“My momma always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get’,” says the titular character of Forrest Gump (1994). For those who, like me, are voracious foodies moonlighting as cinephiles, there is a plethora of films dedicated to the culinary arts. But what about films that focus on one particular dish? Let us delve into some delectable delicacies that have left an indelible mark in the world of cinema.
Starting at the pinnacle, we have the Pixar classic Ratatouille. Who would have thought that a rat could cook up a heartwarming French Provençal dish of stewed vegetables that could make even the cynical restaurant critic, Anton Ego, and the audience crave more? Originating from Nice, this dish embodies everything the city’s name suggests about a hearty meal. While we’re in Pixar’s animated world, let’s not overlook another gem—Domee Shi’s Bao. This short film, directed by Pixar’s first female director, is about an ageing, lonely Chinese-Canadian mother who gets an unexpected second chance at motherhood when a steamed bun she makes comes to life. The rain of hamburgers in Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs took food representation sky-high, while the classic spaghetti date scene in Lady and the Tramp, featuring two animated dogs, kept things grounded.
A still from Bao
Venturing into the real world, American filmmaker and actor Jon Favreau captured hearts with Cubanos (Cuban sandwich) in Chef. Speaking of sandwiches, who can forget the Samuel L. Jackson-approved Big Kahuna Burger from Pulp Fiction? This fictional burger chain appears in various Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez films such as Death Proof, Four Rooms, Reservoir Dogs, and From Dusk Till Dawn.
. And while we’re on the topic of fictional food items, the Wonka Bar from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and the gigantic Stay-Puft Marshmallows from Ghostbusters are iconic. If Ratatouille tantalizes your taste buds, another Italian dish named Timpano, made famous in Big Night, certainly deserves your attention.
Closer to home, the Malayalam film Salt N’ Pepper has inspired multiple remakes. The film introduces the Thattil Kutti dosa, a local specialty, while Joan’s Rainbow, a multi-layered cake mentioned in the movie, encapsulates sweet dreams. In Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, Omi’s grandfather may have forgotten the Chicken Khurana recipe, but the titular dish remains unforgettable. For vegetarians, the Telugu film Middle Class Melodies demonstrates how something as simple as Bombay chutney can save a man’s life. For those craving unique protein sources, the Assamese film Aamis comes highly recommended, though this is a spoiler-free warning about its unconventional storyline.
Whether food serves as the central theme of a film or as a narrative tool to propel the plot, its visual representation is undeniably a feast for the eyes. Made with meticulous care, using the finest ingredients money can buy, and crafted with precision—food, much like films, is a labor of love designed for mass consumption. As we wait for our next meal, the hunger pangs can be tempered by re-watching a beloved film like Jiro Dreams of Sushi, providing yet another example of the artistry and passion involved in the culinary world.
From The Hindu cinema team, a fortnightly column recommending films and shows tied to a mood, theme, or pop cultural event.
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