watch while eating

Food is a central part of family and community, of care and love, and of identity and belonging. Naturally, it can be a complicated and emotionally messy subject for Asian Americans and other diasporic Asians; and when you add queerness into the mix, there can be some really powerful stuff (consider QTViệt Cafe Collective in Oakland, CA; or the role of potlucks in the history of queer asian american social formation; or the use of recipes and cooking together as a mode of quiet affirmation; or Yaeji's Curry in No Hurry project).

Here are films & series I've watched which provide mouthwatering depictions in each episode of food/cooking/eating, along with interesting explorations of the cultural and social meanings behind/around food:

lietk12 Nov 15, 2020

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1. Tampopo

Japanese Movie - 1985

9.0

This delightfully quirky comedy features unbearably mouthwatering shots of cooking and playfully explores/celebrates food appreciation/criticism, the pursuit of excellence and craftsmanship in ramen/food (and, perhaps, art and even any human activity). It also wryly comments on social norms regarding food and life (and, perhaps, art and life).
2. What Did You Eat Yesterday?

Japanese Drama - 2019, 12 episodes

9.0

A joyful appreciation of the ritual of eating, of cooking for/with others as care, of all the senses involved in food, of finding good deals at the grocery store, and of queer love.
3. What Did You Eat Yesterday? Season 2

Japanese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes

9.0

A great continuation and development of the themes from season 1.
4. Wok of Love

Korean Drama - 2018, 38 episodes

9.0

A love letter for jjajangmyeon and Chinese cuisine as comfort food, professional cooking, and running a good restaurant.
5. Life Is Beautiful

Korean Drama - 2010, 63 episodes

9.5

Cooking and eating together as familial love, following a mother who is a well-known cook and the matriarch of a large extended family.
6. Old Fashion Cupcake

Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes

9.5

In this mature office romance, food is interwoven with desire and love for life.
7. Little Forest

Korean Movie - 2018

9.0

This peaceful film with wonderful shots of food preparation and enjoyment explores food as part of a journey of reconnecting with one's roots.