There's only one explanation: ghostly chefs.

Shadowsoul moves like a 1.25-ton leaf on the wind, giving Sketh a tap on the shoulder with his tail to draw the "leader's" attention as he sneaks closer to the hearth. When he gets there, he realizes that he has no way to actually perceive or interact with these hypothetical ghosts, having yet to master the Spirit-Dispelling Blade Prana. Instead, he leans forward and gives the pot a sniff, curiously wondering if ghost food smells like real food.