Although we’re currently unable to head on out to a far-flung destination and indulge ourselves in local flavours, we’ve still got ‘armchair travel’. Whether you’re glued to the TV or cooking up a recipe in the kitchen, using your senses to immerse yourself in another culture, as vividly as possible, is the closest we can get to exploring the world right now. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to do that.
One way is, of course, seeking out the best possible food shows you can find. Luckily, Netflix has quite a few of those. Below we’ve rounded up 13 of the best, most immersive, and more insightful food shows on the platform so you can truly travel by taste. From redefining gourmet food from countries around the world, to middling through narrow food alleys on search of the best street eats, here are the shows that’ll take you there and help you curate your own post-COVID travel plans.
Nadiya’s Time to Eat
On this cooking show, Nadiya Hussain serves up delicious shortcuts, vital ingredients and fast favourites – perfect for today’s time-strapped families.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Chef David Chang takes his insatiable curiosity about food, culture and identity on the road, in the convivial company of fun-loving celebrity guests.
The Chef Show
Writer, director and food enthusiast Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi explore food in and out of the kitchen with accomplished chefs and celebrity friends.
Chef’s Table
In this Emmy-nominated series, meet culinary stars around the world who are redefining gourmet food with innovative dishes and tantalising desserts.
Restaurants on the Edge
Three food and design experts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture beyond their gorgeous views. Season 2 is coming to Netflix on May 8th.
Samurai Gourmet
Recent retiree Taleshi rediscovers his passion for food and life by getting in touch with his inner warrior and eating what he truly desires.
Somebody Feed Phil
“Everybody Loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal travels the globe to take in the local cuisine and culture of Bangkok, Lisbon, Mexico City and more.
Street Food Asia
Toyo is the humourous, fiery chef of a beloved izakaya in Osaka, the epicure’s city known for popularising street favourites from okonomiyaki to takoyaki.
Salt Fat Acid Heat
Chef and food-writer Samin Nosrat travels the world to explore four basic keys to wonderful cooking, serving feasts and helpful tips along the way.
Taco Chronicles
Many of the most popular taco styles have long, rich, little-known histories. Explore some of them in this eye-opening, mouth-watering food adventure.
Ugly Delicious
All the flavour. None of the BS, Star chef David Chang leads friends on a mouth-watering, cross-cultural hunt for the world’s most satisfying grub.