The 20 best food documentaries on Netflix right now

Barbecue Showdown (2020–present)

There’s nothing wrong with ogling a juicy rack of ribs or drooling over a hunk of brisket slowly smoking over hot coals. But it’s the personalities, not just the mouthwatering visuals, that really make this competition series so delightful.

The contestants come from all over but tend to share an affinity for Southern-style hospitality. Host Michelle Buteau is a hoot, as are tough-but-tender judges Kevin Bludso and Melissa Cookston. Barbecue can be more complicated than you might think, particularly at this elite level. There’s nothing wrong with a side of learning with your plate, either.

Where to watch Barbecue Showdown: Netflix

The Chef Show (2019–2020)

Iron Man director Jon Favreau first got into cooking when directing Chef (2014), about a stressed-out cook who rediscovers his love for the craft when he quits his job to start a food truck. Now, Favreau has his own food truck, which he and chef Roy Choi use to visit Favreau’s famous friends.

This is a low-key show, spending time with Favreau, Choi, and a guest list that includes famous actors — in one episode, they take The Avengers cast on an Atlanta restaurant crawl — as well as celebrated chefs, bakers, and barbecuers nationwide. They’re all a good hang, and the food looks great, too.

Where to watch The Chef Show: Netflix

Chef’s Table (2015–present)

The ne plus ultra of food documentary shows, Chef’s Table is as fancy as the Latin phrase we just used. This long-running series, created by Jiro Dreams of Sushi filmmaker David Gelb, takes viewers inside the kitchens — and minds — of the world’s most celebrated chefs.

Beginning with Grant Achatz at Chicago’s legendary fine-dining haven Alinea, each episode delves into an individual’s philosophy and practice, exploring the obsessive dedication that fuels their commitment to the craft. The cinematography is gorgeous and thoughtful, capturing the chefs’ creations with the refined eye of an artist.

Where to watch Chef’s Table: Netflix

Cooked (2016)

Michael Pollan’s books have a huge influence on food culture; the author of In Defense of Food and The Omnivore’s Dilemma loves simple, plant-based recipes made with local produce. Pollan’s Cooked reflects this philosophy, using the four elements — earth, air, fire, and water — as the basis for exploring how each is used to prepare the foods we love.

Pollan tries his hand at baking, brewing, and braising in this series, with a little help from chef Samin Nosrat. But while nerding out on technique is a big part of it, at its core, the show is about how cooking brings us together.

Where to watch Cooked: Netflix

The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell (2018)

This unique, unfortunately short-lived blend of whimsical gothic sitcom and spooky baking tutorial is made even more unusual by the puppets. The Jim Henson Company created a menagerie of felt friends for host Christine McConnell to interact with on her variety show, including undead-and-loving-it raccoon Rose and a grumpy cat mummy named Rankle.

Together, they help Christine as she prepares creepy sweet treats, each one accompanied by an equally spine-tingling craft. The season finale, which takes place on Halloween, is a great way for lovers of the holiday to get their fix when October is still too far away.

Where to watch The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell: Netflix

Flavorful Origins (2019–present)

American Chinese food is completely different from the food in China. This Chinese series schools viewers on how it’s actually done in different regions across this enormous, diverse country of 1.4 billion people. Season 1 documents the cuisine of the Chaoshan region across 20 epic episodes, while seasons 2-5 explore the regional quirks and beloved delicacies of Yunnan, Gansu, Guiyang, and Hubei.

What makes this doc different from many others is its emphasis on the dishes, not the chefs. Each episode follows a recipe from the fields to the plate, with lots of appetizing images along the way.

Where to watch Flavorful Origins: Netflix

Gather (2020)

“Eating local” takes on a whole new meaning in this documentary, which focuses on the food sovereignty movement and efforts by Indigenous Americans to rediscover and reclaim their ancestral foodways. The series travels around the land now known as the United States, meeting tribal stewards keeping ancient traditions alive, Native chefs innovating for 21st-century palates, and historians whose research attempts to recover recipes lost long ago.

