Food documentaries have taken over Netflix like a whirlwind, taking viewers across the globe and different cultures. As the popularity of the platform grew, so did the variety of shows for one to stream. From competitive cooking shows on television networks to chefs hosting their own shows on the streaming service, the times have changed a great deal.
Below are a few best and popular food documentaries available to stream on Netflix at any time. Without a doubt, the list includes Chef’s Table – hosted by some of the most renowned chefs from around the world – as well as David Chang’s Ugly Delicious.
Chef’s Table
Chef’s Table on Netflix is an Emmy-nominated show that premiered on the streaming service in April 2015. The six-season-long food documentary series features some of the most renowned chefs from across the world, who shared their respective stories. They dive into detail about their personal narratives regarding the food they make, their inspirations, and exquisite styles.
An official synopsis, per Netflix, states, “In this Emmy-nominated series, meet culinary stars around the world who are redefining gourmet food with innovative dishes and tantalizing desserts.”
However, the critically acclaimed series concluded in 2019 with the sixth season.
Ugly Delicious
Award-winning Chef David Chang’s Ugly Delicious premiered in 2018 and has dropped two seasons, each comprising 12 episodes. The series features celebrity guests, including but not limited to entertainers and chefs. These guests include Jimmy Kimmel, Steven Yeun, Aziz Ansari, and Ali Wong, among others. The Emmy-nominated show also focuses on deeper lessons that come with the food, oftentimes inclining toward a dish’s political and cultural relevance.
Rotten
Netflix’s Rotten is a food-investigative series that takes viewers along the dark side of the industry. The series centers on uncomfortable truths ranging from massive meat-processing plants to farms tightly packed with chickens. Directly from the source to the market, the documentary offers a clearer view to consumers. Moreover, it shows the consequences of their actions (or what they eat), per Screen Rant.
According to Netflix, “Rotten dives deep into the food production underworld to expose the corruption, waste and real dangers behind your everyday eating habits. This docuseries travels deep into the heart of the food supply chain to reveal unsavory truths and expose hidden forces that shape what we eat.”
Salt Fat Acid Heat
Iranian-American chef Samin Nosrat’s Salt Fat Acid Heat is based on her book of the same name. Viewers get to witness the host travel across countries, showcasing the best uses of salt, fat, acid, and heat. Undoubtedly, the documentary series has turned into one of the best Netflix has ever seen. Nosrat samples local dishes in Japan, Italy, Mexico, and California in the traveling-cum-cooking series. She also demonstrates the use of fundamental tasting elements in these meals.
The official synopsis for the documentary series says, “Chef and food writer Samin Nosrat travels the world to explore four basic keys to wonderful cooking, serving up feasts and helpful tips along the way. Watch all you want. Inspired by Nosrat’s best-selling book of the same name, this series features excursions to Italy, Japan and Mexico.”
Fresh, Fried And Crispy
Lastly, food critic Daym Drops hosts Netflix’s Fresh, Fried And Cripsy as he takes viewers around the US introducing them to coal flavors. Drops, who is also a YouTuber, samples anything that is fried and crispy across big cities like St. Louis, San Diego, and Savannah. The series comprises eight episodes with each focusing on a different city. Besides, viewers can also witness the host tasting a variety of mouth-watering local favorites on the documentary series. These dishes range from basic to bizarre items.
The official synopsis reads, “Passionate about food and ready for fun, critic Daym Drops drops in on America’s smokin’ hot spots for the best, freshest takes on fried food.”
All these above-mentioned food documentaries are available to stream on Netflix.