The Great Taste of Pharloom is one of the most demanding side quests in Hollow Knight: Silksong. It combines exploration, platforming, combat, and time-sensitive delivery, making it a true test of skill and preparation. This guide will walk you through how to start the quest, collect all five required items, and successfully complete the delivery for Loyal Mergwin in the Choral Chambers.
How to Start the Quest
You can start the quest by speaking with Loyal Mergwin in the dining hall of the Choral Chambers. Once accepted, Mergwin tasks Hornet with gathering five special ingredients scattered across Pharloom:
- Courier’s Rasher
- Crustnut
- Pickled Muckmaggot
- Vintage Nectar
- Mossberry Stew
Completing this quest rewards Hornet with Pale Oil, an upgrade material for her Needle.
Mossberry Stew
The simplest item to start with is the Mossberry Stew.
- Location: Moss Druid in Mosshome (west of the Marrow).
- Requirement: In some runs, the Druid only provides the stew after completing her earlier Berrypicking Wish, which involves finding Mossberries.
- Process: Speak with the Moss Druid, and she will brew the stew once you’ve helped her.
Vintage Nectar
The Vintage Nectar requires both currency and combat.
- Location: Halfway Home inn in Greymoor.
- NPC: Creige sells it for 480 Rosaries.
- Challenge: When you descend to claim the Nectar, an ambush of red ant enemies triggers. Defeat them all before you can secure the item.
- Tip: Treat this fight like a small arena—prioritize crowd control to avoid being overwhelmed.
Pickled Muckmaggot
The Pickled Muckmaggot is tied to a boss encounter.
- Location: Sinner’s Road, above Greymoor.
- Requirement: Faydown Cloak (double jump) is necessary to reach the boss arena.
- Boss: Defeat Disgraced Chef Lugoli after striking the dinner gong to begin the fight.
- Strategy: Dodge maggot ball projectiles and pogo attack during Lugoli’s sideways swings. Victory rewards you with the Pickled Muckmaggot.
Crustnut
The Crustnut is hidden behind one of the trickiest platforming sections in Pharloom.
- Location: Sands of Karak, above the Blasted Steps.
- Requirement: Clawline ability (hook and dash).
- Path:
- Defeat the Great Conchflies boss in the Blasted Steps.
- Use the Pinstress balloon and Clawline to climb into Sands of Karak.
- Break through red spiky growths and complete a challenging platforming sequence.
- Reward: The Crustnut at the end of this gauntlet.
Courier’s Rasher
The hardest part of the quest is securing and delivering the Courier’s Rasher.
- Prerequisites: Complete the My Missing Courier and My Missing Brother quests to rescue Tipp and Pill.
- Starting Point: Talk to Tipp and Pill in Bellhart after rescuing them.
- Challenge: Deliver the Rasher to Mergwin in Choral Chambers:
- Time Limit: The Rasher deteriorates if delayed.
- Restrictions: No fast travel, and taking damage accelerates decay.
- Best Route: Bellhart → Shellwood → Blasted Steps → Grand Gate → Choral Chambers.
- Tips for Success:
- Equip Silk Speed Anklets and Ascendant’s Grip for speed and wall control.
- Unlock all shortcuts in advance.
- Clear enemy spawns along your route.
- Use the menu map (pauses time) instead of the minimap.
This segment resembles the Delicate Flower quest from Hollow Knight, but with even stricter conditions, so patience and practice are essential.
Completing the Quest
Once you’ve gathered all five ingredients, return them to Loyal Mergwin in the Choral Chambers. He will prepare the feast for his master, and your reward will be Pale Oil. If this is your second upgrade, you’ll also need to pay 500 Rosaries, but the increased Needle damage makes the effort worthwhile.
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Quick Tips: Great Taste of Pharloom quest Silksong
- Attempt the quest after you’ve unlocked key mobility skills like Faydown Cloak and Clawline.
- Stock up on Rosaries beforehand to avoid grinding mid-quest.
- Treat the Courier’s Rasher delivery as its own challenge—practice the route before attempting the official run.
The Great Taste of Pharloom quest is one of Silksong’s most rewarding challenges, combining exploration, puzzle-like platforming, combat, and endurance. By carefully preparing your abilities, clearing paths, and mastering the Rasher delivery, you’ll secure Pale Oil and bring Hornet one step closer to full strength. Play Now!
Want more help with tough encounters? Browse our Silksong walkthrough collection.
