Food is an evergreen topic that offers intriguing perspectives worth exploring. There is an abundance of podcasts that cater to food enthusiasts, ranging from delving into the history and customs of a particular cuisine to investigating the newest food trends. In this article, I list out some of the noteworthy food podcasts worth listening to.
These podcasts offer a wealth of insights and knowledge about the food industry, from celebrity chefs sharing their favourite recipes to food entrepreneurs discussing their latest ventures. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking inspiration, there’s something for everyone in the world of food podcasts. Without any further ado, let’s round up some of the best shows and see what they have to offer.
Food People by Bon Appétit
Listen to Food People by Bon Appétit
Food People is a remarkable show by Bon Appétit that revolves around the love of food. Consulting editor, Amanda Shapiro, poses a new food-related question every week, ranging from serious to lighthearted, such as the best way to grill chicken, how to make meal prep less dreadful, or whether air fryers live up to the hype.
Home Cooking
Home Cooking is a mini-series that aims to inspire. Hosted by Samin Nosrat, a chef and author of the cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat, and Hrishikesh Hirway, the creator and host of the podcast Song Exploder, this series offers culinary inspiration for those seeking guidance or simply looking for some creativity in the kitchen.
A Hot Dog Is a Sandwich
Listen to A Hot Dog Is a Sandwich
Josh Scherer and Nicole Enayati, both knowledgeable in the culinary field, participate in engaging and entertaining conversations regarding some of the most amusing and controversial food-related topics found on the internet.
Gastropod
Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley are the co-hosts of a captivating podcast that dives into the intriguing science and captivating history of various food- and farming-related topics. Every two weeks, they present a fresh episode exploring a different subject, such as ancient feasts, chile peppers, aquaculture, cutlery, and Malbec.
The Fantastic History of Food
Listen to the Fantastic History of Food
Join the host of this show on a journey as he explores the captivating and occasionally quirky stories that constitute the marvelous history of food. From unconventional recipes to extravagant dining customs, this podcast reveals all the interesting particulars that make this subject so compelling. Prepare to be amused and educated.
Eat Drink Asia
If you have an interest in learning about the cultural significance and origins of popular Asian dishes, I highly recommend this podcast. Produced by the South China Morning Post, it provides a deep dive into the forgotten history of some of Asia’s most beloved foods and drinks that have now gained global recognition.
Recipe Club
David Chang and his Recipe Club team are dedicated to discovering the best techniques for preparing the meals you love. They tirelessly search through countless recipes, carefully testing plant-based proteins, broccoli, seaweed and more. Their goal is to sift through the clutter and bring you only the most exceptional recipes.
The Sporkful
Learning about people is one of the many reasons why food is worth obsessing over. The Sporkful podcast caters not only to food enthusiasts but also to anyone who eats. The show is hosted by Dan Pashman, who is also the mastermind behind the innovative pasta shape, cascatelli.
Savor
The Savor podcast analyzes the nuances of individuals’ lifestyles and dietary choices, investigating the underlying causes. Hosted by Anney Reese and Lauren Vogelbaum, the program includes conversations with a diverse range of culinary specialists and enthusiasts who provide information on the scientific, historical, and cultural importance of food and drinks.
Gravy
Gravy explores the constantly evolving American South through the lens of food, revealing fascinating stories worth sharing. The show cheers on the region’s ability to embrace new immigrants, adopt novel traditions, and tenderly preserve old ones.
Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
Listen to Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster
At Off Menu, the charming restaurant owned by Ed Gamble and James Acaster, guests are invited to curate their dream meal by selecting their ideal starter, main course, side dish, dessert, and beverage. This is an unparalleled opportunity to savour the culinary experience you’ve always imagined.
The Storied Recipe
Guests generously share their cherished recipes with this podcast on a weekly basis. These recipes hold significant value due to their cultural roots, familial legacy, and personal nostalgia. It is an amazing podcast whose combination of food and stories makes for a powerful storytelling experience.
Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
Listen to Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
Milk Street Radio offers an exceptional culinary experience that immerses you in a journey across the globe. Their captivating stories cover a wide range of topics, from Norwegian youngsters harvesting cod tongues after class to a food investigator chasing down culprits. But it’s not just about gastronomy – the show constantly surprises you with unexpected content.
