Get ready to feast your eyes and enjoy some of my favorite films and series, that will take you on a culinary adventure painted via the canvas of international cinema. This genre combines the art of storytelling with the love of food, appealing not only to our senses but also to our imaginations and wanderlust. These films and series from around the globe have embraced the love of fine cuisine and travel, creating a cinematic feast for both food and film enthusiasts in engaging narratives. They serve as a passport to the world's culinary landscape and the experience of exploring cultures through their food, where every scene is a masterpiece, and every story is a recipe of love.
*Babette's Feast Denmark PRIME VIDEO AMAZON DVD
This beloved classic created a wave of films about gastronomy and the love of creating food. The mysterious arrival of Babette, a refugee from France's civil war, changes the lives of two pious sisters and their tiny village. Babette’s contagious spirit convinces the conservative religious community to try something other than boiled codfish and ale bread. She offers a gourmet French meal. Her feast scandalizes the elders of the Church who are suspicious of this stranger offering earthly pleasures and terrifies the pious town with the prospect of losing their souls. Babette's Feast is a touching tale of generosity, redemption, community, and the love of a sumptuous meal that changes lives forever.
*Delicious France PRIME VIDEO Roku Channel
Writer/director Éric Besnard's historical drama pairs Grégory Gadebois and Isabelle Carré as a gifted chef and his unlikely protégé. In 1789 France, before the Revolution, gastronomy was strictly the domain of the aristocrats. Finding himself disgraced and dismissed, he retreats to his village, until a mysterious woman arrives with an offer to pay to become his apprentice. She reignites his passion for cooking and life. The pair of them channel revenge into the creation of one of France's very first restaurants, in a humble house in the countryside where they prepared dishes for the locals, travelers, and non-aristocrats. click here
*Seaside Hotel Denmark MHZ
In this heartwarming dramedy set in the 1920s, Seaside Hotel follows a group of guests from various backgrounds who return for over a decade for their summer holiday at a quaint Danish coastal hotel. Their intertwined lives, filled with love, drama, and secrets, unfold through captivating storylines and unique characters set against the backdrop of beautiful coastal scenery. click here
*Chefs France MHZ
A French drama series that revolves around a young ex-convict who finds his passion for cooking while working at a prestigious Parisian restaurant. As he navigates the cutthroat world of haute cuisine, he uncovers professional rivalries and culinary ambition. click here
*Midnight Diner Japan Netflix
Midnight Diner is a beacon of solace nestled within the Shanghai nightscape as the tiny eatery opens its doors from midnight till dawn. Each episode unveils unique connections through good food and heartfelt conversations as the enigmatic owner serves comfort and food for his diverse patrons who wander in, with their stories to share.
*Soul Kitchen Germany AMC IFC Films
This heartfelt comedy is boiling over with great characters. Nestled within the rugged industrial heart of Hamburg lies Soul Kitchen, a passionate labor of love by its Greek immigrant owner, brilliantly portrayed by Adam Bousdoukos. He finds himself at a crossroads - fiercely determined to keep the culinary dream while keeping his personal life together. Soul Kitchen not only serves up humor and delectable dishes but also features a great soundtrack. The unique ambiance of the establishment is vibrant with quirky patrons, his con artist brother and a delightful assortment of local eccentrics, each leaving their indelible mark. click here
*The Hundred-Foot Journey France PRIME VIDEO
Helen Mirren leads this heartwarming film about an Indian family who opens a restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred restaurant in the French countryside. Cultural clashes and culinary competition ensue, ultimately leading to an unlikely friendship between the two establishments' key figures. It tells the story of rivalry, acceptance, and growth through the transformative power of food. click here
*Nero Wolfe Italy MHZ. PRIME VIDEO
If you are a fan of Nero Wolfe novels, you will love this Italian version. Reclusive Nero Wolfe is one of Rome's best investigators, but he'd much rather be tending his orchids and planning his next a gourmet meal, while his younger adept sidekick, Archie, does all of the footwork. click here
*Delicious England ACORN
