Netflix provides a wide range of food-related content, including top baking and cooking shows, intense cooking competitions, and incredibly mouth-watering food documentaries. These documentaries captivate audiences for various reasons. Some individuals may have secret ambitions to become renowned chefs, while others simply enjoy daydreaming about indulging in delicious meals. Many people are curious about the intricate process of creating famous dishes, going beyond the glitz and glamour of celebrity chefs. Additionally, some individuals have long wondered about the experience of owning a food truck, serving local flavors to curious passersby.
Moreover, audiences may be drawn to food documentaries to explore the connection between food and health. Other documentaries offer valuable cooking tips and introduce viewers to unique culinary traditions from around the world. Whether it is unraveling the complexities of the food supply chain, exposing the inner workings of the food industry, or discovering the origins of everyday ingredients like eggs, there is a food documentary for everyone. Fortunately, Netflix boasts an extensive collection of food documentaries that cater to all these interests, making it the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts.
What The Health (2017)
One of the top-notch food documentaries available on Netflix is What the Health. Understanding the link between diet and disease is crucial, as it enlightens individuals about the consequences of their food choices. What the Health delves into how the food people consume can significantly impact their body chemistry, often leading to detrimental setbacks instead of promoting well-being. While there have been numerous documentaries highlighting the adverse effects of sugar or carbs, What the Health provides a more comprehensive exploration of food and its effects on the human body. It is truly eye-opening to realize the immense profits that the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food industries can potentially gain from our lack of knowledge.
Cooked (2016)
Esteemed investigative journalist and food enthusiast, Michael Pollan, once again delves into the realm of diet and lifestyle. However, this time he expands beyond his usual exploration of Western cuisine in one of the top food documentaries available on Netflix. Embarking on a captivating globe-trotting journey, Pollan immerses himself in the culinary traditions of various flavorful countries. Through his interactions with talented chefs, skilled bakers, and master brewmasters, Cooked unveils the intricate art of utilizing food to nourish not only the body but also the mind, heart, and soul. With a heightened emphasis on food preparation, viewers will acquire the same profound knowledge and passion for crafting meals that bring sustenance and delight to every facet of life.
Rotten (2018)
For anyone seeking to witness the disturbing reality of factory farming, search no further than one of Netflix's top-notch food documentaries. Rotten immerses viewers in a profound investigation of the grim underbelly of the food industry, ranging from colossal meat-processing facilities to colossal warehouses resembling airplane hangars, crammed with chickens squeezed together so tightly that movement becomes a luxury they can scarcely afford. By tracing the path of the food supply chain from its genesis to the market, viewers swiftly realize that the demands of supply can sometimes exceed its capacity, compelling the commoditization of food and resulting in the need to cut corners to minimize costs and maximize profits. However, the consequences of these shortcuts can be grave and affect us all.
Chef's Table (2015)
Don't miss Cooked, a compelling food documentary on Netflix, brought to you by the same producers who gave us the popular series Street Foods. This captivating show takes you on a journey across different corners of the globe – from South Carolina to China – as culinary masters pursue their dreams of perfecting the art of gourmet cuisine. Prepare to be amazed as chefs share their passion for creating exquisite dishes and walk you through the entire process. From crafting new recipes to sourcing unique ingredients and pioneering innovative cooking techniques, these talented individuals showcase the essence of culinary innovation. Get ready to discover the secrets behind plating the perfect gourmet meal and explore the thrilling world of gourmet food experiences.
Salt Fat Acid Heat (2019)
Based on her book of the same title from 2017, Salt Fat Acid Heat follows the exciting journey of Iranian-American chef Samin Nosrat as she travels the world to unveil the remarkable utilization of salt, fat, acid, and heat in one of Netflix's finest food documentaries. Blending elements of a travel show and an exceptional cooking series, Nosrat explores local cuisines in Japan, Italy, Mexico, and California, illustrating to viewers how these culinary creations expertly incorporate these essential flavor components. With her captivating personality and meticulous instructions, Nosrat effortlessly demonstrates the art of cooking. This captivating docuseries is a must-watch for anyone in search of the most delectable foundations of gastronomy.
Street Food USA (2022)
One of Netflix's top food documentaries aims to highlight the wide array of mouthwatering street food offerings across the United States. Street Food USA is a binge-worthy series consisting of six episodes that take viewers on a culinary journey to some of the most delectable street food establishments in Miami, Oahu, NYC, Portland, New Orleans, and beyond. Each episode features visits to four different eateries, showcasing the local and cultural cuisine of the region, ranging from timeless classics to lesser-known delicacies like Souse and Yakamein, as well as popular favorites such as hot dogs and pizza. With its diverse range of flavors and dishes, Street Food USA has something to satisfy every palate.
