Street Food is a Netflix original series that takes us on a mouthwatering culinary journey across the world, exploring street food culture in different cities and countries. The show features a variety of vendors and street food chefs who are masters of their craft, serving up delicious and unique dishes that are steeped in tradition and culture.
The show is hosted by a team of food experts, including food journalist Philip Hersh, cookbook author Caitlyn Elizabeth, and Thai food expert Chawadee Nualkhair. They travel to nine different cities in Asia to highlight the diverse and exciting street food scene around the continent. Each episode focuses on one city and its unique culinary landscape, with interviews with chefs and vendors, food tasting sessions, and a look at the history and culture behind each dish.
The first episode, which takes place in Bangkok, Thailand, introduces us to the bustling food scene where vendors gather to sell their wares in the city's streets and alleys. We learn about the history of the city's street food culture, which dates back centuries, and explore some of the most popular snacks and meals, such as pad Thai, tom yum soup, and fish cakes. The episode highlights the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok's street food scene, with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to grilled meat skewers.
The series also visits other cities in Asia such as Osaka, Japan and Delhi, India, each with its own unique street food traditions. In Osaka, we see chefs preparing takoyaki, a savory Japanese snack made with octopus and batter, while in Delhi we sample chaat, a popular street food that combines crunchy fried dough with flavorful chutneys and spices.
One of the things that makes Street Food so compelling is the way it showcases the stories of the people behind the food. Each episode focuses on a few different vendors or chefs, and we get to learn about their backgrounds, their struggles, and their passion for cooking. We meet a chef in Seoul who has been serving up the same dish for over 30 years, a young woman in Singapore who broke gender stereotypes to become a successful hawker, and a chef in Yogyakarta, Indonesia who is preserving traditional Javanese krengsengan.
The show also touches on some of the challenges that street food vendors face, from government regulations to changing customer expectations. In Singapore, for example, we learn about the country's strict laws governing street food vendors, which can make it difficult for them to make a living. But despite these challenges, the vendors and chefs featured on the show are all incredibly dedicated and passionate about their work, and their enthusiasm is contagious.
Another standout aspect of Street Food is the way it celebrates the cultural diversity of Asia. The show highlights the different languages, customs, and traditions of each city it visits, and shows how food is an integral part of each culture. We see Chinese dumplings being made in Taipei, Taiwanese beef noodle soup being cooked in Chiayi, and Indian butter chicken being served in Delhi. The series does a fantastic job of highlighting the important role that food plays in bringing people together across different cultures and backgrounds.
Overall, Street Food is a must-watch for anyone who loves food, travel, and learning about other cultures. The beautiful cinematography, mouthwatering dishes, and heartwarming stories make this series a true delight to watch. Whether you're a street food enthusiast or just someone who enjoys discovering new things, you'll find something to enjoy in this captivating series.
Street Food is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between April 26, 2019 and on Netflix