I think it’s fair to say that most people love Netflix, and most people love food, so why not combine the two for the perfect evening?! Netflix is full of amazing movies and documentaries, but they also have quite the eclectic mix of food shows. I know it might sound lame, but trust me, watching other people cook is both mesmerizing and relaxing. Back before Netflix, we were forced to watch Sandra Lee getting tipsy on The Food Network, but now the culinary world is our oyster thanks to Netflix and shows like Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and The Great British Bake Off. The choices are endless. Here are 10 of the best cooking shows on streaming on Netflix right now.
10. Chef’s Table
Created by the same man behind the inspiring documentary Hiro Dreams of Sushi, this show profiles world-renowned chefs from all over the world. Each episode focuses on a different chef and gives viewers a glimpse into their lives and their passion for food. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about “Food Network famous chefs,” like Paula Deen, we’re talking about three-Michelin-star restaurateurs owners/chefs who have fought their way to the top of their field. So, what does it take to be a world-famous chef? Watch and find out (and enjoy some beautiful food shots while you’re at it).
9. The Great British Baking Show
The Great British Baking Show, known as The Great British Bake Off to the rest of the world, is a British television baking competition in which competitors go through a series of rounds and attempt to impress the judges with their baking skills. The show was an instant success all over the world, because apparently everyone loves watching English people bake their hearts out. Who knew?! Be warned, this show is sure to make you gain 5-10 lbs the minute you turn it on.
8. Nailed It!
Nailed It! is a baking show that most of us can fully relate to, because it’s basically nothing but a series of baking bloopers. Similar to The Great British Baking Show, bakers compete with each other to win a prize, but that’s where the similarities end. Bear in mind, the competitors in this show are amateurs, like you and me, and their sad attempts to replicate complicated cakes and confectionery for a $10K prize will have you rolling. It was funny enough watching people try (and fail) to recreate Pinterest-worthy cakes all over the Internet, but this takes it to a whole new level. Check out the show’s biggest baking flops here.
7. Salt Fat Acid Heat
Before Salt Fat Acid Heat was a cooking show on Netflix, it was a best-selling cookbook written by Samin Nosrat (who is also the star of the show). It’s both an instructional cooking show (Netflix’s first) and a travel show combined, with Samin traveling all over the world and perfecting her craft. The best part about Samin is how relatable and down-to-earth she is, unlike the uber-polished, pretentious lady chefs that we usually see on TV (We’re looking at you, Giada De Laurentiis.)
6. Sugar Rush
No, we’re not talking about the sugar rush you get from a pixie stick, we’re talking another reality TV cooking competition. We know there are a lot of them out there, but the cake and confectionery creations (like the one pictured above) on this show are mind-blowing! Unlike in some shows, the competition on Sugar Rush is fierce, the competitors compete in teams of two, and the takeaway prize is $10,000. This show transforms baking into art, and watching the bakers (or artists) create their masterpieces under a time crunch truly is a rush.
5. The Big Family Cooking Showdown
The Big Family Cooking Showdown, hosted by Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, is a BBC cooking competition that is… exactly what it says it is (apparently the British like to spell it out). Two teams of three family members compete in three different challenges, and the winners in each of eight heats will move on to the next round until a final winner is selected. The prize is a cup of tea and a personal sense of accomplishment. Just kidding, it’s not exactly clear what the prize is, but I’m sure all the bragging rights and notoriety of winning the title are worth it.
4. The Curious Creations Of Christine McConnell
This whole show is pretty weird, but that’s exactly why it’s on the list! How many cooking shows can give you nightmares? This one can! Described on IMBD as “part cooking show, part sitcom in the vein of the Addams Family and the Muppet Show,” this weird AF baking show is set inside the creepy home of Christine McConnell, a strangely poised (and extremely creative) woman who shot to fame on Instagram with photos of an edible insect bacchanal, a pastry face-hugger from Alien, and a shrine-like birthday cake for Freddie Mercury. Her creations are 100% weird and 100% edible.
3. Ugly Delicious
There are a lot of different dishes in the world (some weirder than others) and restaurateur/host David Chang is hell-bent on introducing all of them to us on his new show, Ugly Delicious. The show involves a lot of globetrotting (yay!) and seamlessly interweaves travel, cooking, and history throughout every episode. Explore the cultural and sociological root of many “popular” foods, and discover how they are made in many different regions of the world (and learn a little history while you’re at it).
2. Cooking On High
It’s time for something a little…different. Cooking on High is exactly what it sounds like (and exactly what the picture above suggests). If you’re still confused, let me spell it out for you. The show is a cooking competition that centers around cooking foods that contain marijuana as the main ingredient. Don’t worry, it does actually have some street cred - the contestants are legitimate chefs with culinary backgrounds. The goal? Each recipe must taste delicious (obvs) and have enough of the drug to get the judges high. The contestant who earns the higher score is awarded a golden pot (the kind you cook with). Hahaha, I see what they did there.
1. The Mind Of A Chef
Produced and narrated by the late Anthony Bourdain, Mind of a Chef combines travel, cooking, science, and history. The show follows different chefs around the world and examines their beliefs, experiences, and philosophies on the culinary arts. Why did they start cooking? What was their inspiration? How does their background influence their signature dishes? I don’t need to tell you that Anthony Bourdain would never produce anything sub-par, so next time you’re in the mood to binge-watch a good foodie show, give this one a try.
