Popular Chowder characters are Chowder, Mung Daal, Schnitzel, Truffles, Gazpacho, Panini, Pate, Endive, Stilton, Gorgonzola, and Ceviche.
In contrast to many contemporary cartoons, “Chowder” dazzled with its innovative approach, filled with distinctive characters and witty humor.
If you watched “Chowder” during childhood, you’d likely recall some of its unforgettable characters and memorable episodes.
One of the show’s defining features was its unique animation style, setting it apart from other Cartoon Network offerings and solidifying its distinctive place in viewers’ hearts.
Chowder Cartoon Characters
Characters: Mung Daal, Shnitzel, Ms. Endive, Gazpacho, Panini, Truffles, Truffette, Kimchi, Chowder, Paté
First episode date: November 2, 2007 (USA)
Final episode date: August 7, 2010
Writers: C. H. Greenblatt, Kevin Kramer, William Reiss,
The animation pops with vivid and lively colors. Though the character designs might seem unconventional initially, it’s all about embracing uniqueness. Additionally, the music is captivating, and the script is laced with sharp wit and humor.
Chowder
As its name suggests, Chowder is the main character of this series and is an apprentice at the Mung Daal Catering Company. He is learning to become a chef from Mung Daal, leading him to become friends with everyone in the same company.
Physically, Chowder is the fusion of several animals since he has parts of a cat, bear, and rabbit. Regardless, he looks more like a cat than any of the others. This character’s primary color is purple; his light skin and clothes are all purple.
Chowder is a child, but it’s not difficult to notice that due to his innocence and sweetness. However, that doesn’t mean he is goofy or dumb since, although he is a bit impulsive at times, he is also friendly to everyone in the catering company.
Shnitzel
Although he doesn’t say much, Shnitzel is one of the most iconic Chowder characters, and fans love him even more than they love the actual Chowder. Shnitzel is a rock monster working at the catering company, which makes him deal with Chowder’s antics and what Mung and Mung’s wife says.
On top of that, Shnitzel is underpaid.
Among all Chowder characters, Shnitzel is the one that most reassembles how an actual person would react to what the other characters do. Shnitzel is gray, has a small body, and is a master chef. He always wears a white apron and has a tall head.
This character hates having to clean up what the others do, and you can see it in his eyebags and grumpy face. However, he still loves Mung Daal, Chowder, and Mung Daal’s wife due to how much time he spends with them.
Panini
Panini is the apprentice of Mung Daal’s rival Ms. Endive. Regardless, this character is more famous for having a crush on Chowder and trying to flirt with them anytime she can. Despite that, Chowder only sees her as a friend and a rival.
These two became closer in the apprentice games, where their masters forced them to win against each other to see who was the best. Even though Chowder doesn’t want to be with Panini romantically, he marries Panini at the show’s end when he gets older and takes over the catering company.
Like Chowder, Panini is a cat-bear-rabbit, but she looks more like a rabbit than any other animal. She is all pink, has fuchsia eyes, and only wears yellow and green clothes. This character became popular in the episode ” Chowder’s Girlfriend,” She became a constant character in the show since it aired.
Mung Daal
Mung Daal is the owner of the catering business. Although he is his master, he sees Chowder as a son since he and his wife, Truffles Daal, don’t have a child. This character is friendly and kind to all business members and clients. However, he often snaps when he loses all his patience.
He is prideful in his cooking skills and wants to make sure Chowder learns everything he needs to know to run the company in the future. Mung Daal becomes a little crazy if someone questions his cooking skills, making him make rash and dangerous decisions.
Although Mung Daal is happily married, he also takes pride in being a “Ladies’ Man,” as he always impresses other women with his cooking skills and amazing humor.
He has even shown he can do squats to impress women. As for his appearance, he is all blue and wears a white mustache. Mung Daal also has a large nose and prominent eyebrows. His regular outfit is his master chef uniform, and it’s uncommon to see him without it.
Truffles Daal
Truffles Daal is the show’s mushroom pixie and Mung Daal’s wife. She works as a cashier in the catering business. Daal’s wife gets bossy when she says something to any of the workers of the company or even his husband.
This character is mean and frightening, and Chowder runs from her in more than one episode. Truffles will always see others’ problems and mistakes over hers, and she is a confident woman who knows what she needs to do to find success.
Regardless, she is a bit insecure about her weight, and it’s a problem that she shows a lot throughout the series.
It’s beautiful to see how this show addresses how feeling bad about your body feels through the character of Truffles, and it can help very children going through the same struggle feel better.
Besides that, Truffles is a highly competitive woman, even more than Chowder or her husband. She is short, has wings, purple hair, green eyes, and always wears a green dress.
