The Best Cooking Shows on Netflix: A Comprehensive Guide

Cooking shows have become incredibly popular in recent years, and Netflix has been at the forefront of this trend. With a wide variety of cooking shows available on the platform, there is something for everyone, whether you're looking to learn new techniques, discover new recipes, or just enjoy watching talented chefs compete.

In this article, we'll explore the best cooking shows on Netflix and give you a comprehensive guide to the different types of cooking shows available on the platform.

1. Documentary-Style Cooking Shows

In recent years, documentary-style cooking shows have become increasingly popular on streaming services like Netflix. These shows typically blend elements of travel, culture, and food, taking viewers on a journey around the world to explore different culinary traditions and techniques. Three such shows on Netflix that have gained critical acclaim are "Chef's Table," "Street Food," and "Salt Fat Acid Heat."

1.1. "Chef's Table"

One of the most acclaimed documentary-style cooking shows on Netflix is Chef's Table. This Emmy-nominated series profiles some of the world's most accomplished chefs, exploring their backgrounds, philosophies, and creative processes. Each episode focuses on a single chef and their signature dishes, offering an intimate and insightful look into the world of fine dining.

The show's format and style are characterized by stunning visuals, elegant editing, and a focus on storytelling. Rather than just showcasing the food, Chef's Table presents each chef as a complex and fascinating character, delving into their personal histories and motivations. The result is a show that is as much about the people behind the food as it is about the food itself.

Standout episodes include the ones featuring Massimo Bottura, Dominique Crenn, and Nancy Silverton. Bottura, the chef-owner of Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy, is known for his inventive, avant-garde cuisine that pushes the boundaries of traditional Italian cooking. Crenn, the first female chef in the US to earn three Michelin stars, runs the San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn, where she creates imaginative, multi-course tasting menus that tell a story. Silverton, meanwhile, is a pioneer of the artisanal bread movement in the US, and her LA-based restaurant, Mozza, is famous for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

1.2. "Street Food"

Another popular documentary-style cooking show on Netflix is Street Food, which celebrates the vibrant and diverse world of street vendors and hawkers. The show travels to cities around the globe, from Bangkok to Mumbai to Oaxaca, to showcase the unique flavors and cultures of each location. Each episode focuses on a different vendor or group of vendors, exploring their backgrounds, techniques, and recipes.

The show's format and style are more casual and accessible than those of Chef's Table. There is less emphasis on fine dining and haute cuisine, and more on the grassroots, DIY spirit of street food. The episodes are shot on location, often in bustling marketplaces or on busy street corners, giving viewers a sense of the sights, sounds, and smells of each city.

Standout episodes include the ones featuring Jay Fai, a legendary crab omelette vendor in Bangkok; Aisha Hashim, a Somali refugee who runs a popular food cart in Chicago; and Karim's, a beloved kebab stand in Old Delhi, India. Each of these vendors has a unique story to tell, and their food reflects their cultural heritage, personal tastes, and entrepreneurial spirit.

1.3. "Salt Fat Acid Heat"

Finally, there's Salt Fat Acid Heat, a cooking show hosted by chef and food writer Samin Nosrat. Based on her best-selling cookbook of the same name, the show explores the four fundamental elements of cooking and how they interact to create delicious meals. Each episode focuses on a different element, such as salt or acid, and showcases how it can be used to enhance flavor and texture.

The show's format and style are more instructional than those of Chef's Table or Street Food. Nosrat is an engaging and personable host, who breaks down complex cooking concepts into easy-to-understand lessons. The show is shot on location, often in Nosrat's own kitchen or in the kitchens of other chefs and home cooks, giving viewers a sense of the hands-on, practical nature of cooking.

Standout episodes include the ones featuring a Mexican feast in Mexico City, a visit to the olive groves of Italy, and a trip to Japan to learn about the role of fermentation in cooking. Each episode is filled with useful tips and techniques for home cooks, as well as mouth-watering recipes that showcase the power of each element.

Overall, documentary-style cooking shows on Netflix offer a unique and engaging way to learn about food and cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, these shows can inspire you to try new ingredients, techniques, and flavors, and help you appreciate the rich and diverse world of food culture.

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2. Competition-Style Cooking Shows

If you enjoy the excitement and drama of competition-style cooking shows, then Netflix has plenty of options to choose from. These shows challenge chefs to push their limits and showcase their skills, often under intense pressure and scrutiny. Here are two of the most popular competition-style cooking shows on Netflix:

2.1. "The Great British Baking Show"

One of the most beloved competition-style cooking shows on Netflix is "The Great British Baking Show". Originally aired in the UK as "The Great British Bake Off", the show pits amateur bakers against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their creativity, technique, and stamina. Each episode features a different theme, such as bread week, pastry week, or dessert week, and the contestants must prepare a variety of baked goods that are judged by a panel of experts.

The show's format and style are characterized by a warm and friendly atmosphere, with hosts Mel and Sue providing humorous commentary and moral support to the contestants. Unlike many other cooking competition shows, there is no cutthroat drama or harsh criticism of the contestants. Instead, the focus is on the joy and camaraderie of baking, and the contestants are encouraged to help each other out and share their knowledge.

