It’s no secret that Singaporeans sleep really late, but what are we doing during those wee hours of the night? Some of us are doing serious work, but the rest of us… probably bingeing Netflix. No shame in that of course (as long as it doesn’t affect you at school or work the next morning), but this recent study by Netflix has thrown out some pretty interesting statistics: peak Netflix streaming within Singapore occurs as late as 10pm, which is one of the latest viewing times in the world.
So we guess that over here, late nights aren’t just for supper. We took this opportunity to unite two big Singaporean passions: food, and streaming TV shows and movies, in this roundup of the best food documentaries you can watch on Netflix now. Word of warning: maybe don’t watch these at night, if you’re trying to quit the supper habit.
Chef’s Table
The premise of the show is this: a group of culinary masters from all over the world are united in each season, and we’re brought right into their legendary kitchens, as well as into their personal lives, to get a glimpse of how they continually innovate the world of gourmet dining. Season 3, the latest, features chefs from nations as diverse as South Korea, Russia, and Peru.
Midnight Diner – Tokyo Stories
Omelette rice, corn dog, tanmen noodles: it would be a dream come true to have a Japanese restaurant that serves up any dish you wish exist. Midnight Diner – Tokyo Stories, based on the popular manga Shinya Shokudo, centres on the Master, who serves up custom-made dishes plus a side of solace to his patrons, who bring their stories to his tiny little restaurant that, yes, only opens at midnight.
Cooked
Cooking really is a primal human need, borne out of a necessity to feed oneself and others; yet, it has evolved into an entire art form that’s backed by millennia’s worth of rich culture and traditions. Bestselling author Michael Pollan hosts this four-part documentary series and explores cooking traditions around the world, with each episode going behind one of the four different elements – earth, wind, fire, and water – and how it has been uses throughout time to elevate raw ingredients into complete dishes.
Chef’s Table: France
Of course, French food deserves an entire season of Chef’s Table dedicated to it. Five French chefs, the crème de la crème of the French culinary world, feature in this series, which takes a look at the intricate art of French cuisine, and how these chefs have devoted their careers into mastering sensory perfection through their dishes.
Samurai Gourmet
Another food show based on a popular manga, Samurai Gourmet is a series about the life of one Takeshi Kasumi, a retiree who spends his golden years rediscovering his passion for food. This leads to the emergence of his alter ego, a wandering samurai who belongs in Japan’s civil war era, and the episodes chronicle his search for food that can satisfy both his modern-day stomach, and his samurai’s soul.
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