Food Court with Richard Blais
Listen to Food Court with Richard Blais
Welcome to the Food Court podcast hosted by celebrity chef Richard Blais. In this high-energy game show-style podcast, guests debate on some of the most divisive food topics. The podcast starts with a trivia lightning round, followed by guests passionately arguing for their preferred option while vehemently denouncing their opponent’s choice as The Absolute Worst.
Burnt Toast
Burnt Toast explores the profound influence of food on our lives that often goes unnoticed. Through fascinating and easily digestible anecdotes, this podcast offers a wealth of information worth sharing at social gatherings. The best part? Each episode is compact enough to fit comfortably into your daily commute.
The Slow Melt: A Podcast about Chocolate
Listen to The Slow Melt: A Podcast about Chocolate
The Slow Melt podcast is worth checking out if you haven’t already. It offers a captivating perspective on the world of chocolate. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including the taste and biology of chocolate, its chemical composition, and its preservation. Additionally, it delves into the $100 billion industry and the individuals, locales, and operations that make it all possible.
The Feast
Experience the tantalizing tales of history with The Feast. Our stories will transport you to the dining tables of the past, where you can relish the flavours, sounds, and atmosphere of a bygone era. Immerse yourself in a medieval monk’s bread-making or cheers a martini with Churchill.
Dinner SOS
Have you ever been in a dinner emergency situation? It’s possible that you were invited to a last-minute party and had no idea what to cook or that you were cooking in a small kitchen with limited space. Maybe you have a picky eater toddler who only wants buttered pasta. Fret not, the Dinner SOS podcast is specifically designed to assist desperate home cooks. Each episode features Chris Morocco, the food director, and a group of rotating cooking experts who address highly specific problems and provide two solutions.
Proof
The story of how a Vietnamese spring roll ended up on the menu of Senegalese restaurants is a fascinating one worth exploring. This is just one example of the unexpected, funny, and thought-provoking narratives about food and drink that this podcast explores. Through an inquisitive and relentless approach, the show uncovers the hidden backstories that feed your food-obsessed brain, exploring history, culture, science, and the psyche.
Salt + Spine
Explore the captivating realm of cookbooks in an entirely new way through engaging interviews and invaluable perspectives from esteemed authors. Gain invaluable insights into the intricate process of crafting a cookbook, from timeless gems to modern chart-toppers.
Good Food
The Good Food podcast, hosted by Evan Kleinman, is a weekly show that delves into the realm of cuisine and beverage. It zeroes in on the individuals, locations, and topics that mold our culinary landscape. Every episode consists of conversations with chefs, food writers, and experts in the industry. Additionally, it features segments on cooking techniques, restaurant critiques, and food trends.
Dinner Sisters
Follow the weekly cooking adventures of sisters Kate and Betsy as they explore three new recipes each week from top food bloggers and websites such as Food52 and Epicurious. Cooking, laughing, and comparing notes, they discuss life in the kitchen as well. Kate, who resides in Providence, Rhode Island, prepares meals for a family of two, while Betsy, who lives in Atlanta, cooks for a family of five, including three elementary school-aged kids.
The Food that Binds
Jennifer Zyman, a renowned Atlanta restaurant critic and food writer digs into the captivating world of food and the relationships that underpin it. She explores the profound significance behind why we eat and the connections we forge through our shared passion for cuisine.
Every Day is a Food Day
Listen to Every Day is a Food Day
Discover the fascinating history of your favourite foods with Lia Ballentine and Anna Van Valin, both passionate about food. Uncover juicy scandals, intriguing stories, and surprising facts about food. Topics include the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist, the origin story of Chinese takeout, the Pretzels for God movement initiated by an ex-clown, and many more.
Extra Spicy
Join Soleil Ho, an exceptional podcast host, as she navigates the exciting and unpredictable realm of food with a varied array of captivating guests. Together, they delve into the challenging issues of diet culture and angry chefs, examine the restaurant industry’s difficulties during the pandemic, and dispense invaluable advice you never knew you needed.
