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Love cooking shows? These ones will teach you to chef it up in the kitchen
Trending
15 Nov 2024
Few things are as comforting as a good meal, especially when you’re far from home.
For students studying abroad, the taste of a home-cooked meal can make all the difference, bringing warmth and familiarity into unfamiliar surroundings.
But if you’ve had the privilege of growing up without testing your might in the kitchen, or you just want to elevate your culinary skills while abroad, it’s time to boot up some cooking shows.
These shows are the perfect blend of entertainment and education, where you can learn, experiment, and feel like a seasoned chef from the comfort of your kitchen.
But beyond just teaching new cooking techniques, cooking shows introduce you to new tastes, traditions, and cultures, adding excitement to everyday meals.
Here’s our list of the 10 best cooking shows to watch, full of tips to help you cook up meals that feed both your body and soul.
10 best cooking shows to explore
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1. Culinary Class Wars
For those who live and breathe food, Culinary Class Wars is one of the best cooking shows to binge-watch.
Imagine 100 chefs — some Michelin-starred, some lesser-known — but all bringing their A-game to the table.
This unique mix brings together diverse cooking styles, techniques, and philosophies, offering viewers an enriching perspective on what it means to create unforgettable food.
Don’t be put off by the expert level of cooking required here, though. Even beginners can pick up some easy new tricks, like 3-star Michelin Chef Ahn’s garlic-infused ramen recipe.
The table where Barack Obama famously slurped noodles with Anthony Bourdain in Hanoi is now preserved under a glass box — chopsticks and all. Source: AFP
2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Anthony Bourdain was more than a chef — he was a storyteller, an adventurer, and a voice for the overlooked.
His show, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, took viewers to corners of the world most will never see, introducing us to unfamiliar foods and even more intriguing people.
Think about it: one day, he’s sampling street food in Hong Kong; the next, he’s uncovering the culinary gems of the Congo.
It’s an eye-opening experience that challenges you to play with ingredients and techniques that are entirely new.
But it’s not just about the food — Bourdain was a storyteller to the core. He showed that every dish has a deeper meaning, tied to the people who make it and the cultures they come from, making a great way for you to build your cultural awareness.
3. MadhurasRecipe Marathi
For anyone just starting to cook Indian food, MadhurasRecipe Marathi is the perfect place to begin.
The channel focuses on simple, easy-to-follow recipes using everyday ingredients so beginners won’t feel out of their depth.
Dishes like Phodniche Varan (Dal Fry) and Pithala (Besan Curry) are quick to make and super satisfying, giving you that “I can do this!” feeling right from the start.
The host walks you through everything, from perfect chopping to balancing flavours, so you’ll be cooking like a seasoned chef before you know it.
And she’s all about experimenting – so don’t be afraid to add your own twist to the recipes.
4. Please Take Care of My Refrigerator
Korean cooking-variety programme Please Take Care of My Refrigerator is back — and it’s bigger, bolder, and more exciting than ever.
In this high-energy competition, chefs are tasked with creating mouthwatering dishes using only the ingredients they find in celebrity guests’ refrigerators. No fancy shopping lists or exotic ingredients — just raw creativity.
What’s even more exciting? The chefs only have 15 minutes to cook!
The reboot features culinary masterminds Edward Lee and Choi Kang Rok from Culinary Class Wars, which is about to take your cooking experience to a whole new level.
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5. Without A Recipe
Without a Recipe is a must-watch for any chef looking to spice up their kitchen skills. In this hilarious, chaotic, and relatable cooking series from the Try Guys, the hosts take on various cooking challenges — without following any recipes.
That’s right, they dive into cooking with only their instincts, and while things don’t always go as planned, that’s what makes the show so special.
The Try Guys’ signature humour and personalities add a fun, entertaining twist to every episode, turning cooking from a potential chore into an enjoyable adventure.
Their goofy antics and genuine enthusiasm make the process feel lighthearted and fun, and beginner chefs can easily absorb useful techniques and tips along the way.
Plus, even when the cooking goes sideways, experts drop in to share pro tips and tricks, giving you the support you need to improve.
6. Flavourful Origins
Flavourful Origins is one of the best cooking shows on Netflix that takes you deep into the heart of China’s culinary traditions.
Narrated by actor Yang Chen, each episode unveils the rich history and local ingredients that shape regional cuisines, helping you appreciate the flavours and techniques unique to Chinese cooking.
The series emphasises how these ingredients, whether fresh herbs, meats, or spices, can elevate a dish and teaches you how to respect and utilise them to create balanced, delicious meals.
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7. Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant
Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant is a South Korean cooking competition where celebrities create dishes based on unique themes.
Winners will have their dishes sold in convenience stores, and proceeds will be donated to charity.
A fan favourite on the show is actor Ryu Soo-young, known for his vibrant personality and simple, affordable recipes. His dishes, like the 15-minute chicken stir-fry and one-pan pasta, are perfect for beginners looking to whip up easy and delicious meals.
His culinary skills have even impressed Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
Additionally, he was a guest speaker at Stanford University’s Korean Cuisine Gone Global conference.
8. Fatto da mamma e da papà (Made By Mom and Dad)
If you love food and family, Fatto da mamma e da papà is the best cooking show for you. Celebrities get together with their parents to cook up some classic Italian recipes.
The dishes they make are authentic, passed down through generations, giving you a taste of real Italian traditions — and a peek at what family cooking looks like in Italy.
What’s more, since everything’s in Italian, you’ll be learning keywords for ingredients, kitchen gadgets, and cooking techniques — all while enjoying the show.
With some regional dialects thrown in, it’s like a mini Italian lesson, making it perfect for anyone looking to pick up the language and have fun with food at the same time.
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9. Pailin’s Kitchen
Pailin’s Kitchen offers a window into the world of authentic Thai cuisine, making it accessible for beginner chefs eager to explore rich, bold tastes.
From classic Pad Thai to the ever-popular Tom Yum soup and savoury green curry, her recipes teach you how to create these iconic dishes with ease.
She breaks down every recipe with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, so even novice cooks can recreate her delicious meals with confidence. Pai also takes the time to teach viewers how to pick the best produce and proteins — crucial tips that will help you get the most out of every meal.
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10. Cooking with Alia
Cooking with Alia makes Moroccan cuisine not only accessible but also enjoyable. She makes even the most complex dishes, like Chicken Tagine or Bastilla, feel simple and approachable with her clear, step-by-step instructions.
What makes Alia’s videos extra special is how she ties each dish to her family and personal memories, so you’ll be getting a true sense of Moroccan culture.
