Not Yucky at All! How to Make the Milk Porridge from “Kiki’s Delivery Service”

When you think of the iconic dishes in Studio Ghibli’s Kiki’s Delivery Service, two main recipes probably come to mind: Grandmama’s Herring & Pumpkin Pie, and Osono’s Milk Porridge.

Milk Porridge (Milk Okayu) is a Western-style comfort food that Osono—Kiki’s kind landlady—prepares for Kiki when she falls ill and loses her appetite.

To many Japanese people, combining milk and rice sounds a bit odd at first (“Wait… milk and rice together?!”). In Japan, traditional porridge (okayu) is usually savory, cooked in water, and topped with salty pickled plums (umeboshi) or beaten egg.

However, once you actually try this milk porridge, it’s surprisingly delicious! Today, I’m excited to share this quick and comforting Ghibli recipe with you.

Ingredients for Kiki’s Milk Porridge (Serves 2)

Here is what you’ll need:

• Milk: 200 ml (approx. 7 fl oz)
• Water: approx. 100 ml (approx. 3.5 fl oz)
• Consommé / Bouillon cube: 1 cube
• Cooked Rice (Cold/Leftover): 1 bowl (approx. 150g – 200g)
• Onion: 1/2
• Cooking Oil: A small splash
• Salt & Pepper: To taste
• Melting Cheese (Slice or shredded): 1 slice

While I’ve listed exact measurements above, you really don’t need to be too strict with them. When you’re making porridge—especially when you’re feeling under the weather—who wants to measure everything precisely? Knowing Osono’s generous personality, she definitely didn’t measure anything either! Don’t worry, Ghibli food always turns out delicious even when made casually!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thinly slice the onion Slice the onion as thinly as possible so it cooks quickly and is easy to eat.

2. Sauté the onion Heat a little oil in a pot and sauté the sliced onions over low heat until soft.

3. Add water, milk, and consommé Once the onions are soft, pour in the water, milk, and the consommé cube.

4. Add cold rice and cheese Once the consommé cube dissolves, add the cold rice and melted cheese. Keep the heat on low and stir gently to break up the rice.

5. Season with salt and pepper Season lightly with salt and pepper, and you’re done! Keep the seasoning mild if you’re making this for someone with an upset stomach or cold.

And there you have it—your Ghibli Milk Porridge is ready to serve!

Watch the Video Tutorial!

I also introduced how to make this milk porridge in a YouTube video! Check it out below:

If you enjoy recreating anime food, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more recipes!

So… How Does It Taste?!

If I had to describe the taste in one sentence: It tastes just like cream stew poured over rice!

In Japan, combining white milk with white rice can make some people hesitant because we aren’t used to dairy in rice dishes. But if you’re someone who enjoys cream stew with rice, you will absolutely love this!

Compared to regular cream stew, it has a milder, gentler flavor with less salt—making it the ultimate comfort food when you’re sick or feeling down.

(Since oatmeal is much more common than rice in many countries outside Japan, making this recipe with oats instead of cooked rice would probably taste amazing too!)

It’s a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a gentle hug from Osono herself. Perfect for cold days, sick days, or those moments when you feel like you’ve temporarily lost your magic. I absolutely fell in love with this dish!

Want More Ghibli Food Recipes?

On my blog and channel, I recreate all kinds of delicious recipes featured in Studio Ghibli films!

Speaking of Kiki’s Delivery Service, I’ve also recreated that famous (and iconic!) Grandmama’s Herring & Pumpkin Pie. Be sure to check that out as well!