The cooking mechanic first introduced in the unlocalized Trails to Zero, where a recipe turns out differently depending on who makes it, is back again as well.
Unless you know where to look and take the time to try and find them, chances are, your recipe book’s gonna be pretty slim by the end of the game.
This guide is here to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. It lists each recipe, where to find it, and what the three variants are in the order they’ll appear in your Recipe Book
Unique Dishes and Special Chefs
On top of the regular dish, some characters will produce a superb dish with added bonuses. Some will produce a unique dish that could have a completely different bonus. Failed (peculiar) ones could even be used as attack items.
Your best bet for a superb dish is using a character with high affinity for that dish, and if you want a peculiar or unique dish, try one who isn’t very good at it.
It’s worth experimenting for unique dishes. You’ll actually need at least eight separate unique dishes to finish the Great Crossbell Cookoff quest in Chapter 2.
There is one big difference in Cold Steel 3’s cooking party mechanics, though: after you’ve joined up with other party members, you can still choose them as the chef for a recipe, even if they aren’t currently in your party.
Cold Steel 3 also sort of brings back the old system from Trails in the Sky, where you learn a recipe when you eat a new food item. This time, though, you have to eat it when it’s offered as a special at a specific restaurant or cafe.
Your First Recipe
You’ll get your Recipe Book as part of a required quest in the prologue. Speak to Gina in the Branch Campus cafeteria to get the book, the first recipe (Chunky Potato Salad), and enough ingredients to make it a few times.
Chunky Potato Salad
Best chef: Juna Worst chefs: Altina, Laura, Fie
Variations and Effects:
Superb — Pillowy Mashed Potatoes Recovers 600 HP and increases Defense for two turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Chunky Potato Salad Recovers 500 HP and increases Defense for two turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Shield Chips Recovers 400 HP and increases defense for one turn (large area of effect) Unique — Crispy Potato Croquettes Recovers 600 HP and increases defense for four turns (small area of effect)
Chapter 1 Recipes
Piled Onion Rings (April 16)
Location: Talk to Barney at Barney’s Cafe in Leeves; buy the special Best chef: Elliot Worst chefs: Kurt, Jusis, Fie
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Glistening Onion Rings Cures K. O. and recovers 800 HP Standard — Piled Onion Rings Cures K. O. and recovers 600 HP Attack Dish — Onion Tear Gas B-class power rank; reduces speed by 50% Unique — Onion Trio Cures K. O. , recovers 300 HP 60 EP, and 30 CP
Fluffy Chiffon Cake (April 22)
Location: Speak to Nash at the April Cafe in Saint-Arkh, and buy the special Best chef: Fie Worst chefs: Rean, Ashe, Sara
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Summertime Fruitcake Recovers 700 HP and increases speed for two turns (medium area of effect) Standard —Fluffy Chiffon Cake Recovers 600 HP and increases speed for two turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Hollow Cake Recovers 500 HP and increase speed for one turn (large area of effect) Unique — Airy Meringue Cookie Recovers 700 HP and increases speed for four turns (small area of effect)
Southern Punch (April 22)
Location: Dyna, the stall proprietor in Saint-Arkh’s Cathedral Square Best chef: Rean Worst chefs: Juna, Elliot, Gaius
Effects and Variations:
Superb —Sunshine Punch Recovers 300 HP, restores 20 CP, and cures poison, blind, and burn Standard — Southern Punch Recovers 200 HP, restores 20 CP, and cures poison, blind, and burn Peculiar — Orange Liquid Restores 100 EP and 20 CP and cures poison, blind, and burn Unique — Yuzu Honey Soda Recovers 100 HP, restores 40 CP, and cures poison, blind, and burn
Hearty White Stew (April 22)
Location: Speak to Bertrand at the Footpath Inn in Parm; buy the special Best chef: Laura Worst chefs: Altina, Machias, Fie
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Silky White Stew Recovers 800 HP and increases Strength for two turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Hearty White Stew Recovers 700 HP and increases Strength for two turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Cold Stew Recovers 600 HP and increases Strength for one turn (large area of effect) Unique — Regal Beef Stew Recovers 800 HP and increases Strength for four turns (small area of effect)
Chapter 2 Recipies
Juicy Ham Sandwich (May 14)
Location: Purchase the special from Recette Bakery and Cafe in Leeves Best chef: Kurt Worst chefs: Altina, Machias, Jusis