Food is presented as a pathway to healing, meaning not only the health of individuals but also spiritually revitalizing First Nations people by reconnecting them with their roots. It’s profound stuff, and tasty, too.

Where to watch Gather: Netflix

The Great British Baking Show (2010–present)

A phenomenon on both sides of the pond, The Great British Baking Show inspired a kindness revolution in reality TV. The series originated on the BBC, but made its way to America via Netflix after building up a cult following.

It’s gone through many changes since, but the core idea of bringing a dozen great amateur bakers together under a big white tent to show off their skills in pastries, breads, cakes, and other baked goods remains reassuringly constant. Same goes for the hosts’ gentle humor and the bakers’ camaraderie. It’s the ultimate comfort show, and it’ll have you running for the nearest patisserie.

Where to watch The Great British Baking Show: Netflix

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021–present)

In more ways than one, Black people built America; in that spirit, High on the Hog focuses on African-Americans’ foundational impact on American culture — including, but not limited to, food. In this series, writer and former sommelier Stephen Satterfield dives into the origins and continuing traditions of African-American cuisine.

The doc is based on the book by culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, who joins Satterfield for a journey that begins in West Africa and travels to Texas, South Carolina, Harlem, and beyond. There’s a painful history here, but also healing, community, joy, and some delicious-looking food. 

Where to watch High on the Hog: Netflix

Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend (2022)

Netflix’s spin on the classic Japanese series (and its American spinoff) is a model for how to do a reboot right. This Iron Chef changes a few things — Top Chef breakout Kristen Kish joins Alton Brown as host, and they grace the judges’ panel for the first time — but it maintains the original’s appeal.

There’s the showmanship of “Chairman” Mark Dacascos, revealing each week’s secret ingredient with theatrical flair; the expert cooking of the Iron Chefs, whose technique is front and center in Kitchen Stadium; and the fighting spirit of the challengers, whose confidence in taking on culinary legends you can’t help but root for.

Where to watch Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend: Netflix

Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody (2020)

Talk about a deep dive! This Korean docuseries spends nearly two hours discussing one food: Samgyeopsal, or grilled pork belly, cut into thin slices that expose the layers of fat and meat in each bite. The show explores the history of this quintessential Korean dish and the different methods of preparing it, both at home and in restaurants.

But the real draw is the close-ups on slices of pork bubbling and sizzling on hot grills, plus the dramatic pans over bowls of banchan. The series was so enticing that it spawned multiple sequels, including Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody and Korean Fried Chicken Rhapsody.

Where to watch Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody: Netflix

Nadiya’s Time to Eat (2020)

British food personality Nadiya Hussain goes beyond baking for this reality series, in which the Great British Baking Show winner redirects her attention to homemade meals, preparing food for her family, and giving viewers tips on cooking for theirs. She takes the stress out of cooking, using the same ingredients in multiple recipes and making dishes that will keep well as leftovers.

Hussain has a friendly, reassuring presence, making the already-simple recipes even less intimidating. All in all, it’s a light, wholesome watch for when you want something soothing — or a simple stress reliever.

Where to watch Nadiya’s Time to Eat: Netflix

Rotten (2018–2019)

On a list full of “food porn,” there has to be one downer. That honor goes to Rotten, which combines two incredibly popular subgenres — true crime and cuisine — to explore the dark side of the food industry.

There’s plenty of opportunity for corruption in the global supply chain — one episode refers to the garlic business as a “cartel” — and the show’s investigations into how greed and corporate negligence lower the quality of the food we eat are both shocking and fascinating. They’re also often pretty gross, so be forewarned: This is one food show that won’t leave you feeling hungry.

