Love ‘Interior Chinatown’? 5 Shows Where Food Helps Tell A Story

Charles Yu’s adaptation of Interior Chinatown for Hulu is a meta, high-concept series that mixes satire, surrealism, and sharp commentary on Asian American representation in media. At its heart is Willis Wu (played by Jimmy O. Yang), a background actor in a police procedural called Black and White, who dreams of breaking out of the “Generic Asian Man” roles assigned to him in Hollywood.

While the show focuses on identity and breaking stereotypes, food quietly plays a role in shaping its most personal moments. A family meal speaks volumes, a takeout box carries a hint of longing, and a shared dish holds the weight of cultural memory.

For fans of Interior Chinatown’s here’s a list of shows where food works as more than just sustenance.: a background character adding texture, anchoring moments, or even silently shaping the narrative. Whether it’s anchoring chaotic kitchens in The Bear, punctuating family drama in The Brothers Sun, or highlighting cultural heritage in High on the Hog, these shows use food to tell stories of identity, connection, and transformation.

These aren’t all necessarily “food shows,” but for viewers who love the way meals and kitchens hold hidden stories, they’re worth a watch.

The Brother’s Sun

Streaming on Netflix

An action-comedy series with a heart, The Brothers Sun blends high-stakes crime drama with sharp humor and family dynamics. After the shocking murder of his father, Charles Sun, (played by Justin Chein) a gangster from Taipei, travels to Los Angeles to protect his estranged mother and younger brother, Bruce. As the younger Sun uncovers his family’s criminal legacy, the series weaves a story of identity, loyalty, and rediscovering what family truly means.

Food serves as a quiet yet impactful backdrop throughout the series, reflecting many aspects of Chinese-American culture. From intimate family dinners to scenes showcasing cultural rituals, food underscores the themes of connection and identity. The series turns Asian gangster tropes on their head by presenting a nuanced world of relatable characters, making it a must-watch for fans of stories like Interior Chinatown.

The Bear

Streaming on Hulu

The Bear captures the frenetic, high-pressure energy of a Chicago sandwich shop and layers it with profound emotional depth. The story follows Carmy, a fine-dining chef who reluctantly returns to his hometown to take over his late brother’s dive-y Italian beef joint. Tasked with turning around the struggling restaurant, Carmy has to navigate not only financial chaos and untrained staff but also the reality of family grief and unresolved tensions.

The series immerses viewers in the real grit and grind of restaurant life, from the deafening clatter of kitchen chaos to the exacting artistry of crafting the perfect sandwich. Food isn’t solely about sustenance here—it’s a metaphor for connection, loss, and redemption.

Through moments of both explosive conflict and tender camaraderie, The Bear highlights how food can serve as a bridge between people, even when words aren’t enough. Expect the sizzle of beef on the griddle, the comforting aroma of fresh bread, and a raw, unfiltered look at the resilience it takes to create something meaningful out of disorder.

Ramy

Streaming on Hulu

Food might not be the star of Ramy, but it plays an unforgettable supporting role. The show dives into the messy, funny, and deeply personal life of Ramy, (played by Ramy Youssef) a first-generation Muslim American juggling faith, family, and a world full of contradictions. Food becomes a kind of unspoken language, connecting generations and celebrating traditions.

Halal dishes, family meals, and celebratory feasts serve as markers of identity and love, even when conversations get awkward or tensions bubble over. Watching Ramy, you’ll find yourself craving not just the dishes on screen but the stories they represent.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

Streaming on Netflix

This isn’t just a cooking show—it’s a feast for the senses. Samin Nosrat invites viewers on a globe-trotting adventure to explore the four simple elements that make great food. Each episode focuses on one: the tang of vinegar, the sizzle of olive oil, the perfect crunch of sea salt. Along the way, Nosrat’s warmth and curiosity turn every dish into a story about the people and places behind it. From handmade pasta in Italy to miso in Japan, the series celebrates food as a way to understand the world and our place in it. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to cook, eat, and maybe even book a flight.

High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America

Streaming on Netflix

High on the Hog isn’t just about food—it’s about history, resilience, and identity. Host Stephen Satterfield takes viewers on a journey that begins in Africa and stretches across centuries, tracing the roots of African American foodways and its profound impact on American culture.

From the spices of West Africa to the soulful barbecue pits of the South, every dish tells a story of survival and triumph. The series doesn’t shy away from hard truths but celebrates the beauty and joy of culinary traditions that have endured against all odds. It’s a rich, deeply moving exploration of food as a link to the past and a path forward.

Like Interior Chinatown, these shows use food to tell bigger stories about identity, culture, and connection. Whether it’s the quiet power of a shared meal in Ramy, the global journey of Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, or the historical depth of High on the Hog, each brings something special. Add in The Bear’s adrenaline-fueled kitchens or The Brothers Sun’s family drama, and you’ve got a lineup that’s as satisfying as it is thought-provoking.

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