Where is the Anime-Themed Food at Animazement?
Animazement 2026 was my first anime convention. I had such a good time and will attend in the future, but something was missing: anime-themed food.
This is a recap of some of the food and drinks available at Animazement in May 2026 as well as specials developed by local restaurants and cafes to celebrate the event.
About Animazement
Beginning in 1997, Animazement started as a multiday marathon event that expanded to an anime con in Raleigh, NC dedicated to both anime and the broader Japanese culture.
It’s volunteer-run and led taking place at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh, NC, bringing together thousands of people from across the country to attend and guest speakers and panelists from all over the world.
Anime-themed drinks at Animazement
Complex Brew
There was no shortage of anime-related drinks, starting with the specials at Complex Brew, the cafe directly inside the convention center.
I bought the iced Kyoto Caramel Matcha, which was a caramel honey matcha macchiato with caramel drizzle.
Lines were sometimes long, especially earlier in the day, so I’d opt for a drink in the afternoon, probably after 3 pm if you want to avoid the lines.
Complex Brew also sells pastries, snacks, wine and beer.
The other drink specials were:
- Sakura Soda: cherry, strawberry and lemonade spritz
- Madoka Mocha: iced peach mocha latte with whipped cream and mocha drizzle
Oma’s Cafe + Wine Bar
Next up and only a 3 minute walk from the Raleigh Convention Center, is Oma’s Cafe + Wine Bar.
Their drinks were inspired by The Apothecary Diaries, a historical drama anime about a young Chinese woman solving medical mysteries after being forced to serve an imperial palace.
The Poison Lady is an iced ube matcha and if I remember correctly, I was able to get a dairy free milk.
At the time, I didn’t realize you could add boba for an extra $1.
Oma’s other drink specials:
- Moon Fairy: Butterfly pea tea with blueberry lemonade
- Garden Party: Cold brew with cherry blossom and topped with a cold foam
Anime cocktails from Bitter Social
The recently-opened Bitter Social, which is located above the Mexican restaurant Centro, threw their two-night Anime Cocktail Lounge starting with Cowboy Bebop Night followed by Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
Episodes from both series were played on the big screen with surround sound.
Themed drinks were served at both events.
But where was the anime-themed food?
Maybe I’m asking for too much, but whenever I go to an anime convention or event, like Anime Nights, I’m hoping for at least some snacks inspired by a popular anime or manga series.
There were several options for Japanese food such as yakisoba, some Korean food, and the standard convention food like chicken tenders and fries.
The food was located in multiple areas and at different levels of the Raleigh Convention Center as well as outside.
Dumplings from Chirba Chirba
Dumplings with the vegan glass noodles from the Chirba Chirba food truck was my lunch of choice.
Other food trucks served empanadas, hibachi, halal hot chicken sandwiches and more.
At this point, I’m building my dream anime-themed menu, which won’t be complete without dessert.
Strawberry matcha cake from Videri Chocolate Factory
Videri Chocolate Factory advertised their strawberry matcha chiffon layered cake, which I paired with their matcha bonbon.
I don’t think the cake (or the bonbon) were tied to a particular anime or manga, but I guess these matcha desserts are close enough to count.
What are my suggestions for anime-inspired food?
I gave several of my recommendations in my Anime Nights recap, including:
- Pork ramen from Miso Ramen Bar in Raleigh
- Karaage onigiri (this one is from MUJI Market in NYC but there are several Raleigh restaurants that serve this)
- Matcha pound cake with red bean Chantilly cream from O:HU Bakeshop
How downtown Raleigh restaurants and cafes can capitalize on the Animazement 2027 crowd
I’m floored at how few local businesses advertised for the event or even bothered to mention it on social media.
Anime themed food and drinks are not a requirement but at a bare minimum, consider tagging Animazement on social media (especially on Instagram @animazement) and encourage attendees to eat and drink at your establishment.
The team was active before, during and after the event, especially on social media, reposting content from attendees and local business owners mentioning the anime con.
I saw many convention goers walking away from the convention center looking for a place to eat for lunch.
This was an opportunity to advertise for free, and with little effort or advanced planning, to attendees over the course of three days, many of whom are local to the Raleigh area.
Which means there’s an opportunity to create repeat customers.
More about Animazement
Animazement 2026 guests
Voice acting, cultural and musical guests are always a highlight of this anime con.
My favorite guest was Shinichiro Watanabe, film director, screenwriter (and a lot of other titles) working on series like Lazarus, Samurai Champloo, Carole & Tuesday, and for the 90s anime fans, Macross Plus and Cowboy Bebop.
This was his third time at Animazement, and he said that he plans to attend more.
Other guests included:
- Shihori, J-pop singer and songwriter
- Shino Kakinuma: Voice actor
- Toshio Furukawa: Voice actor
Tickets & prices
Tickets for the 2026 event were available online and onsite at the convention.
Weekend passes (pre-registration) for 2027 are currently on sale and cost $60 USD.
Animazement location
The anime con took place at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh, NC.
Address: 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
More anime & Japanese cultural events in Raleigh
Anime Night at the NC Museum of Natural Science
