If you loved 'The Taste of Things' (2023) and are craving more films or shows that capture its essence—be it the rich storytelling, culinary artistry, or emotional depth—you're in the right place. This article curates 10 similar movies and TV series that will satisfy your appetite for beautifully crafted narratives centered around food, passion, and human connection. Whether you're a foodie, a cinephile, or simply looking for your next watch, these recommendations will leave you inspired and hungry for more.

Tampopo (1985)
Description: Like 'The Taste of Things,' 'Tampopo' is a tribute to the art of cooking and the pleasures of eating. Both films feature scenes where food is prepared and consumed with almost reverential attention. 'Tampopo' adds a playful, episodic structure but shares the same deep appreciation for culinary detail.
Fact: Often called the first 'ramen western.' The film includes several vignettes unrelated to the main story. Director Juzo Itami was a former actor and journalist.


Babette's Feast (1987)
Description: Like 'The Taste of Things,' 'Babette's Feast' is a celebration of culinary artistry and the emotional connections forged through food. Both films explore how cooking can be an act of love and a means of bringing people together. The meticulous preparation of meals is central to both stories, highlighting the beauty and passion behind gastronomy.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in


Like Water for Chocolate (1992)
Description: This film, like 'The Taste of Things,' intertwines love and cooking in a deeply emotional narrative. Both movies use food as a metaphor for desire and connection, with 'Like Water for Chocolate' adding a magical realism element. The sensory experience of cooking and eating is vividly portrayed in both.
Fact: Based on the novel by Laura Esquivel, who also wrote the screenplay. The film was Mexico's official entry for the Academy Awards. Many of the recipes shown are traditional Mexican dishes.


Big Night (1996)
Description: Like 'The Taste of Things,' 'Big Night' is a love letter to food and the dedication it demands. Both films center around a climactic meal that serves as a testament to the chefs' skills and passions. The tension between artistic integrity and commercial success is a theme explored in both movies.
Fact: The film's iconic timpano dish was real and took days to prepare. Stanley Tucci co-directed and co-wrote the film. Many of the actors had no prior cooking experience and had to learn for their roles.


Chocolat (2000)
Description: Like 'The Taste of Things,' 'Chocolat' explores how food can challenge norms and bring people together. Both films are set in France and feature protagonists who use their culinary skills to affect those around them. The sensual pleasure of food is a central theme in both movies.
Fact: Based on the novel by Joanne Harris. Johnny Depp learned to play guitar for his role. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards.


Ratatouille (2007)
Description: Both 'Ratatouille' and 'The Taste of Things' celebrate the idea that great cooking is an art form accessible to anyone with passion. The films share a French culinary setting and a message about the transformative power of food. The climactic dish in 'Ratatouille' mirrors the emotional impact of meals in 'The Taste of Things.'
Fact: The film's animation team took cooking lessons for accuracy. Brad Bird also directed 'The Incredibles.' The ratatouille dish was created by a Michelin-starred chef.


Julie & Julia (2009)
Description: This film shares with 'The Taste of Things' a deep reverence for cooking as both an art and a personal journey. Both movies depict the transformative power of food, with 'Julie & Julia' focusing on Julia Child's influence on home cooking and Julie Powell's culinary experiments. The joy and challenges of mastering French cuisine are central themes in both.
Fact: Meryl Streep's portrayal of Julia Child earned her an Academy Award nomination. The film intertwines two true stories set decades apart. Many of the dishes shown were prepared by professional chefs for authenticity.


The Lunchbox (2013)
Description: Similar to 'The Taste of Things,' 'The Lunchbox' explores how food can convey unspoken emotions and create unexpected bonds. Both films highlight the intimacy of preparing and sharing meals, with 'The Lunchbox' focusing on a mistaken delivery that leads to a poignant connection. The quiet, understated storytelling is a common thread.
Fact: The film was a surprise international hit. It was initially rejected by Indian studios before finding success. The lunchbox delivery system shown is a real part of Mumbai's culture.


Chef (2014)
Description: Both 'Chef' and 'The Taste of Things' celebrate the joy of cooking and the personal fulfillment it brings. While 'Chef' has a more modern and comedic tone, it shares the same core message about the importance of passion and creativity in the kitchen. The preparation of food is depicted with care and reverence in both films.
Fact: Jon Favreau trained with real chefs to prepare for his role. The food truck scenes were filmed with a real, functioning truck. The film's success inspired a real-life food truck business.


The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014)
Description: Similar to 'The Taste of Things,' this film explores cultural exchange and the unifying power of food. Both movies feature protagonists who bridge culinary traditions, with 'The Hundred-Foot Journey' focusing on the rivalry and eventual mutual respect between an Indian family and a French restaurant. The visual feasts of meticulously prepared dishes are a highlight in both.
Fact: Produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. Helen Mirren learned to speak French with an Indian accent for her role. The film was shot in the south of France, adding to its picturesque quality.
