Never Hollowed By The Stare

Koi Saku Potager – Mita Homuro

Yui, a young chef, is secretly in love with Tetsu, the guy that works as a farmer in the neighbourhood. But secrets can’t be secrets forever, right? 

This is why chefs should date adorable vegetable farmers!

Fall In Love In The Potager is a super fluffy, slow burn manga about enterprising chef Yui who is head over heels in love with young farmer Tetsu. Almost everyday, Tetsu eats lunch at Yui’s cafe. The chef wows him with delectable dishes made from his own farm’s vegetables.

The story is told from Yui’s POV. He pines for the young farmer who is quite oblivious to Yui’s more than friendly feelings. This has such a gentle vibe and the wholesomeness of fresh greenery. It’s when the POV flips to Tetsu’s that the feels intensifies.

Tetsu’s perspective touches upon the Japanese tendency to avoid buying misshapen vegetables. As a former office worker who just took up agriculture, Tetsu struggles to grow the ideal kinds of produce that are marketable. I loved how this made a sweet and endearing connection between the two main characters. That scene where troubled Tetsu discovered what Yui had done really tugged at my heart.

The secondary character, Miho, is a riot! He’s the bossy waiter who constantly nags the laidback Yui into working harder. He schemes to increase profit, is good with computers and brought the two dorks together. This man needs his own manga.

The artwork is lovely! I like how it complemented the story. The cover’s vivid watercolor illustration is eyecatching. It’s a style that not commonly seen. Foodies will also appreciate the unique recipes Yui whipped up for Tetsu. The mangaka generously shared them at the end of each chapter.

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!