A British television drama series beautifully filmed in Cornwall centers around two women, a chef, and her former lover's ex-wife, who join forces to run a high-end restaurant in Cornwall. Together, they tackle the challenges of the restaurant industry while dealing with their complicated personal lives. Starring Dawn French, Ian Glen, and Emilia Fox. click here
*Sweetbitter US PRIME VIDEO Starz
Based on the best-selling novel by Stephanie Danler, Sweetbitter chronicles the life of Tess, a young woman who moves to New York City and begins working at one of the city's most fashionable restaurants. Let the games begin! Through her experiences within this fast-paced world, Tess discovers her love for food, wine, and herself. click here
*The Restaurant Sweden PRIME VIDEO Sundance Channel
A Swedish drama series set in post-WWII Stockholm. It follows the story of the family founders and two estranged brothers who are unexpectedly united in their quest to open a prestigious restaurant together. Family tensions and culinary dreams collide as they struggle for success in a rapidly changing society. Driven by love for their father's cooking legacy and dreams of success, the siblings strive to revive the family business despite personal struggles and clashes. click here
*Blood of the Vine France MHZ
This French crime drama centers around Benjamin Lebel, an enologist turned amateur detective who solves murder mysteries within France's picturesque vineyards. Each episode combines suspense with fascinating insights into wine-making traditions. click here
*Vatel France Prime Video
Set in the 17th century, Vatel recounts the true story of François Vatel, pastry chef to Louis XIV in the Palace of Versailles. Immerse yourself in this luscious historical drama portraying the grandeur of French cuisine and one man's quest for culinary perfection within royal circles. click here
*Eat Drink Man Woman Taiwan PRIME VIDEO Roku Channel
Explore blending flavors in Eat Drink Man Woman and witness simmering emotions in a traditional Taiwanese household challenged by change and seasoned with love as two generations grapple for understanding across vast differences in this charming early film by the celebrated director Ang Lee. click here
*The Cook of Castamar Spain Netflix
Set in 18th-century Spain, this historical drama revolves around the story of Clara Belmonteis, a mysterious chef who enters the service of an influential aristocratic family. In this sweeping historical drama, she revolutionizes their kitchen with her delectable dishes and uncovers hidden secrets shaking up the hierarchy from within. It is an inspiring story of love, intrigue, politics, and cuisine.
*Recipes for Love and Murder South Africa/ UK ACORN PRIME VIDEO
This delightful mystery series follows an amateur sleuth Tannie Maria talented cook, who finds herself solving murders via her advice column in a small village newspaper, using her culinary skills and intuition. With every episode recounting a new case linked to scrumptious recipes, food becomes both a symbol of love and a clue for solving mysteries. click here
*The Big Night US PRIME VIDEO
In this wonderful film, an immigrant chef from Italy and his brother, a talented pianist, pour their hearts into creating one unforgettable dinner party in their struggling New Jersey restaurant. This touching film explores themes of tradition, family bonds, and culinary passion as the brothers risk everything for one big night that could make or break their dreams, starring the talents of Stanley Tucci and Tony Shalhoub. click here
*Haute Cuisine France PRIME VIDEO
Experience the tantalizing world of French gastronomy as a renowned female chef is handpicked to serve in the Elysée Palace, only to navigate the complex realms of politics and culinary passion in this sumptuous drama.
*Le Chef France PRIME VIDEO
In this heartwarming culinary comedy with Jean Reno, a once-celebrated chef struggles to revive his failing restaurant while training an enthusiastic amateur cook, forming an unlikely duo that will redefine fine dining and rediscover their shared love for cooking. click here
Chocolat' UK/US SHOWTIME PRIME VIDEO
In this award-winning film directed by Swedish director, Lasse Hallstrom, an alluring young woman (Juliet Binoche) and her young daughter are windswept into a conservative 1950s French village where she opens a chocolate shop. Suspicious at first, one by one the locals fall under her spell. Judy Dench, Lena Olin, and Johnny Depp also star. click here
BOOKS & VIDEOS
Babette's Feast by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) click here
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler click here
Recipes for Love and Murder:
A Tannie Maria Mystery by Sally Andrews
