# Dungeons & Dragons Enthusiasts Are Debating Tacos, Sushi, and Cheeseburgers – Here’s the Reason
In the realm of tabletop role-playing games, few subjects ignite as much fervor as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Be it discussions surrounding rules, character configurations, or lore, the D&D community is recognized for its spirited dialogues. Recently, however, a surprising controversy has arisen, with fans disputing something as seemingly trivial as culinary preferences—specifically, tacos, sushi, and cheeseburgers.
## The Trigger: A Social Media Post
The discussion ignited when a user by the name of Osgamer74 shared a screenshot showcasing artwork from the forthcoming *Player’s Handbook*, scheduled for release on September 17, 2024. This image, which has now become widely circulated, illustrates a fantastical feast summoned by the spell *Heroes’ Feast*. The feast features an array of dishes, from traditional medieval cuisine like roasts and bread to contemporary options such as tacos, sushi, and croissants.
In his post, Osgamer74 conveyed his disappointment regarding the inclusion of these items, stating:
> “Dungeons & Dragons. Tacos? Sushi? What is this nonsense?”
The post rapidly garnered attention, accumulating over 300,000 views and a multitude of comments. What initiated as a mere critique of the illustration swiftly escalated into a fervent discussion concerning immersion, fantasy environments, and cultural representation.
## What’s the Image About?
The artwork in question is part of the new *Player’s Handbook*, which is being introduced as an update to Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, frequently referenced as D&D 5.5. A significant aspect of the new rulebook is the addition of more visuals to complement spells, assisting players in visualizing what certain magical effects might entail.
The spell under scrutiny, *Heroes’ Feast*, represents a high-level incantation that materializes a magical banquet, granting substantial advantages to the adventurers who engage with it. The artwork displays an extravagant array of food, incorporating items such as beer, bread, roasts, and, importantly, tacos, sushi rolls, croissants, and even a cheeseburger.
## The Dispute: Is This Disruptive to Immersion?
Critics of the artwork contend that the presence of modern foods, including tacos and sushi, disrupts the immersion within the fantasy realm. Dungeons & Dragons is frequently inspired by medieval European settings, leading many players to assert that these foods are too anachronistic for that context. They argue that tacos and sushi, which are distinctly modern and non-European, seem ill-suited to a world that heavily borrows from medieval history.
One user remarked:
> “I engage in D&D to escape into a medieval fantasy realm, not to encounter modern foods like tacos and sushi. It just feels off.”
Nonetheless, this perspective quickly faced counterarguments. Numerous players emphasized that Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy game set within an entirely fictitious universe, where magical beings, dragons, and other fantastical features are commonplace. If a world can encompass wizards, elves, and teleportation spells, why should it not include tacos and sushi?
As one participant stated:
> “It’s a magical banquet in a fantasy environment. If we can have floating castles and conversing swords, why can’t we enjoy sushi?”
## Cultural Representation and Prejudice
The discourse regarding tacos and sushi also adopted a more grave tone, with some accusing the critics of harboring cultural biases. Numerous individuals pointed out that the foods being criticized—tacos (Mexican) and sushi (Japanese)—originate from non-Western traditions, while other anachronistic items like potatoes, tomatoes, and pumpkins (which also did not exist in medieval Europe) received scant attention.
One user on X (formerly Twitter), AlisonCybe, brought this issue to light in a tweet:
> “The reason folks get so irate about artwork in D&D always returns to the notion of fantasy being history; specifically WHITE history. Tacos & sushi are ‘too exotic’ to be genuine for them, because their perception of the genre excludes non-whites.”
This remark incited further conversations about the significance of cultural representation in fantasy universes. Many players contended that Dungeons & Dragons, as an international game with participants from varied backgrounds, ought to be more inclusive of diverse cultures and their culinary traditions. After all, if the game can showcase a broad spectrum of races and creatures, why should its food selection be restricted to European-inspired options?
## The Cheeseburger and Croissant Dispute
Interestingly, while tacos and sushi received the bulk of criticism, some Western dishes also faced scrutiny. A cheeseburger, evident in the complete image, was similarly criticized for being overly modern. Likewise, croissants—often linked to France—were condemned for being a relatively recent creation, tracing back to the 20th century.
In spite of this, the emphasis of the