Where to watch Rotten: Netflix

Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018)

Samin Nosrat’s four-part series, based on her book, finds an ingenious way to explore food culture and teach people to cook at the same time. The secret? To break it all down to four elements, each essential for making something delicious: Salt, self-explanatory; fat, for flavor; acid, to brighten a dish; and heat, from spices and the fire on which food is cooked.

Nosrat’s intelligence and curiosity shine through in her narration, and her charisma makes her a wonderful companion as the show travels from Italy to Japan to Mexico and finally back to the host’s own California kitchen.

Where to watch Salt Fat Acid Heat: Netflix

School of Chocolate (2021)

Desserts are an art form unto themselves, and everyone can share in the glory of their creation on this reality competition show. Chocolate wizard Amaury Guichon leads a master class in dessert preparation for eight culinary professionals, who apply what they’ve learned by making their own versions of Guichon’s sweet treats.

Only one will be awarded “Best in Class,” but everyone wins with so much extra candy and cake lying around. Speaking of: Guichon excels at recreating everyday objects with baked goods, so if you like Is It Cake?, you’ll enjoy this show as well.

Where to watch School of Chocolate: Netflix

Somebody Feed Phil (2018–present)

Travel shows live and die by their hosts, and Phil Rosenthal is a good one. Before getting this incredible gig, Rosenthal worked behind the scenes, namely as the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005). His everyman attitude takes him far —  literally. With his love of life and knack for making new friends, Rosenthal charms restaurant owners and patrons everywhere as he travels the world in search of great food.

This guy really loves food, as you can see by his facial expressions when he eats. He’s certainly charmed audiences, with this doc verging on its eighth season.

Where to watch Somebody Feed Phil: Netflix

Street Food (2019–present)

The street-food scene in any given city can tell you a lot about life there, which makes this show a fantastic travel series and a tantalizing food documentary. The first season focuses on Asia, where street food is a way of life and tourists and locals alike wait in long lines to try local specialties like Thai crab omelets and Japanese okonomiyaki. Seasons 2-3 concentrate on regional dishes in Latin America and the United States, traveling from Peru to Portland, and many destinations in between, in search of the ultimate late-night eats.

Where to watch Street Food: Netflix

Taco Chronicles (2019–present)

Like Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody, this Mexican series devotes itself entirely to a single food: the taco. There’s a lot you can do with this humble but mighty combination of tortillas, filling, and toppings. Three seasons’ worth of documentaries about them, in fact, with 21 episodes covering tasty variants like carnitas, birria, canasta, and guisado tacos. (Even the Taco Bell-style “American Taco” gets its own episode.)

The show is in Spanish, but episodes are filmed on both sides of the border; the most recent season travels to American cities with large Mexican-American populations like Chicago, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

Where to watch Taco Chronicles: Netflix

A Tale of Two Kitchens (2019)

The modest length of this short — which clocks in at 30 minutes — reflects its humble attitude. The doc is mainly about Gabriela Cámara, a successful restaurateur in Mexico City, opening a new location in San Francisco. But the stories of the people who work at these restaurants, from chefs to servers to bussers and bartenders, are equally important. That emphasizes Camara’s philosophy toward food and cooking, based in acceptance and community.

It’s a refreshing change from macho chef culture. Not only are these employees happy, they’re making incredible Mexican food. When the crews of Cala and Contramar say they’re “like a family,” they really mean it.

Where to watch A Tale of Two Kitchens: Netflix

Ugly Delicious (2018–2020)

In another iconic food documentary on Netflix’s roster of originals, chef David Chang explores the vibrant — and sometimes prickly — intersections of culture, history, and cuisine in a refreshingly frank and unpretentious way.

Chang is more than just the host —  he brings his own life into the show. The season 2 premiere follows his journey figuring out what kids like to eat after he learns he’s going to be a father. Other episodes tackle racism in the food industry — the MSG episode is especially enlightening — with insights that make you see ordinary meals in a new light.

Where to watch Ugly Delicious: Netflix