Pays de la Cuisine : le royaume-volcan d'Odyssey

Land of Cuisine: The Volcano Kingdom of Odyssey

1358 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

Perched on a volcano that simmers a giant stew, the Luncheon Kingdom (Pays de la Cuisine in the original French) is undoubtedly the most original kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey.

A people of forks, oversized ingredients, pink lava, and a flying boss: here's the lore and complete guide to this one-of-a-kind kingdom.

Summary

A Kingdom Born from a Stew Volcano

The Luncheon Kingdom is visited in the second half of the adventure, right after the Seaside Kingdom, and it is unlike any other: here, almost everything is edible. The landscape blends pots, cutlery, and mountains of food as far as the eye can see, against a backdrop of omnipresent salt and minerals.

At its center stands Mount Volbono (Piton du Frouno in the original French), a lively volcano that spews not molten rock but pink lava, resembling a sauce in full boil. It is this unusual hue that gives the kingdom its unique atmosphere.

At the top of the crater, the Stupendous Stew (Potée de fête), the legendary dish of the kingdom, simmers in a colossal pot. Once a year, the Cooking Carnival attracts food lovers from all over the world, who come to taste this stew and watch its preparation like a grand spectacle.

The Volbonans, a People of Living Forks

The inhabitants of the kingdom are the Volbonans (Frouchottes in French), a people of living forks that exist nowhere else in the series. Standing on their tines, they go about their culinary occupations with a truly comical seriousness.

Their great pride is, of course, cooking: the Volbonans dedicate all their energy to simmering the Stupendous Stew and preserving the traditions of the carnival. Their home, the Old Town, with its ancient city appearance, serves as the historical heart of the kingdom.

When Mario arrives, the Volbonans are in distress: their precious stew has been stolen, and a large part of the people have been thrown out of the city. Returning the stew to its cauldron then becomes the main objective of the visit.

Pompeii, Vesuvius, and a Touch of Reunion Island

Behind its giant cutlery, the Luncheon Kingdom clearly draws inspiration from Italy. The ruined Old Town, with its broken columns and cobblestones, directly evokes Pompeii, the Roman city buried by an eruption.

The volcano, in turn, refers to Vesuvius, famous for having engulfed Pompeii. Associating an ancient city frozen in ash with an active volcano is therefore no coincidence: it is a direct homage to this region of the Bay of Naples.

The French name adds a second nod. "Piton du Frouno" blends the Piton de la Fournaise, a famous volcano on Reunion Island, and the word "fourneau" (oven/furnace) — perfect for a crater that serves as a cooker. The original version, however, plays on "volcano" and the Italian buono ("good").

Lava Bubble and Ascent: How to Explore

The main gameplay mechanic of the kingdom is the Lava Bubble (the Podoboo), this fire enemy that the Cappy cap allows you to capture. Once in control of a Lava Bubble, Mario can swim in the pink lava as if in a pool, crossing the burning puddles and ascending the sauce flows without harm.

This is the key to climbing Mount Volbono: without this capture, it's impossible to cross the flows blocking the path to the summit. Progression therefore alternates between classic platforming and long lava crossings.

The rest of the kingdom fully embraces the theme of food gigantism. You'll encounter:

  • giant pieces of meat, including a huge steak to capture and hoist up to the pot at the summit;
  • blocks of salt, cheese, and vegetables of enormous proportions, serving as platforms;
  • forks and cutlery stuck in the ground, transformed into walkways and footholds.

Cookatiel, the Bird Who Stole the Stew

The grand boss of the kingdom is Cookatiel (Toque-toque in the original French), a giant pink bird wearing a chef's hat. She's the one who stole the Stupendous Stew, which she spits back into the crater to jealously guard it.

The fight reuses the kingdom's signature mechanic: you have to capture a Lava Bubble, then ascend the jet of stew that the bird regurgitates to reach its head and hit it. Like most Odyssey bosses, Cookatiel falls after three hits.

Be careful during the ascent: the bird spits fruit (durians) to make you let go of the lava jet, and the volcano's final eruption sends Mario back to the Odyssey. Once defeated, Cookatiel plunges into the pot and releases a multi-moon.

What to Collect: Moons and Regional Coins

In terms of collectibles, the Luncheon Kingdom is generous: it contains 68 Power Moons, divided into 66 regular moons and 2 multi-moons (each worth three moons). The two multi-moons reward reaching the large pot at the summit and defeating Cookatiel.

You also need to find 100 regional coins, easily recognizable by their stylized tomato shape. These coins can be exchanged at the kingdom's merchant for exclusive outfits, stickers, and souvenirs.

Between climbing the volcano, crossing lava, and hunting for hidden nooks, completing the kingdom 100% requires exploring both the Old Town and the smoking heights of Mount Volbono, not to mention the many moons unlocked after the main story.

The Luncheon Kingdom at a Glance

Original Name Luncheon Kingdom
Volcano Mount Volbono
Inhabitants Volbonans
Iconic Dish Stupendous Stew
Boss Cookatiel
Power Moons 68 (66 + 2 multi-moons)
Regional Coins 100 (tomato-shaped)
Game Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

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FAQ

  • What is the original name of the Luncheon Kingdom?
    Its original name is Luncheon Kingdom. The French version renamed it Pays de la Cuisine (Land of Cuisine), consistent with its entirely culinary theme.
  • What is the name of the kingdom's volcano?
    It is Mount Volbono (Piton du Frouno in the original French), an active volcano that spews pink lava and simmers the Stupendous Stew at its summit.
  • Who is the boss of the Luncheon Kingdom?
    The boss is Cookatiel (Toque-toque in the original French), a giant pink bird wearing a chef's hat. You defeat her by capturing a Lava Bubble and hitting her three times.
  • How many moons does the Luncheon Kingdom contain?
    The kingdom has 68 Power Moons: 66 regular moons and 2 multi-moons, each worth three moons. It also houses 100 tomato-shaped regional coins.
  • What real-life location inspired the kingdom?
    Its aesthetic is inspired by Italy, particularly Pompeii and Vesuvius. The French name of the volcano also references Piton de la Fournaise on Reunion Island.
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