Since its release in 2016, TikTok has been a catalyst for a variety of short-form content aimed at a range of audiences. From sketch comedy to miniature house model building, the app has attracted an incredibly wide ranging group of viewers and creators.
One of these groupings is the food community, which has essentially lent itself to short-form content. Hour-long food shows starring Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain are still much beloved, but as Gen Z and Gen Alpha become old enough to hold a knife and use the stove, it is becoming clear that short form TikTok food content is the main source of kitchen education for younger audiences. However, TikTok has introduced a new type of cooking content, that goes way beyond what’s on the cutting board.
Cultures across the world tell their stories through the food they cook. It can be a message of love for others, it can be a result of past strife. Although the dishes and aromatics may change, food and the power it holds knows no boundaries. Several food content creators on TikTok are using cooking as the new Subway Surfer background to tell their personal stories. Viewers gain a quick view of a potential meal to make, while also being given moments to reflect on. Food is the storyteller, and TikTok is the catalyst.
Joanne Lee Molinaro (@the Korean Vegan on TikTok) has gained over 700,000 followers through her food content. While posting skillfully filmed videos, Molinaro tells her life stories through the food that she cooks in posts. Whether it be kimchi and her experiences growing up as a first generation Korean American, or pasta and her escape from an abusive relationship; Molinaro never fails to create a space of both creativity and contemplation. Her recipes are a meld of traditional Korean, American fusion and veganism wrapped up into a concise, but deeply meaningful few moments.
Tina Choi, (@doobydobap) isn’t afraid to go against cultural norms. She believes “authenticity is overrated” and that translates to her food and own personal philosophy. Food and life should be willing to change and adapt, and being overly obsessed with authenticity results in a lack thereof. Choi’s dry wit and sarcasm doesn’t overshadow her true love for food, but rather adds to it. Her videos are adamantly against hustle culture, and she encourages viewers to slow down, take a moment and also get a little hungry.
Not all food content has to be serious or critical though. Food and cooking can be sources of joy and nostalgia. Australian Daen Lia Kelly (@daenskitchen) is a full-time cooking content creator, and a constant lover of food. Her videos tell her comforting childhood stories that are remembered through food. Her Spanish mother’s everlasting presence in the kitchen, or the tiramisu that helped her family bond during the pandemic has made her platform somewhere viewers can feel at home, wherever they may be.
Food media has become so much more than a studio kitchen where a celebrity throws pre-chopped ingredients into a conveniently placed dish. TikTok has allowed home chefs to welcome us into their worlds, filled with memory and meaning. Generations of food heritage and knowledge can be passed onto viewers in just a few short minutes. These snippets have given creators a platform to not only share their recipes, but also spread awareness on larger issues or personal stories. Gone are the days of sitting down for an hour to learn how to make a single recipe. TikTok has introduced a world of recipes that are rich with food, but also with reflection and precious moments shared amongst thousands.