Have you ever wanted to hop inside one of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli movies and experience the whimsy for yourself? If so, these three simple recipes, inspired by Miyazaki’s “Ponyo,” are definitely for you. 

Put on your apron and chef’s hat, and get ready to enhance your movie-watching experience.

Ponyo’s Ham Ramen

Prep time: 5 min. | Cook time: 5 min. | Total time: 10 min.

Ponyo (2008)

Ingredients:

1 packet of instant ramen 

1 egg

1 slice of thick ham 

1 green onion

Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with water, and bring to a boil. Lower eggs into pot with a spoon. Cover with lid. For soft-boiled eggs, boil for about 5 minutes. For hard-boiled, 9 minutes will do the trick. Plunge eggs into a bowl with ice water when finished, then peel and slice in half.
2. Slice green onion.
3. Cut piece of ham in half. 
4. Follow instructions on the instant ramen packet. 
5. When instant ramen is ready, top dish with boiled egg, sliced green onions and ham.
6. Enjoy!

This recipe was super easy to make, thanks to the instant ramen. This dish brings such a sense of warmth, comfort and nostalgia that is perfect for this immersive menu. I opted for soft-boiled eggs, which adds a softness to the dish but also a richness with its runny yolk. I used Samyang Ramen, but any brand will do, from Maruchan to Buldak — whatever is your preference. The toppings truly elevated the ramen and made the meal all the more filling and satisfying. 

Lisa’s Hot Milk Tea

Prep time: 5 min. | Cook time: 5 min. | Total time: 10 min.

Ponyo (2008)

Ingredients:

1 teabag 

2 tablespoons honey, or to taste

Milk, to taste

Water 

Instructions:

1. Boil water. 
2. Fill a mug a little over halfway with boiled water, leaving space for other ingredients.
3. Steep teabag in boiled water for a few minutes.
4. Fill with milk. The movie features a very milky, creamy tea, so to achieve this, add in milk until the color of the tea is a pale brown. 
5. Stir in honey.
6. Drink while hot! Be careful not to burn your tongue. 

As a self-proclaimed tea connoisseur, I felt especially called to make this recipe from the movie. I added a bit of extra honey for a little touch of sweetness, and it made for a delicious and calming beverage. Personally, I used English breakfast tea, because that is my favorite and what I had on hand, but feel free to use different flavors and brews in yours.

In-a-Hurry Ham Sandwich

Prep time: 5 min. | Cook time: 5 min. | Total time: 10 min.

Ponyo (2008)

Ingredients:

2 slices of sandwich bread

1 slice of cheddar cheese

Thick sliced ham

Lettuce

Tomato

Kewpie (Japanese mayonnaise) or mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Spread a layer of Kewpie onto two slices of sandwich bread.
2. Slice a tomato. Place onto bread.
3. Next, layer with lettuce.
4. Add slice of cheese.
5. Top with thick sliced ham. 
6. Dig in! If you have a magical goldfish, be sure to share.

This recipe is such a throwback to cold lunch in elementary school. The Kewpie takes this simple sandwich to the next level — it was my first time trying it, and I highly recommend its tangy and savory flavor — but you can definitely use typical mayo in its stead. This sandwich makes a great pairing with the ramen!