You've finally unlocked the Mulan Realm. You've cleaned up the training camp, dodged some metaphorical (and literal) fire, and now you’ve got two of the most iconic characters in Disney history hanging out in your Valley. But here’s the thing—leveling them up isn't just about hanging out. If you want those high-tier rewards, you need to know exactly what to feed dragons Dreamlight Valley style, specifically focusing on our favorite "travel-size" guardian, Mushu.
It’s easy to get mixed up. In a game where you're already feeding crocodiles lobster and giving ravens five-star meals, you’d think a dragon might want something exotic. Maybe a rare gem? A piece of gold? Nope. Mushu is surprisingly grounded, though his tastes definitely lean toward the spicy side of the menu.
The Spicy Reality of Feeding Mushu
Mushu isn't like the traditional "critters" you find wandering the biomes. You can't just walk up to him with a piece of fruit and expect a reward. Since he’s a full-fledged villager, his "feeding" is tied directly to the Daily Favorite Gifts system and the specific quest items he requests.
If you're looking for his absolute favorite thing in the world, look no further than Mushu’s Congee.
This isn't just a random bit of lore from the movie. It is a functional, craftable recipe in the game that you’ll encounter almost immediately. To make it, you're going to need a specific set of ingredients that you can find within the Mulan Realm or by foraging back home. You'll need Rice, Eggs, Ginger, Garlic, and Mushroom. It’s a five-star meal. Honestly, it’s a bit of a hassle to gather all that early on, but the friendship XP boost is massive.
Beyond the Congee: What Else Does He Want?
Dragon appetites are fickle. While the Congee is the gold standard, his daily favorites cycle just like everyone else's. I've noticed a pattern. He often asks for things that fit his "fire and brimstone" personality. Think Chili Peppers. Think Bell Peppers. Basically, if it’s a vegetable that has a bit of a kick or a bright red hue, there is a high probability he wants it.
Don't ignore the shiny stuff either. Even though he’s small, he has the soul of a classic dragon. He will frequently ask for Garnets or Rubies.
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One mistake people make is trying to give him fish. Just don't. He rarely, if ever, has a desire for anything pulled out of the water unless it's part of a very specific cooked dish like Fugu Sushi. Stick to the land-based spices and red gems. It saves you time and inventory space.
The Quest for Fire: Feeding During the "Dragon Army" Mission
There is a specific moment in the Mulan character arc where "feeding" takes a more literal, quest-driven turn. You aren't just boosting friendship; you’re progressing the story. During the "Dragon Army" quest, Mushu gets it into his head that he needs to defend the Valley.
You'll find yourself running around grabbing Fireproof Gloves and looking for materials to craft Training Dummies. While this isn't "feeding" him in the culinary sense, the game treats these quest-essential items as the primary way you interact with his "hunger" for status and respect.
If you're stuck on this part, remember: the materials are mostly stone and wood. It’s tedious. You’ll need a lot of it. But completing this satisfies his character progression much faster than throwing a hundred apples at him.
How Mulan’s Presence Changes the Strategy
You can't talk about Mushu without mentioning Mulan. They are a package deal. While Mushu wants the spicy stuff, Mulan is a bit more refined. She often requests tea-based items or traditional meals like Vegetarian Gyoza.
If you want to be efficient, keep a chest near your house specifically for "Mulan Realm" items. Toss in some extra Tea Leaves (which you can get from her stall once it's unlocked) and keep a stack of Rice handy.
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The synergy here is key. Often, their favorite gifts will overlap in terms of ingredients. If you’re cooking Mushu’s Congee, you’re already halfway to making whatever stir-fry Mulan is craving that day. It’s a smart way to double-dip on friendship points without spending all day at the stove.
Why Friendship Levels Actually Matter for Dragons
Some players wonder why they should bother min-maxing what they feed Mushu. It’s just a game, right? Well, the rewards for Mushu are some of the best in the recent updates. We’re talking about unique furniture that fits that Mulan-inspired aesthetic perfectly.
- Level 2: Usually a shirt or a small decor item.
- Level 5: This is where you start getting the cool stuff, like the Dragon Statue.
- Level 10: The final reward is typically a high-end costume piece or a major piece of furniture that you can't get anywhere else.
Plus, having a dragon as a "buddy" for tasks is just cool. If you assign Mushu the Mining role, his small size makes him less likely to get in your way when you’re cornered in a cave—a huge plus compared to bulky characters like Maui or Sulley who love to trap you against a rock wall.
Common Misconceptions About Dragon Diet
I see people in the forums all the time trying to give Mushu "Dragon Fruit." It makes sense, right? Dragon fruit for a dragon. But here’s the kicker: Dragon Fruit isn't in the game. People often confuse the Dreamlight Fruit (from the Simba/Nala quests) with something Mushu might want. He doesn't care about it. Don't waste your daily Dreamlight Fruit harvest on him unless it specifically shows up in his three favorite items for the day.
Another weird one? People think he wants fire-related items like the Fire Flowers from the Forgotten Lands. Again, unless it's the specific daily request, it's a waste. Stick to the spicy food and the red gems.
Actionable Steps for Fast Leveling
If you want to hit Level 10 with Mushu by the end of the weekend, here is your roadmap. No fluff.
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First, unlock the Mulan stall as fast as possible. This gives you access to Tea Leaves, which are essential for several high-XP recipes. Second, clear out your inventory and go on a mining run in the Plaza and Meadow. You want Garnets. Lots of them. Even if they aren't his "favorite" that day, giving a character a gem they "like" is still better than giving them a random flower.
Third, and this is the big one: Always have a training manual ready. If you accidentally gave him the "Gardening" role and you realize you'd rather have him for "Mining," you can swap it once he hits Level 10. But until then, you’re stuck. Choose wisely based on what you do most often.
Finally, don't forget the daily conversations. It sounds simple, but just talking to him every day provides a small boost that adds up. Combined with the right food, you'll have a Max Level dragon in no time.
Moving Forward in the Valley
Once you've mastered the art of what to feed dragons Dreamlight Valley style, the rest of the Mulan quests become a breeze. You'll have the friendship levels needed to unlock the final story beats, and you'll have a stylish new training camp set up in your Valley.
The key is consistency. Check those daily favorites every morning. Keep a stack of Rice and Ginger in your pantry. And for heaven's sake, stay away from the fish when Mushu is around. He's a guardian, not a pelican. Keep those spicy meals coming, and he'll be your most loyal companion from the Sunlit Plateau all the way to the Forgotten Lands.
Don't wait until you're deep into the late-game grind to start this. The sooner you get Mushu to Level 10, the sooner you can use his unique rewards to spruce up your biome. Grab your coal, head to the nearest stove, and start prepping that Congee. Your dragon is waiting.
Next Steps for Your Valley:
- Check Mushu’s Daily Favorites: Open your collection menu or talk to him directly to see the three specific items he wants today.
- Stockpile Ingredients: Head to Remy’s pantry for Eggs and Goofy’s Stall in the Glade of Trust for Rice.
- Craft Mushu’s Congee: Use the cooking station to combine Rice, Eggs, Ginger, Garlic, and Mushrooms to have his favorite meal ready to go.
- Assign a Role: Take Mushu with you while mining or foraging to passively increase his friendship level while you complete your daily chores.