The Wonder Chef (ワンダーシェフ, Wandaashefu^?) is a recurring character who appears in many of the Tales games. If found, he gives the protagonists a new recipe to cook, often with the ingredients to cook it as well. Although the Wonder Chef is the master of disguise, able to transform into nearly any object, he is often noticeable for the fact that the objects he chooses to transform into rarely fit into his location's atmosphere or decoration. A keen eye can discover his location, but he can also disappear in a flash of smoke.

Appearances in Original Titles

Tales of Phantasia

The first game to feature cooking, the PlayStation version of Tales of Phantasia, does not feature the Wonder Chef. They do, however, feature what can be considered his prototype: chefs, and in rare cases, robots who refer to themselves as "Denizens of the Wonderful World of Flavor" and wear the same uniform. They give the group new recipes, though they do not hide as the Wonder Chef does.

Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X

The Wonder Chef reappears in Tales of Phantasia: Narikiri Dungeon X. In this installment, she is voiced by Satomi Satou.

Tales of Eternia

The Wonder Chef himself first appears in Tales of Eternia, where he introduces himself as the "Mysterious Wonder Chef" when discovered. He wears dark clothing covered with a red cape, and atop his head is a classic chef's hat.

Tales of Destiny 2

In a similar vein to Tales of Phantasia, the Wonder Chef himself does not appear in Tales of Destiny 2. Instead, across the different time periods are chefs that are often found in locations such as inns or item shops. If talked to, they will reward Kyle Dunamis and his party with a new recipe.

Tales of Symphonia

Tales of Symphonia expands the role of the Wonder Chef into a sidequest. Appearing with the signature cape and hat, he wears a green uniform and wields a giant fork. When cornered in Meltokio by the Dark Chef, his evil counterpart, Regal Bryant is asked to battle the Dark Chef in a cooking duel, with his victory meaning the Wonder Chef's release. Regal's win nets him the "God of the Kitchen" title, a costume that allows Regal to dress as a chef, though not the Wonder Chef, as well as obtaining more recipes.

Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World

The Wonder Chef returns in the Symphonia sequel, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World, though the recipes he teaches the protagonists are only for their monster allies. However, the role of cooking in this game is arguably greater than others since feeding one's monster allies what he or she has cooked is the only way for them to evolve.

Tales of Legendia

Tales of Legendia, with a cooking system focused on baking, replaces the Wonder Chef with the Wonder Baker, Mimi Baker.

Tales of Commons

The Wonder Chef in Tales of Commons acts similarly to how he does in previous games. He is found around the world in suspicious places and gives recipes when found. There are two Wonder Chefs, with one dressed in the traditional white outfit and white chef's hat.

Tales of Vesperia

Tales of Vesperia sees the return of the Wonder Chef, as well as his transformations. Instead of a cape, he wears a red apron and wields a gold-colored fry pan, as Julio Sven and Caro Orange's costumes do, as well as a ladle. After obtaining all of his recipes, the Wonder Chef reveals himself as part of the guilds and asks them to represent the guilds in a cooking exhibition match at Dahngrest's "Cooking Coliseum". He reveals that the imperial and guilds' chefs have always had competitions, but the recent strengthening of ties has allowed them a public duel. At the match itself, however, the Wonder Chef is impressed by the chosen contestant's cooking and is astounded by Flynn Scifo's dishes' appearances, but he is completely disgusted by the flavor of Flynn's food and leaves in anger.

Tales of Vesperia also pokes fun at the concept of the Wonder Chef. The protagonists can obtain a recipe from someone else, only for the Wonder Chef to run up with the same recipe and be completely ignored by the party, much to his despair. There is also a skit involving the Wonder Chef's existence and posing questions about his chosen method of hiding, as well as about what would happen should the object he disguises himself as be damaged, destroyed, or left undiscovered.

Tales of Hearts R

Although not present in Nintendo DS version of Tales of Hearts, the Wonder Chef returns in Tales of Hearts R. He has a dark red hair with muscular appearance while wearing a stir-fry pan on his back. Other than teaching people about the joys of food, he also seems to like bodybuilding to hone his muscles.

Tales of Xillia

Wonder Chef is the title obtained after 1600 food effects are used.

Tales of Xillia 2

Wonder Chef is the title obtained after 200 battles have completed under the effects of food.

Appearances in Crossover Titles

Tales of the World: Narikiri Dungeon 2

The Wonder Chef appears in Tales of the World: Narikiri Dungeon 2 as a costume for Julio and Caro. The costume is based on the Eternia variant of the Wonder Chef. Their Wonder Chef costumes wield a frying pan into battle and perform special attacks with the frying pan. It also has an upgraded "Gourmet Chef" (あじむしゃ, Ajimusha^?) costume.

Tales of the World: Narikiri Dungeon 3

The Wonder Chef appears in Tales of the World: Narikiri Dungeon 3 as a costume for Julio and Caro. Like in Narikiri Dungeon 2, the costume is based on the Eternia Wonder Chef. Also, like the previous title, the costume wields a frying pan, but they now contain the ability to turn enemies into ingredients.

Appearances in Other Media

Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space

In Another Eden: The Cat Beyond Time and Space, Wonder Chef appears as a wandering cook, introduced as part of the Symphony, Tails of Time and the Brave Four: Tales of Chronographia. He teaches Aldo and his allies the art of cooking.