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:
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![Tampopo]()
1. Tampopo
Japanese Movie - 1985
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).
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![Kinou Nani Tabeta?]()
2. Kinou Nani Tabeta?
Japanese Drama - 2019, 12 episodes
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.
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![Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2]()
3. Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2
Japanese Drama - 2023, 12 episodes
A great continuation and development of the themes from season 1.
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![Wok of Love]()
4. Wok of Love
Korean Drama - 2018, 38 episodes
A love letter for jjajangmyeon and Chinese cuisine as comfort food, professional cooking, and running a good restaurant.
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![Life Is Beautiful]()
5. Life Is Beautiful
Korean Drama - 2010, 63 episodes
Cooking and eating together as familial love, following a mother who is a well-known cook and the matriarch of a large extended family.
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![Old Fashion Cupcake]()
6. Old Fashion Cupcake
Japanese Drama - 2022, 5 episodes
In this mature office romance, food is interwoven with desire and love for life.
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![Little Forest]()
7. Little Forest
Korean Movie - 2018
This peaceful film with wonderful shots of food preparation and enjoyment explores food as part of a journey of reconnecting with one's roots.