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Nostalgic Sandwich Recovers 1,500 HP and cures freeze, petrify, and faint Standard — Juicy Ham Sandwich Recovers 1,300 HP and cures freeze, petrify, and faint Attack Dish — Electro Sandwich B-class power rank, 50% chance of inflicting seal status Unique — Croque Vader Recovers 1,000 HP, restores 100 EP, and cures freeze, petrify, and faint
Fresh Tomato Noodles (May 20)
Location: Purchase the special from Orzel at the noodle stall in Crossbell’s Harbor Sector (in front of the Crossbell News Service building) Best chef: Alisa Worst chefs: Musse, Elliot, Laura
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Champion Noodles Recovers 800 HP, restores 30 CP, and cures seal, mute, and stat down Standard — Fresh Tomato Noodles Recovers 700 HP, restores 30 CP, and cures seal, mute, and stat down Peculiar — Scorched Noodles “Misery” Restores 70 HP and 70 CP, but 50% chance of near death (reducing HP to 1) Unique — Vegetable Double Noodles Recovers 500 HP, restores 50 CP, and cures seal, mute, and stat down
Dragon Fried Rice (May 20)
Location: Purchase the special from Feng at the Old Dragon Inn on Crossbell’s East Street Best chef: Machias Worst chefs: Altina, Alisa, Emma
Effects and Variations:
Super — Heavenly Rice Recovers 1,500 HP and increases Defense and ADF for two turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Dragon Fried Rice Recovers 1,300 HP and increases Defense and ADF for two turns (small area of effect) Attack Dish — Fiery Riceball B-rank power class, 50% chance of inflicting burn Unique — Special Garlic Rice Recovers 1,400 HP, and increases Defense and ADF for four turns (small area of effect)
Cafe Macchiato (May 20)
Location: Purchase the special from Vingt-Sept Cafe in Crossbell Central Square Best chef: Altina Worst chef: Musse, Jusis, Millium
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Special Macchiato Recovers 700 HP, restores 150 EP, and cures nightmare, sleep, and confuse Standard — Cafe Macchiato Recovers 550 HP, restores 150 EP, and cures nightmare, sleep, and confuse Peculiar — Brown Liquid Restores 200 EP and cures nightmare, sleep, and confuse Unique — Rich Chocolate Parfait Recovers 300 HP, restores 150 EP and 30 CP, and cures nightmare, sleep, and confuse
Honey Bagel (May 20)
Location: Purchase the special from Morges Bakery on Crossbell’s West Street. Best chef: Emma Worst chef: Ashe, Fie, Gaius
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Golden Bagel Recovers 1,200 HP, restores 60 EP, and increases ATS for three turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Honey Bagel Recovers 1,000 HP, restores 50 EP, and increases ATS for three turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Mirror Bagel Reflects magic once Unique — House of Sweets Recovers 1,200 HP, restores 60 EP, and increases ATS for five turns (small area of effect)
Chapter 3 Recipes
Juicy Hamburger (June 10)
Location: Purchase from Gina in the Branch Campus cafeteria Best chef: Ashe Worst chefs: Rean, Altina, Laura
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Artisan Hamburger Recovers 1,800 HP and increases Strength for three turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Juicy Hamburger Recovers 1,600 HP and increases Strength for three turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Indestructible Burger Immunity to one physical attack Unique — Spicy Loco Moco Rice Bowl Recovers 1,800 HP and increases Strength for five turns (small area of effect)
Colorful Bouillabaisse (June 17)
Location: Purchase the special from Edmond at the Sea Breeze Inn in Ordis Best chef: Millium Worst chef: Juna, Elliot, Jusis
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Passionate Hot Pot Recovers 1,200 HP and 50 CP and cures freeze, petrify, and faint Standard — Colorful Bouillabaisse Recovers 1,000 HP and 40 CP and cures freeze, petrify, and faint Peculiar — Envious Hot Pot CP regeneration (30 points) for three turns Unique — Yogurt Hotpot Recovers 1,000 HP and initiates CP regen by 20 points for five turns
Fisherman’s Paella (June 17)
Location: Purchase the special from Miranda at Miranda’s Tavern in Ordis Best chef: Sara Worst chef: Kurt, Alisa, Fie
Effects and Variation:
Superb — Big Catch Feast Recovers 2,000 HP and cures seal, mute, and stat down Standard — Fisherman’s Paella Recovers 1,800 HP and cures seal, mute, and stat down Peculiar — Scorched Rice Restores 600 EP, with a 50% chance of near death Unique — Spicy Jambalaya Recovers 1,600 HP and 60 CP and cures seal, mute, and stat down
Purple Heart (June 17)
Location: Purchase the special from Julia at the Hermit Bar and Inn in Raquel Best chef: Jusis Worst chefs: Musse, Machias, Emma