Chef’s Table Pizza (2022)
Pizza may have originated in Italy, but globally inspired chefs have infused their own cultural twist into this classic creation. This is precisely what Chef's Table Pizza, one of Netflix's top food documentaries, aims to uncover. Featuring an enticing selection of six episodes, this docuseries takes viewers on a journey across the world to explore the diverse techniques employed by various chefs in crafting their own extraordinary pizzas. Beginning in Phoenix, Arizona, and spanning the entire globe, Chef's Table Pizza unveils captivating interpretations of this beloved dish while shedding light on the culinary pioneers who are redefining its very essence.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (2019)
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is a unique show that features Chef David Chang and various notable celebrities. They travel to different major cities around the world, where they taste and discuss local cuisine. Some of the guest stars who join them on this culinary adventure include Seth Rogen, Chrissy Teigen, Lena Waithe, and Kate McKinnon. Together, they explore famous locations such as Vancouver, Marrakesh, Los Angeles, and Phnom Penh, trying out the local dishes and immersing themselves in the culture. Throughout the docuseries, viewers get to experience breakfast, lunch, and dinner in each of these cities, along with some exciting field trips along the way.
Chef’s Table BBQ (2020)
High On The Hog (2021)
: The Chef's Table BBQ, another spinoff of the Emmy-nominated series, is undoubtedly one of Netflix's finest food documentaries. Similar to its predecessors, BBQ showcases the culinary journeys of four diverse chefs hailing from various regions as they immerse themselves in the beloved cuisine of America's South. While the majority of the series is centered in the USA, the final episode transports viewers to Yucatán, where they can uncover the Mayan culinary traditions of chef Rosalia Chay Chuc, renowned for her exceptional slow-cooked creations. Notably, Chef's Table BBQ introduces a captivating array of characters, surpassing the previous seasons, and explores a wide range of BBQ cooking techniques that transcend the ordinary realm of grilling.
High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America, a captivating four-part docuseries available on Netflix, is hailed as one of the finest culinary documentaries that sheds light on the profound influence of African American cuisine in the United States. With a renewal for a second season, this show showcases the expertise of Stephen Satterfield, Gabrielle E.W. Carter, and Jessica B. Harris who delve into the depths of African culinary heritage and its transformation of American gastronomy. From the subtle flavors of okra and yams to the iconic dishes of mac and cheese and Virginia ham, the series immerses viewers in a fascinating exploration of cultural origins and enduring legacies.
A Tale Of Two Kitchens (2019)
The documentary A Tale of Two Kitchens, available on Netflix, is undeniably one of the top food documentaries and a must-watch for fans of Top Chef. It showcases the journey of a chef in opening a second kitchen in San Francisco, while maintaining the same culture of warmth and unity among employees. Gabriela Cámara, renowned for her successful restaurant in Mexico, takes on the challenge in the documentary and establishes Cala, a sister restaurant in California. The film passionately portrays the obstacles and triumphs encountered during the expansion, offering valuable insights into Cámara's operational strategies. Despite having different priorities as a chef, Cámara's businesses continue to thrive, solidifying her reputation in the culinary world.
Flavorful Origins (2019)
Flavorful Origins, available on Netflix, is an exceptional food documentary comprising 50 mesmerizing episodes. This captivating docuseries takes viewers on a culinary journey through China, delving into both traditional and contemporary cooking techniques. It also introduces the audience to lesser-known ingredients that play a crucial role in Chinese cuisine. Venturing into four distinct regions of China—Chaoshan, Yunnan, Gansu, and Guiyang—Flavorful Origins showcases essential local foods like mutton, sour fruits, seaweed, potatoes, and more. For those eager to broaden their taste buds, Flavorful Origins is an absolute must-watch.
Fresh Fried And Crispy (2021)
Ugly Delicious (2018)
: One of the top food documentaries available on Netflix is "Fresh Fried and Crispy," hosted by Daym Drops, a renowned food critic and YouTuber. In this captivating series, Drops takes the audience on a delectable journey across various cities in the United States such as St. Louis, San Diego, and Savannah. His mission? To savor and review everything that is deeply fried and irresistibly crispy. With an impressive collection of eight episodes, each installment focuses on a different American city, where Drops has the pleasure of trying out a diverse array of local delicacies. These range from the widely recognized classics like shrimp po'boys and chicken with waffles to more peculiar offerings such as beaver ravioli and Rocky Mountain oysters. You can count on Drops to showcase any fried and crispy dish that comes his way in this extraordinary series.
