After the death of Mao's mother, who was called the "Fairy of Cuisine", Mao must strive to become a legendary chef himself, in order to take the title as head chef at his mother's restaurant. To do this, he must travel to China to learn the many ways of cooking. During his journey, he meets great friends and also fierce rivals.

Chūka Ichiban! (中華一番!, lit. China's Number One!) is a manga created by Ogawa Etsushi. In 1997, it was adapted into an anime series directed by Anno Masami of the same name.

From 1995-1997 it was published as Chūka Ichiban!. However, during the middle of its serialization, the character '真' was added, so from 1997 to 1999, it was serialized as Shin Chūka Ichiban! (真・中華一番!, Truth - China's Number One!).

In some countries, the anime adaptation was called Cooking Master Boy.