Munch-fungus was a type of delicious mushroom species that grew prolifically on the planet Ryloth, the Outer Rim homeworld of the Twi'lek people. The Twi'leks, who are native to Ryloth, found countless applications for the tasty fungus over the years; they consumed it raw, and also prepared it in different soups and stews, where it contributed to a rich and savory broth. Moreover, munch-fungus was a key ingredient in Munch-fungus loaf, a traditional Twi'lek bread.
During a visit to Ryloth, an Artiodac chef named Strono Tuggs encountered munch-fungi, and grew to appreciate their flavorful nature and adaptability. Tuggs was particularly fascinated by their use in munch-fungus loaves, and he eventually included a recipe for the traditional Twi'lek bread in a cookbook that he authored during his time residing at the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.
Munch-fungus was initially added to Star Wars canon in the 2019 cookbook Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook, which was co-written by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel and Marc Sumerak. The origin of the fungus dates back several years before this, as it initially appeared in the Star Wars roleplaying game book Platt's Starport Guide, which was written by Peter M. Schweighofer and published by West End Games in February of 1995.