Ugly Delicious is a captivating documentary series hosted by David Chang that delves into the world of farming and the food industry. With two seasons and 12 intriguing episodes, Ugly Delicious stands out from other notable food documentaries such as Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. This series not only invites celebrity guests like Steven Yeun, Aziz Ansari, Ali Wong, and many more, but it also enlightens viewers about the cultural aspects behind each dish. From uncovering the Persian Gulf origins of meat cooked on a vertical spit to exploring the true essence of curry, Ugly Delicious provides valuable insights into the diverse culinary traditions around the world. Additionally, it magnifies the disparities in school food across different cultures, opening our eyes to the multifaceted nature of the food industry.
The Chef Show (2019)
Jon Favreau, renowned actor and filmmaker acclaimed for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), also captivates audiences as the co-host of an extraordinary culinary documentary on Netflix called The Chef Show. This remarkable four-volume series brilliantly combines the elements of a traditional cooking show with the unique inspiration drawn from Favreau's personal experience training under the talented Roy Choi in preparation for his film Chef. Each engrossing episode showcases a diverse array of illustrious celebrity guests engaging in compelling interviews while immersing themselves in the art of culinary excellence alongside the masterful chef Roy Choi, who demonstrates the preparation of exquisite dishes featured in Chef as well as other delectable creations that are certain to tantalize the taste buds. Notable figures such as Robert Downey Jr., Seth Rogen, and Bill Burr, in addition to renowned chefs like Candace Nelson, Ivan Orkin, and Wolfgang Puck, have graced the show with their presence, enriching the viewing experience and elevating the culinary journey to unprecedented heights.
Street Food Asia (2019)
The Street Food franchise has launched another captivating spinoff that delves into the world of Asian cuisine, making it one of the most mesmerizing food documentaries available on Netflix. In each episode, which lasts approximately 30 minutes, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey around the globe to discover the tantalizing street food delights of various countries including Thailand, India, South Korea, and Vietnam, among others. By seamlessly blending together archival footage and engaging interviews with street food chefs, this series offers a comprehensive insight into the vibrant cultures behind these iconic dishes and the ingenious techniques used to create them.
Gather (2020)
The nonprofit organization First Nations Development Institute co-produced the documentary film Gather, which is regarded as one of the top food documentaries available on Netflix. The documentary is dedicated to showcasing the efforts of Indigenous Americans in reclaiming the social, economic, and cultural food practices of their ancestors. It revolves around the journeys of five individuals who are actively involved in this process: Chef Nephi Craig, who operates a restaurant specializing in traditional Apache cuisine and trains recovering addicts in culinary arts; Fred and Elsie DuBray, who are engaged in bison-related initiatives; Sammy Gensaw III and the Ancestral Guard, who educate others on traditional fishing techniques and salmon cooking; and Twila Cassadore, who disseminates knowledge about historic agricultural practices.
Somebody Feed Phil (2018)
Philip Rosenthal, the creator of the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, is satisfying his hunger by taking audiences on a gastronomic adventure across the globe in one of the finest food documentaries available on Netflix. Somebody Feed Phil has garnered immense popularity, leading to the official renewal of its seventh season. With his magnetic personality, the show's affable host explores the most remarkable culinary hotspots worldwide, while also shedding light on various charities and non-profit organizations active in those regions. The spiritual successor to Rosenthal's PBS series, I'll Have What Phil's Having, incorporates celebrity guests beginning in season 5, and the show is accompanied by a captivating companion cookbook.
Street Food Latin America (2020)
The second round of the acclaimed Street Food series transports viewers to Latin America for a delectable taste of the region's renowned street gastronomy. Netflix's exceptional food documentary explores Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, immersing audiences in a diverse array of street vendors. Each episode features conversations with four different chefs and visits to four distinct eateries, showcasing their signature and most coveted dishes. Brace yourselves for an irresistible feast of Peruvian Donuts, Argentinean Empanadas, Arepas, and countless other mouthwatering delights. Prepare to indulge in the exquisite flavors of Latin America with Street Food Latin America, the ultimate choice for avid enthusiasts of this vibrant cuisine.
A Nation Of Broth (2022)
A Nation of Broth, a captivating Korean docuseries on Netflix, stands out as one of the finest food documentaries available. Led by three Korean stars - the esteemed actor, Soo-young Ryu (renowned for his role in Endless Love), the talented actress, Ham Yeon Ji (known for her work in The Supernatural Agent), and the acclaimed comic artist, Huh Young-Man - this series delves into the significance and influence of broth in Korean cuisine. A Nation of Broth provides a profound exploration into the multifaceted aspects of broth in Korean gastronomy, including its historical roots, unparalleled characteristics, and bold culinary experiments. The hosts engage in intriguing conversations with restaurant owners and chefs, who shed light on the profound impact history has had on Korea's food culture throughout the ages.