Foodie Shows To Get You Through Self Isolation
It looks like we’re all going to be indoors for the near future but I for one am not seeing it as such a bad thing. There’s plenty of things to do, recipes to try and creative things to keep people occupied. But for those days when you just want to chill out, TV is the go-to for most of us. Being a business obsessed with food, we thought it fitting to fill you guys in on the very best shows dedicated to all things culinary and delicious.
F*ck That's Delicious - VICE & Channel 4
One of my personal favourites and a food show I recommend to everyone. Headed up by the rapper Action Bronson and his hilarious friends, this show currently has 4 seasons and each episode focuses on a different place altogether. Whether you’re looking for foodie spots in Copenhagen, Queens or Japan, these guys have you covered.
The Pizza Show - VICE & Channel 4
Frank Pinello is a pizzeria owner and pizza lover extraordinaire. If you’re looking for a slice of the action (see what we did there) then this show will awaken those Margherita cravings. Taking you on a tour of the United States through pizza, this show explores it’s history and how vastly different it can be state-to-state.
Ugly Delicious - Netflix
David Chang is owner of Momofuku and is credited with the rise of contemporary Asian-American cuisine. In this series, he explores food and culture alongside wider social and political issues. He takes many friends along for the ride and comes to explore destinations like Mexico and Naples, Italy. All episodes are worth a watch but the “Tacos” and “Don’t Call It Curry” episodes will have you drooling whilst simultaneously giving you food for thought on cultural topics.
Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown - Amazon Prime
Stuck at home on the sofa but yearning for your next holiday? From the Godfather of food programming, Bourdain takes us around the world on a culinary tour of wondrous proportions. It’ll take you a while to work your way through every episode (there’s 12 series) but series 8 is a favourite of mine. His “Hanoi” episode sees a lovely guest appearance from Barack Obama and episode 4 sees Bourdain in London meeting up with old friends and enjoying the simple delights of St John’s Bread & Wine.
Chef's Table - Netflix
If you’re looking to completely immerse yourself in the art of food and chef artistry then Chef’s Table is the show for you. Each episode tells the story of one professional chef, their passion and their restaurant. Some take you on an emotional rollercoaster, some have you looking for table availability and flights, but all are inspiring and beautiful to watch.
Street Food - Netflix
This original Netflix series is perfect for those that prefer their food to be a little more rough around the edges than fine dining. From the creators of Chef’s Table, you can expect the same cinematic brilliance but with a focus on some of the world’s most vibrant cities and their street eats. All of them are an amazing watch but make time for the wonders of Osaka, Japan and the vibrancy of the Delhi, India episodes.
Cooked - Netflix
Have you ever thought of what it means to cook and what goes into cooking? This series breaks down the main pinnacles of cookery into four basic elements: Fire, Water, Air and Earth. Looking into the history of each of these as well as what each of these mean in the present day will leave you learning a whole lot more about cooking than you probably thought possible.
Salt Fat Acid Heat - Netflix
Based on the 2017 cookbook of the same name by Samin Nosrat, this series chronicles each element within their own episode. Looking at what makes food delicious sees Nosrat travel in search of the answers to help shine a light on the ingredients that make dishes exactly what they are.
Food Unwrapped - Channel 4
Ever wondered why digestives look the way that they do? Or perhaps how you get milk from a camel? This show delves into all of your foodie questions by going into factories, exploring corners of the world and using research to try and answer it all.
Masterchef - BBC
Masterchef is the OG cooking show and every year it comes out, I always kid myself that I could do better than the contestants. When it gets to cooking in the professional kitchens, I’m always humbled though. Watch for kitchen mishaps, moments that’ll have you shaking your head in disbelief and maybe a wacky combination that you’ll want to test out at home for yourself.
BONUS: YouTube
Gourmet Makes - Bon Appetit
If you’re not an avid subscriber and watcher of the Bon Appetit Youtube channel then we can’t be friends, we just can’t. With videos on everything from fermentation techniques to celebrity cookoffs, this channel is a welcome respite on YouTube away from the endless random content it seems to be home to. Gourmet Makes sees Claire Saffitz, accomplished pastry chef, recreate classics using no recipes and only her skill. Sometimes stressful, always hilarious.
4 Levels Of ... - Epicurious
The sister channel to Bon Appetit sees a wide range of videos but our favourite has to be “4 Levels Of…” that sees one dish or item being cooked by 4 people of varying cooking abilities. This is sure to make you laugh, learn a new recipe, have you empathising with the Amateur or fancying yourself as the Pro Chef.