6.7 / 10 (based on 1103 reviews)
Chang accompanied by a different celebrity guest exploring a single city, its culture and its cuisine. As the pair travels through each city, they will also uncover new and surprising things about themselves.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: David Chang, Seth Rogen, Kate McKinnon, Lena Waithe
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1 season, 4 episodes, 43-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (2019)
Ugly Delicious (2018)
7.8 / 10 (based on 3650 reviews)
Chef David Chang travels around the world tasting food from different cultures.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: David Chang, Peter Meehan, Aziz Ansari, Rene Redzepi
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2 seasons, 16 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
The Mind of a Chef (2012)
8 / 10 (based on 1412 reviews)
Chef David Chang, along with his friends, explore, explain and enjoy food from around the world.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Anthony Bourdain, David Chang, Sean Brock, April Bloomfield
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6 seasons, 87 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
The Chef Show (2019)
8.2 / 10 (based on 5331 reviews)
Writer, director and food enthusiast Jon Favreau and chef Roy Choi explore food in and out of the kitchen with accomplished chefs and celebrity friends.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Jon Favreau, Roy Choi, Aaron Franklin, Andrew Rea
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2 seasons, 25 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018)
7.7 / 10 (based on 2603 reviews)
Docuseries, based on the award-winning book, explores the essence of cooking and the vital ingredients at the heart of a great dish.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Samin Nosrat
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1 season, 4 episodes
Chef’s Table: France (2016)
8.2 / 10 (based on 1796 reviews)
Chef’s Table, French edition, goes inside the lives and kitchens of some of the world’s most renowned French chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef and their unique look at their lives, talents and passion from their piece of culinary heaven.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Alexandre Couillon, Alain Passard
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1 season, 4 episodes, 46.0-minute runtime
Street Food: Asia (2019)
7.9 / 10 (based on 3024 reviews)
Exploring the rich culture of street food in some of the world’s most colorful cities.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Philip Hersh, Caitlyn Elizabeth, Chawadee Nualkhair, Daniel Lee Gray
Creators: David Gelb, Brian McGinn
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1 season, 9 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Somebody Feed Phil (2018)
8.3 / 10 (based on 5972 reviews)
Phil travels around the world sampling food and tradition with friends and a sense of humor.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Phil Rosenthal, Monica Horan, Judy Gold, Lily Rosenthal
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4 seasons, 22 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Street Food: Latin America (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 1480 reviews)
The newest installment will travel to six countries in Latin America and explore the vibrant street food culture of Oaxaca, Mexico; Salvador, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Lima, Peru; Bogota, Colombia; and La Paz, Bolivia.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Adin Rudd, Marsia Taha
Creators: David Gelb, Brian McGinn
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1 season, 6 episodes
Chef’s Table: BBQ (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 1137 reviews)
The critically-acclaimed series returns for its latest iteration, delving into the smoky, juicy world of barbecue. Featured chefs and pitmasters include Tootsie Tomantez, Lennox Hastie, Rodney Scott, and Rosalia Chay Chuc.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast:
Creators: David Gelb
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1 season, 4 episodes
Chef’s Table (2015)
8.5 / 10 (based on 16054 reviews)
Chef’s Table goes inside the lives and kitchens of six of the world’s most renowned international chefs. Each episode focuses on a single chef and their unique look at their lives, talents and passion from their piece of culinary heaven.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Massimo Bottura, Francis Mallmann, Ruth Reichl, Magnus Nilsson
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6 seasons, 30 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Flavorful Origins (2019)
7.7 / 10 (based on 679 reviews)
Embark on a delightful journey through the culinary traditions of China and uncover the stories of the people who create and cherish its dishes.
Genre: Documentary
Main Cast: Yang Chen, Hao Chen, Vivian Lu
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3 seasons, 40 episodes, 12.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, a unique genre that seamlessly blends travel, food, and celebrity culture has emerged, captivating audiences worldwide. One standout example of this genre is the 2019 Netflix series “Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.” This show takes viewers on a global culinary adventure, led by the charismatic chef David Chang of Momofuku fame. Unlike traditional cooking shows, “Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner” focuses less on recipes and more on the cultural exploration of food alongside celebrity guests. Let’s unpack what makes this series a must-watch for foodies and travel enthusiasts alike.
The Premise
At its core, “Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner” is about exploration and connection. Each of the four episodes pairs Chang with a different celebrity as they explore a city’s culinary landscape. From vibrant street food to high-end restaurants, the show covers a wide range of dining experiences. What sets it apart is its focus on how food shapes and is shaped by culture, creating a rich tapestry of stories and insights.
The Episodes
Vancouver with Seth Rogen
The series kicks off in Vancouver, Canada, with comedian Seth Rogen. This episode is as much a tour of Rogen’s hometown as it is a culinary expedition. Viewers get to see a different side of the comedian, one that is deeply connected to his roots. The duo indulges in everything from dim sum to handcrafted sausages, showcasing the diversity of Vancouver’s food scene. But it’s their conversations—ranging from personal anecdotes to discussions about the impact of immigration on cuisine—that truly enrich the episode.
Marrakech with Chrissy Teigen
Model and cookbook author Chrissy Teigen joins Chang in Marrakech, Morocco, for an episode that’s a feast for the senses. Marrakech’s bustling markets and vibrant street food provide the perfect backdrop for exploring Moroccan cuisine. Teigen’s adventurous palate and Chang’s culinary knowledge make for an engaging duo. Their journey through the city’s narrow alleys, sampling everything from couscous to snail soup, highlights the importance of food in bringing people together.
Phnom Penh with Kate McKinnon
Actress and comedian Kate McKinnon accompanies Chang to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This episode delves into the country’s complex history and its impact on Cambodian cuisine. McKinnon’s genuine curiosity and empathy shine through as they meet local chefs and survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime. The episode is a poignant reminder of food’s power to heal and connect, even in the aftermath of tragedy.
Los Angeles with Lena Waithe
The final episode brings the series back to the United States, with writer and actress Lena Waithe exploring Los Angeles. This episode celebrates the city’s multicultural food scene, from Korean BBQ to Mexican tacos. Waithe’s insights into the intersection of food, culture, and identity add depth to their culinary adventures. It’s a fitting end to the series, emphasizing the idea that food is a universal language that transcends boundaries.
Why Watch?
“Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner” stands out for several reasons. First, its blend of travel, food, and celebrity guests offers a fresh take on the traditional cooking show format. The series excels in showcasing the diversity of global cuisine and the stories behind it. Moreover, David Chang’s passion for food and his chemistry with the guests make for engaging viewing.
But perhaps the most compelling reason to watch is the show’s exploration of the deeper connections between food, culture, and personal identity. It’s not just about what people eat, but why they eat it and what it means to them. This aspect of the show offers viewers a more nuanced understanding of the world through the lens of food.
Final Thoughts
“Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner” is more than just a show about eating. It’s a journey into the heart of what makes us human—the stories we share, the food we eat, and the connections we forge. Whether you’re a food lover, a travel enthusiast, or someone interested in the human condition, this series has something for you. It’s a reminder that, in a world that often feels divided, food can bring us together, offering a common ground to explore, understand, and celebrate our shared humanity.