random-meal-idea-mcp

Fetches a random meal recipe, including its name, category, area of origin, full list of ingredients, detailed cooking instructions, and an image to inspire your next meal. Uses TheMealDB public API—no API key needed!

Features

• Always get a new, completely random meal recipe
• Returns meal name, cuisine/area of origin, category, instructions, image, source, YouTube link (if present), tags, and full ingredient list with measures
• Easy integration with Claude Desktop or any MCP-compatible client

Installation & Usage

This package is published as @dennisk2025/random-meal-idea-mcp on npm.

Using npx (recommended)

npx @dennisk2025/random-meal-idea-mcp

Local install

npm install @dennisk2025/random-meal-idea-mcp

Adding to Claude Desktop

Add this MCP server to your Claude Desktop config at:

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Append or merge the following JSON:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "random-meal-idea": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@dennisk2025/random-meal-idea-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Available Tools

get_random_meal

Fetches a truly random complete meal recipe from TheMealDB.

Parameters

No parameters are required.

Response Example

{
  "result": {
    "name": "Grilled Portuguese sardines",
    "category": "Seafood",
    "area": "Portuguese",
    "instructions": "If you're cleaning the sardines yourself...",
    "image": "https://www.themealdb.com/images/media/meals/lpd4wy1614347943.jpg",
    "ingredients": [
      { "ingredient": "Sardines", "measure": "8" },
      { "ingredient": "Sea Salt", "measure": "" }
    ],
    "tags": ["Grill", "Seafood"],
    "youtube": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHIJKtSWclk",
    "source": "https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/grilled-portuguese-sardines"
  }
}

Usage Example

Within Claude Desktop or your MCP client, call:

• Tool name: get_random_meal
• Parameters: {}
• Response: A JSON object with the meal's name, category, area, ingredient list, instructions, image link, tags, etc.

Troubleshooting

• If you see errors related to connection or fetching, check your network.
• This MCP server requires outbound HTTPS requests to TheMealDB API.
• For support, open an issue on the Claude Desktop Discord or relevant user forum.