The 15 Best Food Documentaries on Netflix Right Now

Netflix and grill.

written by

updated Jun 01, 2021

food documentaries on netflix — Original Graphic by Viviana Duron

The hardest channel to part with when I decided to cut the cord on cable was the Food Network, hands down—with honorable mentions for Bravo (Top Chef) and CNN (Parts Unknown). While watching previous episodes of Anthony Bourdain's Emmy-winning series on Netflix whetted my appetite for exploring cultures and cuisines for a while, once I'd seen each episode two (or maybe three) times, I knew I needed to add some new titles to my watchlist. And, luckily, Netflix is a foodie's dream.

From an eye-opening documentary about the link between hard-core athletes and diet to a fascinating film about the influence of African American cuisine, these flicks streaming on Netflix are so good that you don't have to consider yourself a foodie to enjoy them. Filled with heart, humor, and humanity, these documentaries are as much about food as they are about the people who make it and enjoy it.

Ahead, discover 15 food documentaries that will make you want to grab a fork.

01 of 15

Cooked (2016)

Acclaimed food writer Michael Pollan explores culinary traditions around the world and makes the case that "when we learned to cook was when we became truly human" in this four-part Netflix documentary series.

Available on: Netflix

02 of 15

Rotten (2019)

This riveting six-part series investigates what is now infamously known as Big Food—the corrupt food-production industry that causes dangerous consequences for consumers. Farmers, scientists, and chefs are interviewed as the series digs deep into subjects like the big Honeygate scam, the increase in food allergies, and chicken harvesting, among others.

Available on: Netflix

03 of 15

Chef's Table (2019)

If you're a fan of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, you're going to want to binge-watch Chef's Table, a Netflix documentary series that offers viewers a peek into the lives and restaurants of some of the world's most celebrated chefs.

Available on: Netflix

04 of 15

The Game Changers (2018)

The Game Changers became the best-selling documentary of all-time on iTunes in one week with big-name producers behind it, such as James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Fortunately, it lives up to the hype. James Wilks, an elite Special Forces trainer and The Ultimate Fighter winner, sets out on a journey to discover the truth about the link between meat, protein, and strength, debunking many longstanding myths along the way. Between Olympic athletes, special ops soldiers, and gorgeous footage of their awe-inspiring achievements, even die-hard carnivores may be inspired to go vegan.

Available on: Netflix

05 of 15

Chef's Table France (2016)

This spinoff of Netflix's popular Chef's Table series focuses on the rich culinary traditions of France, highlighting some of the country's most renowned chefs, such as Alain Passard, Adeline Grattard, and Alexandre Couillon. Francophiles, you won't want to miss this one.

Available on: Netflix

06 of 15

Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018)

Based on chef and food writer Samin Nosrat's James Beard Award-winning book of the same name, Salt Fat Acid Heat sets itself apart from the standard food shows through its approachable, down-to-earth style. That's not to say you won't get your fix of drool-worthy imagery and epic travel sagas as Nosrat visits the southern islands of Japan and home kitchens of Italy exploring amazing ingredients. Yet, you'll walk away feeling like you could actually make any of the dishes in your own kitchen on a Tuesday night.

Available on: Netflix

07 of 15

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

High on the Hog documentary poster — Netflix

The diversity of cultures in America is a beautiful thing. But have you ever considered how that deliciously affects the foodie scene? Writer and chef Stephen Satterfield follows the breadcrumbs of African American food influences from Africa to Texas in this utterly mouthwatering series.

Available on: Netflix

08 of 15

Flavorful Origins (2019–)

Flavorful Origins documentary poster — New on Netflix

China is one of the oldest known civilizations, so it's no surprise at all that Chinese cuisine is equally rich and storied, with recipes and techniques that have been passed down for thousands of years. Flavorful Origins digs right into the flavors and stories that define the cuisine.

Available on: Netflix

09 of 15

A Tale of Two Kitchens (2019)

Gabriela Cámara's Mexico City restaurant Contramar has a prestigious reputation for its life-changing seafood dishes. Follow along as the James Beard Award-nominated chef embarks on opening sister eatery Cala in San Francisco with a similarly delicious menu and inviting atmosphere.

Available on: Netflix

10 of 15

Ugly Delicious (2018–)

James Beard Award-winning chef David Chang travels the globe in search of the best food ever. Along the way, Chang meets with chefs, writers, artists, and activists who work to break down cultural barriers and share their love of food with the world.

Available on: Netflix

11 of 15

Somebody Feed Phil (2018–)

Follow Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal as he travels the world to savor the culture and, of course, tasty local cuisine from places like Bangkok, Mexico City, New Orleans, and Seoul. Side of laughs included.

Available on: Netflix

12 of 15

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (2019)

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner poster — Netflix

Another series featuring Chang, this show combines the best of travel and food documentaries as the chef hits the road in search of some of the yummiest food out there. Each episode features a different celeb that you'll get to know through a new lens.

Available on: Netflix

13 of 15

The Chef Show (2019–)

If you haven't watched the movie Chef yet, start there, then dive into this real-life partnership between actor and director Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi as they cook and consume mouthwatering grub from deliciously greasy to downright gourmet.

Available on: Netflix

14 of 15

Taco Chronicles (2019–)

If you're anything like us, you've eaten dozens (maybe hundreds) of tacos in your life. But have you ever stopped to think about the story behind the shell? There's so much more than "meats" the eye to these delicious little handhelds that have been adapted and perfected for decades.

Available on: Netflix

15 of 15

Chef's Table BBQ (2020)

Netflix is getting plenty of mileage out of its wildly successful Chef's Table series, and for good reason. This rendition digs mouth-first into the decadent realm of smoky barbecue, catching up with pitmasters and chefs from around the world. Stock up on napkins because we're pretty sure you'll be ordering barbecue for dinner after this.

Available on: Netflix