Standout seasons and contestants include the ones featuring Nadiya Hussain, who won the show in 2015 and has since become a popular cookbook author and TV presenter; and the 2018 season, which introduced vegan baking as a new category and showcased a diverse range of contestants.

2.2. "Top Chef"

Another popular competition-style cooking show on Netflix is "Top Chef". This long-running series has been on the air since 2006 and has launched the careers of many talented chefs. Each season features a group of professional chefs competing against each other in a series of culinary challenges, from cooking for large events to creating dishes using limited ingredients.

The show's format and style are more intense and high-pressure than those of "The Great British Baking Show". The judges, including renowned chefs Tom Colicchio and Padma Lakshmi, are known for their tough critiques and high standards. There is also more emphasis on drama and conflict between the contestants, as they struggle to balance their individual goals with the demands of the competition.

Standout seasons and contestants include the ones featuring Brooke Williamson, who won season 14 and has gone on to open several successful restaurants; and the 2019 season, which took place in Kentucky and featured a range of Southern-inspired challenges.

Overall, competition-style cooking shows on Netflix offer a thrilling and entertaining way to explore the world of professional cooking. Whether you prefer the friendly and supportive vibe of "The Great British Baking Show" or the high-stakes drama of "Top Chef", there is something for everyone to enjoy.

2.3. "Sugar Rush"

If you're a foodie, you're no doubt looking for a new cooking show to binge on. Sugar Rush, a reality cooking show on Netflix, is an exciting new addition to the growing number of TV shows available to stream. Unlike many cooking competition shows, Sugar Rush is completely fresh and fun. With the help of an experienced chef, each episode features a chef preparing a gourmet meal for a hungry crowd.

It stars Samin Nosrat, an author of a book with the same name. She traveled the world to explore the culinary traditions of different countries and based her recipes on these. She is charismatic and charming and has visited families in Japan, Italy, Yucatan, Berkeley, and more. The series also features interviews with locals and chefs to learn more about their cuisines. It's easy to see why this is one of the best cooking shows on Netflix.

With its fast pace and challenging competition, Sugar Rush is a great way to learn the art of baking. The show pits four teams of professional bakers against each other in a three-round contest. Each team has 45 minutes to complete the first round, and ninety minutes to complete the cake round. The contestants learn a lot of performance improvement terminology through the show. Moreover, they can improve their skills in baking.

You can get a lot of cooking and food programs through Netflix. While some of these shows are original, many others have been collected from other platforms. Netflix's collection of food-related programs is extensive, allowing you to choose from an array of genres. Watch Sugar Rush to enjoy some delicious new recipes. You'll be inspired to try them out at home! With so many episodes available, you're bound to find a show you love.

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3. Educational Cooking Shows

If you're interested in learning more about cooking techniques, ingredients, and culture, then educational cooking shows on Netflix can be a great resource. These shows are designed to inform and inspire viewers, offering insights into the history, science, and art of cooking. Here are two of the most popular educational cooking shows on Netflix:

3.1. "Cooked"

"Cooked" is a documentary-style cooking show that explores the history and cultural significance of food. Based on Michael Pollan's book of the same name, the show is divided into four episodes, each focused on one of the four elements of cooking: fire, water, air, and earth. Each episode features interviews with experts, as well as visits to different parts of the world to explore how cooking has evolved over time.

The show's format and style are characterized by a thoughtful and reflective tone, with Pollan serving as both narrator and guide. Rather than focusing on recipes or techniques, the show seeks to deepen viewers' understanding of the social, cultural, and ecological dimensions of cooking. Standout episodes include "Fire", which explores the history of barbecue and its connection to African-American culture, and "Air", which looks at the role of fermentation in making bread, beer, and other foods.

3.2. "Nadiya's Time to Eat"

"Nadiya's Time to Eat" is a cooking show hosted by Nadiya Hussain, a former winner of "The Great British Baking Show" and popular cookbook author. The show is focused on helping busy families and individuals cook quick and easy meals that are both healthy and flavorful. Each episode features a different theme, such as "fakeaways" (healthy versions of takeout meals) or "batch cooking" (preparing meals in advance).

The show's format and style are characterized by Nadiya's warm and engaging personality, as well as her emphasis on simplicity and accessibility. Rather than using complicated techniques or exotic ingredients, Nadiya focuses on easy-to-find ingredients and practical tips for home cooks. Standout episodes include "Veggie Feasts", which features delicious vegetarian recipes such as sweet potato and chickpea curry, and "All-Day Breakfast", which offers creative twists on classic breakfast dishes such as pancakes and eggs.

Overall, educational cooking shows on Netflix offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you're interested in the history and culture of food or practical tips for healthy cooking, these shows can help you expand your culinary horizons and deepen your appreciation for the art of cooking.

3.3. "The Chef Show"

You may not be interested in watching TV cooking shows but if you love to watch a good competition show, you may be interested in The Chef Show. The show focuses on the culinary skills of home cooks who compete in a weekly competition. This series has two hosts, Choi and Favreau, and their show is a must-watch for foodies on Netflix. You'll love the chemistry between them and the occasional guest star like actor Burr.

