9 Most Memorable Foods from Fiction

Be it book, film, or TV show, food finds a way to make it into our lives in strange ways. 

This list takes a look at some of the most memorable foods–fictional or otherwise–that have made us either drool at the mouth, or seen our stomachs turn in confusion.

1. “Rum Ham” from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Made by Frank in season 7, episode 2, “The Gang Goes to the Jersey Shore”.

Assumed to be a typical spiral ham, soaked in rum, and decorated with pineapple-ring eyes and a cherry nose.

The infamous rum ham was engineered by Frank Reynolds as a way to combine food and booze in one convenient dish–a dish he deemed perfect for the gang’s trip to the Jersey Shore. Naturally the rum ham was lost at sea when it was needed most, only to be fished in as Frank and Mac partied aboard a passing ship hours later.

Apparently the rum ham was such a huge hit that it made an appearance in a future episode as a reminder of Frank’s contributions to the gang.

2. “Milk Steak & Jelly Beans, Raw” from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

First mentioned in season 5, episode 5, “The Waitress is Getting Married”.

A steak boiled in milk, enjoyed with a side of jelly beans ‘served raw’.

A lot of IASIP fans love talking about this one. Charlie Day tried ordering this while on a blind date, and mentioned it previously in his dating profile. There’s absolutely no sense to it and while many fans have attempted to recreate the milky steak and fruity side, few have figured out how to make it actually palatable.

Binging with Babish actually tackles the Milk Steak, Rum Ham, and a few other favorites from the show:

3. “English Trifle” from Friends

Made by Rachel in season 6, episode 9, “The One Where Ross Got High”.

A half trifle, half shepherd’s pie made by mistake when the recipe book’s page got stuck together.

Rachel wanted to make a dish that could impress but when the cookbook pages got stuck together, she ended up putting beef in the trifle–a dessert. Not quite the culinary confection she set out to make.

But hey:

She got the job done, didn’t she?

4. Prison Sauce from Goodfellas

“In prison, dinner was always a big thing.”

A sauce made in prison by Vinnie in the film Goodfellas that includes veal shank, pork sauce, garlic (Paulie had a perfect garlic system), and of course, tomato paste and Italian-style tomatoes–and don’t forget the meatballs, capice?

This cult-classic film produced a recipe that was actually from the director’s life and since the movie’s debut, hundreds have taken to recreating the sauce made famous by a bunch of jailbirds.

5. Miso Chashu Pork Ramen from Naruto

Naruto’s favorite dish: miso chashu pork ramen. Eaten often and with relish (not the topping…).

While ramen is a staple dish in Japan, it was one of the protagonist’s favorite meals and was prominently featured throughout the manga and series.

Whether it was at his favorite ramen shop or just a cup of instant ramen, he always managed to gorge himself.

When it came to ramen, Naruto knew no restraint–which fits the character’s predilection for impulsivity.

6. “Breakfast Spaghetti” from Elf

Buddy made this for his new family in the movie Elf.

What do you get when you mix cooked spaghetti, chocolate syrup, maple syrup, red and green M&Ms, mini marshmallows, rainbow sprinkles, and a chocolate Pop-Tart? Buddy the Elf’s famous Breakfast Spaghetti.

Coming from the North Pole, it’s no wonder Buddy thought the decadently bizarre breakfast would be a hit with his dad and new family. At least they tried to humor him.

7. Butterbeer from Harry Potter

Like a ‘little bit less sickly sweet’ butterscotch brew enjoyed by young and old witches and wizards alike in the Harry Potter book series.

Fans across the world, including Disney World, have created their own variation on the trademark beverage of choice for witches and wizards. Thankfully it comes in an alcoholic version as well!

8. Krabby Patty from Spongebob Squarepants

Originated in Spongebob Squarepants.

This iconic burger is made up of a frozen patty, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, tartar sauce, cheese, mayo, turmeric, flour, sea salt, land salt, barnacle shavings, pickles, mustard, ketchup, onions, and two buns.

The secret ingredient? Probably nothing. Or a pinch of King Neptune’s Poseidon Powder. Maybe the secret formula is just a lie.

Take that, Plankton!

9. Turkish Delight from The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe

Seen in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

For a kid who could have asked the White Witch for anything, it’s odd that Edmund Pevensie was won over by Turkish Delight–a sweet, starchy confection. While an actual treat in real life, it’s still an odd choice when his options were endless.

Then again, Edmund didn’t make the wisest of choices early on when it came to involving himself with the White Witch.

Did one of your favorites not make the list? Comment below with a dish from your favorite book, movie, or TV show to let us!