# TheMealDB

Category: [Food and drink](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/other/food/)  
Page: https://free-web-services.com/web-services/other/food/themealdb.html  
Documentation: https://www.themealdb.com/api.php

TheMealDB is an open, crowd-sourced database of recipes from around the world. Search meals by name or first letter, filter by main ingredient, category or area, get a random meal, and get full recipes with ingredients, measures, instructions, photos and YouTube links. Responses are JSON. The test key '1' is free for development and education; public apps are asked to become a supporter for a small fee.

- API key: Not needed
- Pricing: The test key '1' is free for development and education; public apps are asked to become a supporter for a small fee.
- From the browser: Yes (CORS)
- Formats: JSON
- Interface: REST, HTTP-GET
- Provider: themealdb.com
- Last checked: Working on November 2nd, 2026

Example request:

```sh
curl 'https://www.themealdb.com/api/json/v1/1/search.php?s=Arrabiata'
```

The JavaScript works in a web page as well as in Node.js 18 or newer.