Woman watching TV from couch Credit: franckreporter/Getty Images
Woman watching TV from couch Credit: franckreporter/Getty Images
Woman watching TV from couch Credit: franckreporter/Getty Images
Woman watching TV from couch
Credit: franckreporter/Getty Images
Whether it is in the background while you are doing other things or you are lying low and needing a mood boost, we have pulled together some of our editor’s favorite food-related movies and shows for days spent at home. These movies range from Disney classics to informational and intriguing works of culinary art that are bound to brighten even the dreariest of days. Choose one (or several) films and get comfortable. Oh, and don’t forget to bring some snacks—you’ll need it.
Food Shows
Here are some of our favorite food-related shows and series, in no particular order.
1. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is a Netflix series based on the award-winning cookbook by Samin Nosrat (But it! amazon,com, $21). Nosrat travels all over the globe in this unforgettable series to take a deep dive into the four flavors that she believes are the main components of any type of cuisine. The beautiful travel shots and food b-roll will pull you in and her insightful commentary will make you stay. As a bonus, you get a few sneak peaks into her home kitchen where she walks you through the techniques mentioned in the show. This is a must-watch for any foodie or curious home cook.
2. Ugly Delicious
How could you not love David Chang? He’s an accomplished chef who knows how to talk about food in a way that makes you wish you were there and the way he effortlessly connects with people around the table just makes you feel good. In Ugly Delicious, Chang is joined by other chefs, authors, activists and others to explore cuisine and culture together. “I love David Chang and how obsessed he is with food and the emotion he shows towards it,” says our senior meal plan editor, Victoria Seaver. “The BBQ episode from season 1 is one of my favorites, especially the last few scenes when he’s in Tokyo at a yakitori restaurant—the connection he has with the chef over the food just makes me warm up inside!” Watch Ugly Delicious on Netflix today.
3. Anthony Bourdain
This author and chef is a legend whose legacy will be cherished forever. Whether you go with a classic show like No Reservations or something newer like Parts Unknown, you are guaranteed to think, laugh and have serious food envy. Bourdain’s witty, direct commentary is unlike any celebrity, and he always finds a way to show the viewer the most authentic picture of any place or culture. Stream limited seasons of No Reservations on Hulu or buy his entire collection of Parts Unknown on Apple.com, starting at $74.99.
4. Chef’s Table
5. Great British Baking Show
This is probably a surprise to no one. The Great British Baking Show on Netflix has a fan base that is large and loyal, becoming a household favorite all over the globe. Contrary to what the name may suggest, this baking show is all feel-good, without the strict competition of a typical cooking competition. “I love how kind the contestants are to each other—stepping in to help each other finish challenges on time rather than being cut-throat,” says our senior food editor, Megan Steintrager.
6. Master Chef
Confession: I single-handedly added this show to the list. On a rainy day, there is little more that I want than an overly dramatic, fiery cooking competition. There is no doubt that it feels so exciting in part due to Gordon Ramsay’s temper but also because they shift the camera view every three seconds. This show can be streamed on Hulu and is totally bingeable but works great in the background as well.
7. The Chef Show
A play off of the movie, Chef, (one of our favorites listed below), The Chef Show features Jon Favreau, who directed and starred in the movie, along with chef Roy Choi, owner of the L.A.-based Korean-Mexican taco truck, Kogi, who guided the cooking portion of the movie. In each episode, Favreau and Choi travel to a certain location where they explore different cultures, people and flavors and then recreate the food, giving it their own spin, in their home kitchen—often with big-names guests and plenty of laughs. “I love The Chef Show,” says digital fellow, Alex Loh, “I already feel like a better cook just from watching it.” You won’t be sorry if you turn this on but be warned—you won’t want to stop watching!
Food Movies
When you have more time, check out some of our favorite food-related films, in no particular order.
7. Ratatouille
If this classic animated movie doesn’t fill your heart to the brim, then I don’t know what to tell you. It is the timeless story of an unlikely culinary duo: a nervous young man and a talented rat. This movie is the perfect balance of heart-felt, funny, drama and culinary skill (for real, the way they talk about food and cooking is legitimate for adults and kids alike). Watch Ratatouille on Disney+ streaming services.
8. Chef
9. Julie & Julia
As a team of digital editors who write about food online every day, this one speaks to us. In Julie & Julia, Amy Adams (playing Julie) portrays a woman looking to become a food blogger and culinary professional, while working a desk job in customers service in New York City. Desperate for inspiration (and accountability), she decides to cook her way through her role model, Julia Child’s (played by Meryl Streep), flagship cookbook: Mastering The Art of French Cooking. Adams attempting to make a whole chicken or elaborate pastry in a small NYC apartment is entertaining and wholesome, to say to the least. Stream on Netflix.
10. Eat, Pray, Love
Bottom Line
With all of the options for online streaming, it can be hard to know where to start. To help spark some ideas, we gathered 10 of our editors favorite food-related shows. Whether you are under the weather or just in need of some couch time, turn on one of these films or shows to warm your heart and seriously inspire you for dinner.
