Due to an accident, Kuroyanagi loses his sense of taste. Azuma's opponent is Ken Matsushiro's old friend Ryuu Roumen, the ramen chef from Episode 14. The theme is ÅŒkuchi and this time the bread has been decided: Chinese-style steamed pork dumplings. After multiple edible experiments including eating pig swill, Kuroyanagi realizes his sense of taste is gone. He fears he might have to quit being the judge of the Yakitate! 9. The Pantasia team is terrified at having to face off against a professional Chinese chef, but Azuma suddenly comes up with a plan...