Watch Food Lore

Food Lore is an anthology series from HBO that revolves around culinary stories from different countries. The show explores the cultural significance of food and the ways in which it intersects with the personal lives of people. Each episode of the show tells a different story that takes place in a distinct location across Asia. In each story, food acts as a central element and serves to bring the characters together, make them feel at home, and reconnect them with their roots.

The first episode, entitled "Island of Dreams," is set in Bali and follows the story of Made (Valentine Payen-Wicaksono), a local boy who dreams of one day being able to afford to eat a delicious pizza. His grandmother (Dominique Husken-Ulbrich), however, insists that he stick to the traditional Balinese diet, which consists of rice, fruit, and vegetables. Made's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets an Italian chef (Firdaus Rahman) who teaches him how to make pizza from scratch. Throughout the episode, food serves as a bridge between the two cultures and brings them closer together.

The second episode, titled "A Plate of Moon," is set in China and centers around a love story between a young couple who work as chefs. They struggle to balance their professional goals with their personal lives and are forced to make tough choices. The food in this episode serves as a metaphor for the couple's journey towards finding love, respect, and compromise in their relationship.

The third episode, "He Serves Fish, She Eats Flower," takes place in Taiwan and revolves around the story of a young couple who run a restaurant together. The woman (Limi Kim) is a vegetarian while the man (Niklas Källner) is a fish enthusiast. The couple is forced to confront their differences and their individual beliefs about food as they face financial struggles that threaten to close down their restaurant.

The fourth episode, "A Worthwhile Life," is set in India and follows the story of a widower (Ikhlas Khan) who runs a small street food stall in the bustling city of Mumbai. He takes great pride in his work and sees it as a way to connect with others but struggles to make ends meet. His life takes a turn when he meets a young girl (Maredith) who teaches him the importance of sharing and generosity.

The fifth and final episode, "Stray Dogs," takes place in Korea and tells the story of a young woman (Lim Ye-jin) who runs a small soup kitchen to feed stray dogs in her community. She is met with opposition from her neighbors, who view her work as a disturbance to the peace. The episode explores the themes of community and cultural identity, as the woman struggles to reconcile her passion for animal welfare with her cultural roots.

Overall, Food Lore is a visually stunning, heartwarming series that explores the deep cultural connections between people and food. Its beautiful cinematography and thoughtful storytelling create a powerful and captivating viewing experience.

Food Lore is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on March 2, 2020.