip that brings that fantasy to life.
In the Potterverse, butterbeer is a cultural icon, as quintessential to Hogwarts as owls and wands. J.K. Rowling described it as tasting “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch.” It’s the go-to drink for wizards and witches looking to unwind after a long day of battling dark forces or sneaking around the castle corridors.
While J.K. Rowling didn’t provide a detailed recipe in her books, Universal Studios Hollywood and several other locations worldwide offer visitors a chance to taste the magical concoction. Plus, it’s served in various forms—from hot to cold and even frozen for those summer days at the Quidditch pitch.
Whether you sip it at Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter or whip up a homemade batch in your kitchen, the taste takes you to the enchanting world of witches, wizards, and fantastic beasts.
2 Flower Teacup from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
At one point in our lives, we’ve all imagined strolling through Willy Wonka’s whimsical world, surrounded by candy and chocolate rivers. You may even spot the iconic yellow flower teacup. In the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Willy Wonka ends the song “Pure Imagination” with a sip from the flower teacup. Then he takes a big bite out of it.
The tulip-shaped wonder that Wonka nibbles on wasn’t a delectable treat but a piece of wax artistry. Imagine the dedication it took for Gene Wilder to nonchalantly chew on wax during each take. Now, that’s what I call method acting. In the most recent Willy Wonka retelling, Wonka (2023), Timothee Chalamet acted with and got to eat a chocolate teacup. Poor Mr. Wilder.
Despite its inedible nature, the flower teacup remains a beloved symbol of Wonka’s eccentricity and the film’s fantastical charm. It reminds us that even the most ordinary objects can become extraordinary delights in Willy Wonka’s world.
1 Dessert Pasta from Elf
If you ever thought pasta was just for savory dishes, think again. Inspired by the quirky Christmas movie Elf, dessert pasta is here to shake up your taste buds. Buddy the Elf (played by Will Ferrell) ventures to find his true identity in this wild holiday flick, spreading cheer, laughter, and plenty of syrup.
Instead of the usual marinara or Alfredo sauce, we’re talking about spaghetti noodles swimming in a pool of chocolate syrup, topped with marshmallows, sprinkles, and perhaps even a cherry. It’s a sugar rush of epic proportions that Buddy himself would undoubtedly approve of.
So why not channel your inner elf and whip up a batch of dessert pasta for your next movie night? It’s a fun and unexpected treat that will delight kids and adults. Just don’t forget to drizzle on the syrup with reckless abandon. After all, as Buddy would say, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”… and drowning your pasta in syrup.