There are few things more relaxing in this world than curling up on the couch with and turning on a cooking show. Something about watching people, both professionals and home cooks, pour love into every bite they’re preparing is just so incredibly soothing. Most food shows provide the perfect escape from Sunday scaries or a breather after a busy day, but there are some series that stand above the others as the most excellent respites.
Many of those particularly calming and enlightening food shows are available to stream on Netflix, making them accessible anytime you need an exciting dinner idea or an immediate chill pill. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 12 best food and cooking programs on Netflix, from light-hearted competition shows to more serious documentary series. Get ready to add each and every one to your watch list.
Cooking With Paris
One thing we’ve learned over the years? Paris Hilton doing absolutely anything is television gold, which is why Cooking With Paris has already soared to the top of our must-watch list – and that’s not even taking into the consideration the smorgasbord of celebrity friends (spot Kim Kardashian, Saweetie and internet star Lele Pons). The best part? Watching the icon attempt any manner of cooking in glamorous, impractical and white clothing.
Waffles + Mochi
On the outside it may appear to be a kids TV show, and that’s because it is, but it stars former First Lady Michelle Obama, so really what more could you possibly want? Waffles and Mochi are the curious stars (puppets) of the show, who travel across the globe exploring the wonders of food. From Peruvian potatoes, to sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, it’s an educational and heartwarming series looking to connect children and adults with cultures all around the world.
Nadiya’s Time To Eat
If you watched The Great British Bake Off in any capacity, you will remember Nadiya Hussain and her heartwarming and well-deserved win in season six. Since she baked her way into our hearts, she has been all over UK TV, but her biggest venture yet saw her hitting Netflix with her stress-free recipes, tips, and tricks all designed to save time. Don’t be surprised if you finding yourself smiling ear to ear when watching.
Street Food
Like soup in a bowl, Street Food is a comforting food documentary classic. From the creators of Chef’s Table, this series takes viewers on a detailed tour of the best street food spots in nine Asian cities. Each episode explores the cities’ culture and history through the food locals are eating and sharing. Street Food Asia highlights several different street food vendors in Bangkok, Thailand; Osaka, Japan; Delhi, India; Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Chiayi, Taiwan; Seoul, South Korea; Singapore; and Cebu City, Philippines.Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.
Chef’s Table
In each episode of this Netflix Original documentary series, viewers are given an intimate look inside the life and work of a world-renowned chef. Chef’s Table is one of the most beautifully shot shows, food-related or otherwise, and it will leave you hungry for both international cuisine and more episodes.Photographed by Dan MacMaden; Courtesy of Netflix.
The Great British Baking Show
This baking competition show, which originally aired on BBC (originally The Great British Bake Off) and has since moved to Channel 4, will draw you in with its hilarious judges, lovable contestants, and impressive baked creations. Unlike many American competition shows, the spirit of this show is lovely and light, and it’s a joy to see the contestants form bonds in spite of being each others’ opponents. The best part is there are six full seasons on Netflix and several specials.Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Unlike many travel shows, Parts Unknown, which has ten Primetime Emmys, exposes viewers to areas of the globe they may have never heard of. Host Anthony Bourdain allows locals to teach him about their culture, including, of course, food, which inspires a great appreciation and respect among those watching. Though Netflix had planned to discontinue the CNN series’ availability last year, after Bourdain’s death, the streaming services extended its availability.
Salt Fat Acid Heat
Based off chef and food writer Samin Nosrat’s 2017 cookbook with the same name, this series devotes each episode to exploring how cooking and cuisine are shaped by four essential elements: salt, fat, acid, and heat. In the show, host Nosrat travels to different countries, speaking to and cooking with chefs, farmers, and other food producers. Nosrat’s enthusiasm and appreciation for food pop off the screen, inspiring viewers to try new things in their own kitchens and think about how the most delicious meals start with basic details.Photographed by Adam Rose; Courtesy of Netflix.
Cooked
In 2013, writer Michael Pollan released a book called Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation about his journey to learn to cook several different food staples. Less than three years later, the book was adapted into a four-part documentary series for Netflix. In the show, Pollan explores how cooking changes food and shapes civilisation. It even features a few guests that foodies are sure to recognise.Photographed by Phil Bray; Courtesy of Netflix.
Ugly Delicious
Each of the eight episodes in this Netflix show’s premiere season is dedicated to exploring the history of one popular food. Chef David Yang talks to friends, fellow chefs, and pop culture figures like comedians and artists to find out how and why certain groups came to love pizza, tacos, fried chicken, and more.Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.
The Big Family Cooking Showdown
Like The Great British Baking Show, The Big Family Cooking Showdown is packed with camaraderie, delicious dishes, and of course, wonderful accents. This competition show is actually hosted by a British Bake-Off winner Nadiya Hussain alongside British TV personality Zoë Ball. In each episode, two families face-off to prove which is best at home-cooking. This show is for anyone who understands the joy of cooking family recipes with loved ones.Photo: Courtesy of Netflix.
Zumbo’s Just Desserts
Like The Great British Baking Show, Zumbo’s Just Desserts asks amateur bakers to compete to create magnificent desserts. Unlike The Great British Baking Show, Zumbo’s Just Desserts is intense in every possible way. The baking space and the sweets look like they’re straight out of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The contestants are competitive to the point that they actually smack talk one another. And, the presentation of the challenges involve a whole lot of flash — fire comes into play in one episode. If you’re looking for a little more action and a lot less relaxation from your baking competition, turn on season one of this show, which is now available on Netflix.
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