The Best Food Podcasts You Need to Listen to Right Now

In today's digital age, food podcasts have become a wonderful way to explore the culinary world, learn new recipes, and dive into food culture—all from the comfort of your home. These auditory gems cater to everyone, from professional chefs to home cooks looking to elevate their meals. I have a long drive to work so I listen to podcasts and books on my drive. Here are a few I've explored on my daily ride.

1. The Splendid Table

For a delightful combination of food and culture, The Splendid Table is a must-listen for me. I used to listen to Lynne Rossetto Kasper on American Public Media and absolutely loved the show. When I found this podcast, it took me back to listening to her on the radio. The podcast is hosted by Frances Lam who is an award winning food writer. Each episode features engaging interviews with renowned chefs, food writers, and culinary experts.

Listeners are encouraged to call in with cooking questions, making the show both interactive and engaging. With rich storytelling paired with practical advice, The Splendid Table is ideal for food lovers eager to learn while being entertained. I've purchased many a cookbook after listening to one of Francis' shows!

A gourmet dish showcasing vibrant colors and textures

2. Gastropod

For those who find themselves curious about the science and history behind food, Gastropod is the podcast for you. Hosted by Cynthia Graber and Nicola Twilley, this show takes a unique perspective, focusing on individual food topics in each episode. For instance, one episode explored the origins of chocolate, detailing how it transitioned from an ancient ritual drink to a globally loved treat, noting that the global chocolate market was valued at over $100 billion in 2020.

Gastropod excels in thorough research and storytelling. Interviews with experts provide a comprehensive view of each topic, making it an enlightening choice for anyone who wants to understand the deeper "whys" behind their favorite dishes.

3. Home Cooking

Home Cooking emerged during the pandemic and has become synonymous with making cooking fun and accessible. Hosted by Samin Nosrat, the author of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and chef Hrishikesh Hirway, this podcast encourages listeners to share their cooking dilemmas, which the hosts address with humor and expertise.

For instance, one caller worried about an overly bland soup. Samin walked her through enhancing flavors with herbs and spices, demonstrating that small tweaks can transform a dish. If you’re seeking inspiration and a warm chat with friends while cooking, Home Cooking is a delightful choice.

A cozy kitchen with fresh vegetables and herbs ready for cooking

4. The Food Lab

If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, The Food Lab is an invaluable resource. Hosted by J. Kenji López-Alt, this podcast delves into the science behind cooking, making it accessible and entertaining. I've listened to Kenji on other shows and just love his take on food!

Each episode breaks down cooking techniques and principles that contribute to great-tasting food. For example, Kenji explored the art of searing steak, explaining that achieving the perfect crust can enhance flavor significantly. His hands-on tips help listeners apply science to elevate their cooking skills, whether they are novices or seasoned chefs.

5. Naked Lunch

While not a cooking or food podcast, Naked Lunch is a joy. Hosted by Phil Rosenthal of Somebody Feed Phil on Netflix and David Wild, a Rolling Stone contributing editor who has done liner notes for just about everyone and written for awards show imaginable. Phil and David have been friends for a long time and frequently lunched together. They've turned that into a great podcast where they have lunch with their guest and it's like YOU are having lunch with their famous guest. I don't live in the LA area but if I did, I would pay attention to the restaurants they try out as they sound delicious. If you know anything about Phil, you know he loves food and they often have good-related guests like Wolfgang Puck and Nancy Silverton and Dan Pashman so while not a food podcasts, it is food-adjacent.

6. Milk Street Radio

I've always like Christopher Kimball and watched him on America's Test Kitchen for years. His latest creation is Milk Street which includes a magazine, store, school and more. The podcast usually includes calls from all over the world and he fields questions along with Sara Moulton who I also love! Cheryl Day from Back in the Day Bakery fame even fields questions with him on occasion and I adore her. This podcast covers a wide variety of topics and cookbook authors and I've gotten several cookbooks after listening to the authors on this podcast. One in particular was Claire Ptak and I have 2 books of hers now. Give this one a listen.

Discover Your Culinary Path

With so many incredible food podcasts out there, you're bound to find one that resonates with your culinary interests. Whether you're fascinated by cooking science, rich food history, or just looking for practical cooking advice, these podcasts offer a wealth of information and inspiration.

So grab your headphones, look for these gems, and get ready for a delicious journey through the world of food. Happy listening!