Ms. Endive – The One Who Regularly Berates Mung Daal
Ms. Endive is a master chef and Mung’s rival. She is the main antagonist of the series, and she is also Panini’s master. Unlike Mung, Endive is arrogant, confident, self-centered, and snobby. She doesn’t only believe she is an excellent chef but is more than sure that she is better than Mung Daal.
This character works in Marzipan City and is a perfectionist who will ensure her dishes are always of the highest quality possible. Unlike what it may seem, she is desperate to get married and will try to marry anyone who tries to flirt with her for just some minutes.
Thanks to that, other characters in the show often dumped or rejected her. Regardless, she marries Schnitzel later and lives a happy life with him.
Endive has a long nose with a rectangular shape. Overall, she is larger than the other characters and has green hair. She often wears a red dress, and her skin is orange.
Ceviche
Getting to the last Chowder character on the list, we have Ceviche. Ceviche is friends with almost everyone, and other characters are often friendly to him. He is Panini’s best friend and becomes a master of a dance school in the series finale.
Similar to Chowder, Ceviche is sensitive and as kind as he can. He proves this by giving food to the poor, helping old ladies, and doing everything he can to help others.
Ceviche is short, yellow-colored, and has purple hair with some horns. He often advises Chowder on how to become a better chef.
Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola is a minor character and one of Chowder’s mentors. He is a blue cheese which is wise, grumpy, and a bit of a stick-in-the-mud.
Gorgonzola often is a foil to Chowder’s energetic and impulsive nature, contrasting the main character’s upbeat personality. Despite his grumpiness, Gorgonzola is a skilled and respected chef valued for his culinary knowledge and experience.
In the show, Gorgonzola is often depicted as a teacher or mentor to Chowder and other characters, imparting his wisdom and providing guidance.
Kimchi
Introducing Kimchi, the flatulent stink cloud who first debuted in “The Froggy Apple Crumple Thumpkin.” Despite his potent odor, Kimchi is more than just a fart – he’s a lovable companion to Chowder, who has grown to love him the way he is.
As Chowder’s closest friend and confidant, Kimchi is always by his side, offering support and encouragement and always ready to lend a helping hand. Even though no one wants to get too close to Kimchi because of his stench, Chowder has become accustomed to his smell and loves him all the same.
So whether it’s playing games, going on adventures, or hanging out, Chowder and Kimchi are best friends. Voiced by the show’s creator, C.H. Greenblatt, Kimchi is a character you can’t help but love, despite his unpleasant aroma.
Mr. Fugu
Say hello to Mr. Fugu, the unique and quirky red balloon who loves to indulge in large meals. As Mung’s most frequent and valued customer, he plays a crucial role in the world of Chowder, often causing chaos with his giant appetite.
With his unusual shape, wig, and insatiable hunger, Mr. Fugu will surely leave an impression.
But Mr. Fugu is more than just a foodie; he’s a master of transformation. His hunger is never-ending, and with a single foul-smelling fart, he can instantly return to his full size and start munching again.
Whether being served by his loyal valet Foie Gras or causing trouble in the kitchen, Mr. Fugu is always entertaining.
So if you’re looking for a quirky character who’s always up for a good meal, look no further than Mr. Fugu. You won’t be disappointed!”
Stilton
Stilton is a recurring character in the animated television show Chowder. He is a wealthy and powerful cheese merchant often depicted as greedy, miserly, and selfish.
Even though Stilton is wealthy, he is often depicted as an unscrupulous and dishonest businessman. In the show, Stilton is often depicted as a rival to the main character, Chowder, and is always trying to outdo him in one way or another.
Whether trying to steal Mung Daal’s secret recipes or outbidding Chowder at an auction, Stilton will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Despite his villainous ways, Stilton is humorous, providing a foil for Chowder and the other main characters.
Pâté
Introducing the musical sensation of “Chowder” – Gumbo! He made his unforgettable debut in the episode “Chowder’s Girlfriend,” serenading Panini with his hit song “I’m not your boyfriend!”
In “The Apprentice Games,” Gumbo and his protégé Ceviché join the competition, not for the awards but simply for the joy of the game. But what they witness are other contestants driven by greed and cruelty. Gumbo stands up to remind everyone what the games are about – having fun.
He and Ceviché proudly toss their medals and make a grand exit through a sky-bound portal, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in the arena.
Kiwi
Meet Kiwi – the quirky, stop-motion monster who provides hilarious commentary on the events of Chowder. Kiwi pops up during cutaways, giving unique and entertaining perspectives on scenes and characters. With his signature voice by the show’s creator, C. H. Greenblatt, Kiwi quickly became a fan-favorite when he debuted in “Burple Nurples.”
Get ready for some unexpected laughter, and witty insights as Kiwi adds an extra layer of fun to the world of Chowder Characters.
