Indian cuisine, with its rich tapestry of flavours and diverse regional offerings, has always been my culinary haven. While I relish exploring the intricate expertise of global cuisines and indulging in the tastes of various cultures, it is Indian food that I return to for true satisfaction. The vibrant spices, soulful preparations, and cultural heritage of each dish evoke a sense of warmth and comfort that no other cuisine can quite replicate. It’s not just about food—it's a deep connection to my roots, and sharing this love for Indian cuisine is my way of celebrating it. This passion drives me to showcase the best of Indian food documentaries, offering a window into the traditions, stories, and techniques that make Indian cuisine so uniquely fulfilling.
1. Raja, Rasoi Aur Anya Kahaniyan (Netflix)
Why Watch- This documentary series explores the royal kitchens of India, diving into the history, traditions, and stories behind the most famous royal cuisines. From Mughal feasts to Rajput banquets, it’s a deep dive into India’s culinary heritage.
Highlight- Beautifully narrated tales of how certain royal dishes came to be, along with their regional influences.
2. Indian Accent: Chef’s Table (Netflix)
Why Watch- As part of the "Chef’s Table" series, this episode focuses on celebrated Indian chef Gaggan Anand, whose restaurant in Bangkok became a global sensation. His innovative approach to Indian cuisine, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques, is truly inspiring.
Highlight- The creativity behind Gaggan’s molecular gastronomy that redefines Indian cuisine.
3. "The Great Indian Rasoi" (Living Foodz)
Why Watch- Hosted by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar, this documentary-style series explores regional Indian food across different states, focusing on local ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and the cultural significance of each dish.
Highlight- Brar’s ability to blend food history with personal stories and travel adventures.
4. India’s Mega Kitchens (National Geographic)
Why Watch- This series showcases some of India’s largest kitchens, from religious kitchens that feed thousands daily to community kitchens that serve the needy. It’s an inside look at the incredible logistics behind mass food preparation.
Highlight- The sheer scale of these kitchens, with a focus on technology and human effort, is awe-inspiring.
5. Utsav: Thali Tradition (EPIC Channel)
Why Watch- "Utsav" celebrates India’s thali tradition, where multiple dishes are served on a single plate. Each episode explores a region’s unique thali, showcasing the diversity of flavours and ingredients across India.
Highlight- The visual feast of a well-curated thali, rich with colours, textures, and regional ingredients.
6. Cooked in India (YouTube)
Why Watch- This documentary follows Indian food and culture through the lens of regional home cooks, exploring recipes passed down through generations. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the food that’s been kept alive through families.
Highlight- The personal stories of home cooks who continue to preserve traditional recipes.
7. Southern Flavours (Travel XP)
Why Watch- Hosted by chef Kunal Kapur, this series focuses on the cuisines of South India, exploring the wide variety of flavours from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu. It delves into the history, culture, and significance of each dish.
Highlight- The attention to the diversity of South Indian cuisine beyond the typical dosas and idlis.
8. The Royal Palate (The EPIC Channel)
Why Watch- This series explores the royal kitchens of India, revealing the opulence and grandeur behind traditional royal dishes. From Rajasthan to Kashmir, it covers unique recipes passed down for centuries.
Highlight- The regal presentation and fascinating historical background of each dish.
9. Gourmet Goes Tribal (Living Foodz)
Why Watch- In this series, chef Aditya Bal travels to the most remote tribal regions of India, exploring their indigenous food practices. It showcases the simplicity, sustainability, and health benefits of tribal cuisine.
Highlight- The exploration of forgotten and rare ingredients, along with the authenticity of tribal cooking techniques.
10. Spice Trip India (Fox Traveller)
Why Watch- This documentary follows chefs Stevie Parle and Emma Grazette as they travel through India to discover the origins of the country’s famous spices. From cardamom in Kerala to saffron in Kashmir, they explore how these spices define Indian cuisine.
Highlight- The journey through India’s spice regions and the history behind each spice.
Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavours, stories, and regional diversity, and these documentaries do an incredible job of showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the country. From royal kitchens to tribal communities, each documentary offers a unique perspective on the food that has shaped Indian culture over centuries.
If you're passionate about Indian food or eager to discover the history behind your favourite dishes, these documentaries will be a true delight to watch!
Have you watched any of these documentaries? Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!
Neerja Bhatnagar
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