Films About Cooking: Must-have Dishes for a Second Course

Cooking has long been a source of comfort and joy for many people, whether it’s preparing a home-cooked meal for friends and family or enjoying an exquisite dish at a fancy restaurant. And while food is often central to both the culinary and cinematic worlds, some films have distinguished themselves as exceptional works of art. Here are some must-see films about cooking that are sure to whet your appetite.

The Bear (FX)

FX’s The Bear is a nerve-wracking, napkin-wringing, and heart-filling new series that has audiences saying “Yes, Chef,” and looking for their next course. The show follows a talented young chef as he discards his pedigree as one of the best in fine dining to take over his family’s sandwich shop in Chicago. The series features a variety of dishes, each different but fulfilling as viewers follow along in the chaotic world of the “Back of House.”

Chef (2014)

Chef is the perfect feel-good movie about food. The film follows Chef Carl Casper, played brilliantly by Jon Favreau, as he leaves his job at a prestigious restaurant to start his own food truck. With the help of his ex-wife’s support and his young son’s help, he embarks on a cross-country trip in his food truck as they make delicious food at various stops and bond along the way. The film features some of the most appetizing food scenes and cooking montages, making it perfect for foodies.

East Side Sushi (2014)

East Side Sushi is a heartwarming story about a Mexican-American woman who finds her passion in sushi-making. Juana, the film’s protagonist, is a single mother who struggles to make ends meet. She discovers her culinary talent while working as a kitchen assistant in a Japanese restaurant. Despite the cultural barriers she faces, she pursues her dream of becoming the head chef at the restaurant. This movie is a delicious blend of cultural diversity and culinary artistry.

The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)

The Hundred-Foot Journey is a visually stunning movie about the rivalry and eventual respect between two restaurants in the south of France: one run by a traditional French chef and the other by a family of Indian immigrants. Helen Mirren delivers a stunning performance as the haughty owner of the French restaurant, while Om Puri and Manish Dayal play her Indian rivals. The film is a delightful fusion of Indian and French cuisines and beautifully captures the essential role food plays in bringing people together.

Ratatouille (2007)

Ratatouille is a must-see animated classic from Pixar about the desire to create something great and the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams. The film follows Remy, a rat who aspires to be a chef, as he teams up with a human dishwasher named Linguini to create culinary masterpieces in a Parisian restaurant. The film’s animation is a delight to the eyes, and the story is engaging and charming. Ratatouille is a movie that appeals to both adults and children and is a timeless portrayal of the power of creativity and passion.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a documentary about Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who runs a 10-seat restaurant in a Tokyo subway station. The documentary is a fascinating exploration of the art of sushi-making and the philosophy behind it. Director David Gelb captures the beauty and intricacy of the dishes Jiro creates while also examining the dedication and discipline required to achieve mastery. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a wonderful film that will appeal to both food lovers and cinephiles.

Big Night (1996)

Big Night is a touching and understated film about two Italian brothers, Primo and Secondo, who run a struggling restaurant on the Jersey Shore in the 1950s. When they hear that a famous jazz musician is coming to town, they decide to put on a big night to impress him and save their restaurant from bankruptcy. The film is both a tribute to home-style Italian cooking and a meditation on the immigrant experience. The ensemble cast, which includes Stanley Tucci, Tony Shalhoub, and Isabella Rossellini, is outstanding.

Julie and Julia (2009)

Julie and Julia is a delightful biographical drama that interweaves the lives of two women, separated by time and space, who discover their passion for cooking. Julie Powell, played by Amy Adams, is a bored office worker who decides to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s cookbook and write a blog about it. Meryl Streep plays Julia Child, the American chef who revolutionized French cuisine and wrote the cookbook Julie is using. The film is an inspiring celebration of self-discovery, culinary artistry, and female empowerment.

Babette’s Feast (1987)

Babette’s Feast is a visually sumptuous film that explores the power of food to bring people together. The story follows two pious sisters living in a remote Danish village who take in a French refugee, Babette, as their housekeeper. Years later, Babette wins the lottery and decides to prepare a sumptuous feast for the villagers to show her gratitude. The feast serves as a catalyst for the villagers as they rediscover their connections to each other and to life. The film is a masterpiece of quiet, understated storytelling that will leave you feeling warm and fulfilled.

Burnt (2015)

Burnt is a high-octane drama about the world of fine dining and the competitive nature of top chefs. Bradley Cooper stars as Adam Jones, a once-promising chef who returns to London to make a comeback in the cutthroat restaurant scene after a fall from grace in Paris. Along the way, he battles addiction, personal demons, and professional rivals as he tries to make his dream of earning three Michelin stars a reality. The film is a thrilling and intense ride that captures the essence of the culinary world.

Tampopo (1985)

Tampopo is a quirky and delightful movie that satirizes the Japanese obsession with food through a series of vignettes. At its heart is the story of Tampopo, a widow who runs a struggling noodle shop and seeks the help of a truck driver named Goro to improve her cuisine. The film features some of the most inventive and hilarious food scenes ever filmed, including a salacious noodle-eating sequence and an absurdly competitive Western-style beef-eating contest. Tampopo is an unforgettable cinematic experience that proves food can be funny, sexy, and profound all at once.

In conclusion, these are just some of the must-see films about cooking that will transport you to different corners of the culinary world. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming family stories, inspiring biographical dramas, or pulse-pounding chef showdowns, there’s something for everyone on this list. So kick back, grab a snack, and prepare to be transported to a world of delicious delights!