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Purple Cloud Cures K. O. and recovers 2,400 HP Standard — Purple Heart Cures K. O. and recovers 2,200 HP Peculiar — Purple Liquid Cures K. O. recovers 100 HP, and restores 250 EP Unique — Esmelas: Rain Cures K. O. , recovers 2,000 HP, and restores 200 EP
Stuffed Meat Pie (June 17)
Location: Purchase the special from Morley at the Decken Pub and Diner in Raquel Best chef: Juna Worst chefs: Rean, Machias, Fie
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Master’s Meat Pie Recovers 2,200 HP and increases Strength and Defense for three turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Stuffed Meat Pie Recovers 2,000 HP and increases Strength and Defense for three turns (small area of effect) Attack Dish — Badly Smelling Pie A-class power rank, 100% chance of poisoning the target Unique — Lovely Apple Pie Recovers 2,200 HP and increases Strength and Defense for five turns (small area of effect)
Aquamarine Ice (June 18)
Location: Speak to Jacqueline at the Crepe Stall in Ordis’ Business Sector Best chef: Musse Worst chefs: Kurt, Ashe, Gaius
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Grand Blue Gelato Recovers 1,600 HP, restores 80 EP, and cures poison, blind, and burn. Standard — Aquamarine Ice Recovers 1,400 HP, restores 70 EP, and cures poison, blind, and burn Attack Dish — Explosive Snowball A-rank power class, 30% chance of confusion and freeze Unique — Elegant Snowflake Pastry Recovers 1,600 HP, restores 80 EP, and cures poison, blind, and burn
Chapter 4 Recipes
Piled Spaghetti (July 8)
Location: Purchase the special from Barney’s in Leeves Best chef: Rean Worst chefs: Musse, Millium, Sara
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Shining Spaghetti Recovers 2,500 HP and increases Speed and Movement for three turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Piled Spaghetti Recovers 2,300 HP and increases Speed and Movement for three turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Salted Vongole Recovers 2,100 HP and increases Speed and Movement for one turn (large area of effect) Unique — Hunter’s Carbonara Recovers 2,500 HP and increases Speed and Movement for five turns (small area of effect)
Tomato Curry (July 15)
Location: Purchase the special from Arendt at the Foresta Inn on Heimdallr’s Westa Street Best chef: Musse Worst chefs: Kurt, Laura, Jusis
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Special Tomato Curry Recovers 3,000 HP, restores 50 CP, and cures sleep, nightmare, and confuse Standard — Tomato Curry Recovers 2,700 HP, restores 50 CP, and cures sleep, nightmare, and confuse Peculiar — Super-powered Curry Recovers 2,100 HP, restores 60 CP, and cures sleep, nightmare, and confuse Unique — Aged Shrimp Curry Recovers 1,800 HP, restores 180 EP and 50 CP, and cures sleep, nightmare, and confuse
Pure White Shortcake (July 15)
Location: Purchase the special from Nancy at the Lucien Cafe in Heimdallr’s Reica sector Best chef: Altina Worst chef: Ashe, Gaius, Sara
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Supreme Shortcake Recovers 2,700 HP and increases Defense and ADF for three turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Pure White Shortcake Recovers 2,400 HP and increases Defense and ADF for three turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Hard Cake Recovers 2,100 HP and increases Defense and ADF for one turn (large area of effect) Unique — Noir Mont Blanc Immunity to one physical attack
Croquette Burger (July 15)
Location: Purchase the special from Oscar at the Lafite Bakery in Heimdallr’s Westa Street Best chef: Ashe Worst chefs: Kurt, Altina, Alisa
Effects and Variations:
Superb —Angel Burger Recovers 1,000 HP and regenerates 20% HP for five turns Standard — Croquette Burger Recovers 1,000 HP and regenerates 20% HP for three turns Attack Dish — Devil Burger S-rank power class, 30% chance of death or nightmare Unique — Steak Burger Recovers 1,000 HP and regenerates 20 CP for five turns
Hearty Skewer (July 17)
Location: Purchase the special from Brecker at the Imperial Meat Stall in Heimdallr’s Dreichels Square. Best chef: Gaius Worst chefs: Juna, Musse, Elliot
Effects and Variations:
Superb — Dynasty Grill Recovers 4,000 HP, restores 50 CP, and increases Strength and Defense for five turns (medium area of effect) Standard — Hearty Skewer Recovers 3,500 HP, restores 50 CP, and increases Strength and Defense for five turns (small area of effect) Peculiar — Attack Grill Recovers 3,000 HP, restores 50 CP, and increases Strength and ATS for one turn (large area of effect) Unique — Nordic Kebab Recovers 4,000 HP, restores 50 CP, and increases Strength, ATS, and Speed for seven turns (small area of effect)
That’s every recipe in Trails of Cold Steel 3 to help see you through the many trials awaiting Class VII. Be sure to check out our other Trails of Cold Steel 3 guides for more tips on your journey through Erebonia.
