It wasn't too long ago that the chef was simply the man (and, yes, we mean man) in the back of the kitchen—sweaty, tattooed, probably not worth anyone's attention. But times changed quickly, and now the chef has become a star—TV host, celebrity personality, author, hypebeast god. And with the rise of the chef, comes the rise of his and her product: the food. Yes, if it's cool to cook, it's even cooler to eat and to know what you're talking about when you chow down.
These documentaries capture the culinary art and hedonistic joy off all things edible. Some profile chefs. Some battle it out between cuisines. All are about more than just food. Throw these on for some cooking inspiration. Here are the best food docs on Netflix right now.
Sour Grapes
Crime. Fraud. International intrigue. Sour Grapes is spy thriller of food docs. Never look at wine the same ever again.
Chef's Table
If Vivaldi blasting over time-lapsed food service doesn't drive you into the kitchen, nothing will. Each episode is a formidable mini-documentary in its own right. Our favorites include Season 3's Jeong Kwan and Season 5's Christina Martinez.
Ugly Delicious
David Chang hosts this sloppy series (in a good way!), which goes deep into supposedly-simple cuisine and shows how food can be a political, culturally-illuminating product as much as a meal.
Rotten
The moldy, expired insides of food production. Eating can be a choice, and choices have consequences.
Street Food
From the team behind Chef's Table, Street Food expands the definition of chef from a Michelin star to a food cart. The best cooks on the planet don't always take reservations. Sometimes, you just have to show up, line up, and get your grub standing on the street.
Barbecue
Filmmakers travel across the world to explore that one ancient ritual that unites us: grilling with fire.
Cowspiracy
If Parasite director Bong Joon-Ho's Okja (also on Netflix) didn't convince you to be more conscientious about the meat you consume, Cowspiracy will certainly stuff questions into your carnivorous head. We're talking about sustainability here.
The Magic Pill
Keto is a sensation. Eating fat is practically a cult. And yet it may just help stave off disease and improve the planet's health? Find out.
Pre-Workout Supplements to Enhance Your Routine
How Chris Bumstead Gets Shredded for a Photoshoot
Food Scales to Help Hit Your Nutrition Goals
WWE Star Drew McIntyre’s 6,200-Calorie Diet