Food People are the Best People
Listen to Food People are the Best People
Hosted by the wonderful Judiaann Woo, this podcast is perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking or eating and features passionate individuals from all walks of life. You’ll hear from chefs, home cooks, bakers, food writers, food critics, food scientists, culinary historians, tastemakers, farmers, ranchers, foragers, artisan producers, and many others.
The Splendid Table
The Splendid Table is an exceptional podcast that brings people together through the shared language of food and dining. Led by the outstanding food journalist Francis Lam, the show presents a wide range of perspectives and captivating discussions that explore the intersection of food, culture, and people.
A Taste of the Past
Join the captivating journey of culinary historian Linda Pelaccio as she explores the fascinating history of food cultures. From the time-honoured civilizations of Mesopotamia and imperial China to today’s grazing tables and deli counters, Linda and a diverse range of culinary specialists and enthusiasts will closely examine the vibrant links between past and present food cultures.
The Food Chain
The Food Chain offers invaluable insights into the complexities of the food system, exploring the intricate connections between business, science, and culture that underlie the food we eat every day. By tracing the journey of food from farm to plate, it sheds light on the many challenges and obstacles that must be overcome to ensure that we have access to safe, healthy, and delicious food at all times.
The Dave Chang Show
Dave Chang, the chef behind the Momofuku restaurants and the mastermind behind Netflix’s ‘Ugly Delicious,’ is a curious individual with a deep appreciation for sports, music, art, film, and of course, food. He engages in discussions with insightful guests, delving into a variety of topics ranging from the creative process to their most embarrassing guilty pleasures.
I’ll Have What She’s Having
Listen to I’ll Have What She’s Having
Every Friday, Sophie Wyburd and Hannah Crosbie enjoy a scrumptious meal accompanied by great conversation. Sophie prepares the cuisine while Hannah skillfully selects the wine. They have now decided to take their discussions to the next level by incorporating microphones into their dining experience.
This is TASTE
If you’re interested in thought-provoking conversations about food, cooking, and culture, look no further. This podcast offers interviews with fascinating individuals from the worlds of food, media, and cookbooks, with new episodes airing regularly. Aliza Abarbanel and Matt Rodbard, editors at TASTE, serve as your hosts for this dynamic program.
Life on a Plate
Hosted by Yasmin Khan and Alison Oakervee, this podcast features amazing guests who share their personal stories about the role of food in their lives. From cherished childhood dishes to unforgettable culinary disasters, you’ll hear it all. The podcast offers a fascinating, moving, and often hilarious glimpse into the lives of some truly special individuals.
Desert Island Dishes
Listen to Desert Island Dishes
In this podcast, Chef Margie Nomura talks with special guests about the seven dishes that have made an impact on their lives. The show offers a fascinating peek into the lives of food lovers and other intriguing individuals. Guests share stories about the meals that were most significant to them when they were growing up, the ones they typically eat, and the ones that hold a special place in their hearts.
A Hungry Society
Food is an invaluable tool for learning about diverse cultures and fostering connections. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that everyone’s perspective is acknowledged and respected. Korsha Wilson, a food writer and photographer, founded A Hungry Society to promote more inclusive and diverse discussions about the culinary world.
Come for Supper
Join Alexandra Dudley, the host of Come for Supper, as she invites a varied group of guests to share their favourite ways to serve dinner. The guests range from artists, actors, authors, and chefs, and through their culinary tips, tales, and mishaps, we gain an enlightening peek into their lives. We also learn the joys of having friends over for a meal as we delve into their dream dinner party guests and kitchen must-haves.
Food Tribe
Welcome to Food Tribe, a phenomenal podcast that explores the lives and achievements of exceptional individuals who are revolutionizing the world of food. Hosted by Georgie Creaven, each week she finds herself conversing with esteemed chefs, farmers, producers, cookbook authors, and restaurateurs about their unique culinary journeys, challenges in their line of work, and the significance of food to them.
Copper & Heat
This podcast explores the commonly disregarded standards and traditions of restaurant kitchens. It showcases conversations with professionals in the field and presents exceptional perspectives on their encounters.
Do you know of another podcast about food that you think should be on this list? Let me know.