The Chef Show: This show is a Netflix original that follows two chefs who travel around the world to pick up new skills and learn from famous chefs. The duo is based on the movie Chef, a collaboration between Jon Favreau and Roy Choi. Each episode is a new learning experience for the duo, and they often feature celebrity chefs as well as film icons. The Chef Show is one of the best cooking shows on Netflix, and you won't regret watching it!

"The Chef Show" stars Jon Favreau, the director of Iron Man. The two chefs were friends on the set and soon became close. Later, the two filmed a documentary-style series about the chef. The chefs also visit celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jamie Oliver to cook for them. But the show doesn't succeed in making a great impression on audiences. Instead, it feels like an afterthought to the producers.

If you are not familiar with The Chef Show, consider checking out the British version of the show. It's equal parts educational and entertaining. The chefs gather in a pop-up restaurant for the public to enjoy and then face the judges, who are restaurant investors. Despite the rigors and drama, the show doesn't shy away from the tough realities of running a restaurant. It's easy to become swept up in the drama and enjoy the delicious results.

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4. Reality-Style Cooking Shows

Reality-style cooking shows on Netflix are some of the most popular and entertaining programs available on the platform. These shows offer a mix of drama, competition, and food culture, providing viewers with a wide range of culinary experiences. Here are three of the best reality-style cooking shows on Netflix:

4.1. "Chef's Table: BBQ"

"Chef's Table: BBQ" is a spinoff of the popular "Chef's Table" series, focusing on the art of barbeque. The show features interviews with some of the world's most renowned pitmasters, as well as footage of them preparing their signature dishes. The show's format is characterized by stunning visuals, beautiful music, and a sense of reverence for the craft of barbeque.

The standout episodes of the series include Rodney Scott's episode, which chronicles the journey of the South Carolina pitmaster from his humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated figure in the world of BBQ. The episode on Tootsie Tomanetz, an 85-year-old woman from Texas who has been making barbeque for over five decades, is also a highlight.

4.2. "The Final Table"

"The Final Table" is a cooking competition show that brings together teams of chefs from around the world to compete for a chance to cook with some of the most famous chefs in the industry. The show's format is characterized by high-stakes challenges, intense rivalries, and a focus on international cuisine. Each episode features a different country or region, and the contestants must prepare dishes that showcase the flavors and techniques of that cuisine.

The standout episodes of the series include the "Mexico" episode, which features traditional dishes such as mole and ceviche, and the "Japan" episode, which highlights the precision and subtlety of Japanese cuisine.

4.3. "Ugly Delicious"

"Ugly Delicious" is a cooking show hosted by chef and restaurateur David Chang. The show is focused on exploring the world of food beyond the usual culinary hotspots and showcasing the beauty and complexity of dishes that are often dismissed as "ugly". The show's format is characterized by Chang's irreverent humor, his willingness to take risks, and his passion for food.

The standout episodes of the series include the "Pizza" episode, which takes viewers on a tour of pizza places around the world and explores the cultural significance of this beloved food, and the "Fried Chicken" episode, which looks at the history and diversity of this quintessential American dish.

Overall, reality-style cooking shows on Netflix offer a diverse and entertaining range of programming for food lovers. Whether you're interested in competition, exploration, or celebration, these shows provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of food and the people who create it.

5. How to Choose the Best Cooking Show for You

With so many cooking shows to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones to watch. Here are some tips on how to choose the best cooking show for you:

Consider your interests
Think about what types of cuisine and cooking techniques interest you the most. Are you a fan of Italian food? Do you want to learn how to make sushi? Look for cooking shows that cater to your interests.

Look for a host you like
The host of a cooking show can make or break the viewing experience. Look for a host that you find engaging and entertaining. You want someone who not only knows how to cook but also knows how to entertain.

Check the reviews
Before committing to a cooking show, check out the reviews online. Look for shows that have high ratings and positive reviews. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family.

Final Words

Cooking shows are a great way to learn new recipes, cooking techniques, and food culture. No matter whether you just want to learn some ordinary dishes or you want to become a real chef, there are the best cooking shows on Netflix that can help you with your purpose. When choosing a cooking show, consider your interests, the host, and the reviews.

You can download them to your PC with a Netflix video downloader software, and then transfer them to your other devices to watch as you cook. Happy cooking and happy watching!

FAQs

Q: Are these cooking shows suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, these cooking shows are suitable for beginners. They offer a mix of cooking techniques, cultural insights, and culinary inspiration that can be helpful for anyone looking to improve their cooking skills.

Q: Can I find vegetarian and vegan cooking shows on Netflix?
A: Yes, there are several vegetarian and vegan cooking shows available on Netflix, including Vegan Japan, The Game Changers, and The Plant-Based Foodie.

Q: Are these cooking shows family-friendly?
A: Most of these cooking shows are family-friendly, but some may contain mature themes or language. It's always a good idea to check the show's rating and content before watching with young children.

Q: Can I watch these cooking shows outside of the United States?
A: Availability of these cooking shows may vary depending on your location. However, many of these shows are available globally on Netflix.