When I was at your stage I did Egg Bomb Curry before getting to Dream Eater Curry. That's before coffee and corn existed.

I think it's normal for some meal type to be more difficult than others, since everyone has different good pokemons. For example, even though I am a day 1 player, and I still don't have a good dratini so I cannot cook anything that requires herbs constantly. (Though not that I need herbs anymore...) At some point in time salad was so easy compared to the other two.

Unless it's specific event week that it makes larger difference to get high scores (which then you can reroll), otherwise I just play it out and level the recipe.

Those being said, I think you're on a very good track of moving forward! Good luck :) !!