Chestnut
We have Chestnut – the devious, blue-haired creature with a distinctive beard, horns, and striking purple shoes. He may be small compared to the residents of Marzipan City, but Chestnut more than makes up for it with his mischievous personality.
With a quirky square-circle-shaped body, Chestnut brings a unique flair to the world of “Chowder” as one of the series’ villains. Despite his size, Chestnut proves time and time again that good things come in small packages.
Reuben
Reuben – the charming, pig-like character with a calm demeanor and a cunning streak. With six appearances in the “Chowder” series, Reuben quickly made a name for himself as a manipulative force to be reckoned with.
Reuben made his major debut as the cooking instructor in the episode “Certification Class.” Despite his tranquil exterior, Reuben’s cunning nature makes him a force to be reckoned with.
He speaks soothingly, making him an expert at getting what he wants.
Where to Watch Chowder
Indulge in the whimsical world of Marzipan City and catch up with Chowder and his quirky friends today! “Chowder” is available for streaming on popular platforms such as HBO Max and Hulu Plus.
You can also access episodes by renting or purchasing them on Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and iTunes. Take advantage of this delightful animated series; bring a touch of magic and fun into your day by tuning into Chowder.
1. What’s the secret ingredient in Chowder’s humor?
It’s a perfect blend of slapstick comedy, witty wordplay, and a pinch of surrealism. The show’s humor is as diverse as the ingredients in a kitchen pantry.
2. Is Chowder suitable for both children and adults?
Absolutely! While kids will enjoy the colorful visuals and silly antics, adults will appreciate the subtle satire and clever references sprinkled throughout the episodes.
3. What’s the deal with the “fourth wall” in Chowder?
Chowder is notorious for breaking the fourth wall. Characters frequently acknowledge the audience or reference that they are in a cartoon. This self-awareness adds another layer of hilarity to the show.
4. Is Chowder a picky eater?
Chowder may be an aspiring chef but is also a notorious food lover. He’ll eat almost anything, even if it’s a culinary disaster! His passion for food drives him to become a great chef.
5. Does Chowder ever become a master chef?
No spoilers here! You’ll have to watch the show to find out. But Chowder’s journey is filled with laughs, learning, and unforgettable moments.
6. C.H. Greenblatt Inspirations
An interesting fact about Chowder that many people might not know is that C.H. Greenblatt, the show’s creator, drew significant inspiration from his experiences and passions. His love for cooking and experimenting with different recipes directly influenced the show’s culinary theme.
Moreover, he based many characters and their personalities on people he met while working in the animation industry.
Greenblatt skillfully infused his unique sense of humor and storytelling style into the series, making the show’s quirky, absurd, and often surreal humor stand out. This personal touch establishes Chowder as a one-of-a-kind cartoon that continues to win the hearts of fans, even years after its original run.
Main Characters and Their Respective Voice Actors
- Chowder (voiced by Nicky Jones) – The young, enthusiastic apprentice of Mung Daal who aspires to become a great chef.
- Mung Daal (voiced by Dwight Schultz) – Chowder’s mentor and chef, who runs the catering company and teaches Chowder the art of cooking.
- Shnitzel (voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson) – A rock monster who works as a chef in Mung Daal’s kitchen and is known for only saying “Rada.”
- Truffles (voiced by Tara Strong) – Mung Daal’s wife manages the catering company’s finances and is known for her short temper.
- Kimchi (voiced by C.H. Greenblatt) – Chowder’s pet, a floating, stinky cloud communicating through flatulence.
Additionally, the show features several recurring and guest characters, such as:
- Panini (voiced by Liliana Mumy) – A rabbit-cat bear creature who is Chowder’s love interest and Ms. Endive’s apprentice.
- Ms. Endive (voiced by Mindy Sterling) – A rival chef to Mung Daal and Panini’s mentor.
- Gazpacho (voiced by Dana Snyder) – A fruit vendor who is friends with Chowder and often gives him advice.
- Gorgonzola (voiced by Will Shadley) – A rat who is Chowder’s rival and Stilton’s apprentice.
- Stilton (voiced by John DiMaggio) – A chef who is Gorgonzola’s mentor.
Chowder Characters: Good to Evil
Cancellation
Cartoon Network canceled Chowder in August 2009 because they believed the show didn’t align with their new target demographic of older boys. Instead, they favored shows like the live-action Destroy, Build, Destroy. C. H. Greenblatt, on his blog, shared his relief about the cancellation freeing up his schedule.
He said, “Surprisingly, there are many upsides to a network officially canceling a show. I’m feeling happier than I’ve been in a long time. With only post-production left, my schedule finally loosened.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a break… Chowder has opened up numerous fantastic opportunities for me, and I’m feeling more creatively inspired than ever.”