The Mind of a Chef
The Mind of a Chef
2012
6 Seasons
8.5
Documentary

Go inside the minds of some of the world's top chefs. Narrated by Executive Producer Anthony Bourdain, The Mind of a Chef is that rare and beautiful thing: an intelligent show about cooking.

Episodes

Noodle
E1Nov 9, 201230m

Noodle

Korean-American Author and Chef David Chang visits a noodle factory in Japan, eats the best bowl of ramen in his life, and cooks two incredible dishes with the instant ramen variety. Food Scientist Harold McGee explains how alkaline salts make ramen noodles unique.

Pig
E2Nov 9, 201230m

Pig

In San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, David Chang discusses pork bushi and prepares pork belly and tonkotsu. Later, he and comedian Aziz Ansari head to Montreal to enjoy a fried bologna sandwich at Wilensky's.

Memory
E3Nov 9, 201230m

Memory

David Chang revisits his favorite dishes from childhood and reflects upon summer eating, his time in Japan and golf.

Spain
E4Nov 9, 201230m

Spain

This episode is all about Spain’s influence on Chang’s career. He visits with some of his idols- Juan Mari Arzak and Andoni Aduriz, makes fideos, salt cod omelet and a sponge cake from chef Albert Adria.

Rotten
E5Nov 16, 201230m

Rotten

There is something rotten in David Chang’s kitchen and that’s a good thing. Rotten is delicious; katsuibushi in Japan, XO sauce, rotten bananas with Chef Christina Tosi, and Kimchi.

René
E6Nov 16, 201230m

René

Chang hangs out with one of his best friends- who happens to be the world’s top chef- Rene Redzepi.

Simple
E7Nov 23, 201230m

Simple

Dishes in this episode are deceivingly simple; Chang travels to Japan for some Yakitori and high-end sushi, and his pal Daniel Patterson makes beets.

Gluttony
E8Nov 23, 201230m

Gluttony

It’s gluttonous goodness in this episode; over the top indulgence with Joe Beef chefs Federic Morin and David McMillian’s fois gras sandwich, a whiskey tasting Mayhem with Chef Sean Brock at Buffalo Trace in Kentucky and the classic dish Hot Brown served up three ways.

Chef
E9Nov 23, 201230m

Chef

Chang makes eggs with his chef pals; Wylie Dufresne, Daniel Patterson, Rene Redzepi, and makes his Ko egg.

Japan
E10Nov 23, 201230m

Japan

Chang travels to Tokyo and Kyoto where he visits a street market and Kikunoi, a Michelin three-star restaurant.

New York
E11Nov 30, 201230m

New York

This episode is all New York with the Torrsi boys, oysters, carrot dashi, and farming. Plus Chang visits native New Yorker Ivan Ramen in Tokyo where he is making ramen that is taking the city by storm.

Fresh
E12Nov 30, 201230m

Fresh

This episode explores the idea of fresh in the kitchen; instant broth, pea agnollini, fresh and aged steak with Chef Tien and Ike Jime with Dave Arnold and Chef Murata in Kyoto.

Soy
E13Nov 30, 201230m

Soy

This episode is all soy; Chang visits tofu and miso factories in Japan, Chef Christina Tosi makes Burnt Miso.

Sweet Spot
E14Nov 30, 201230m

Sweet Spot

Chang’s protégé Christina Tosi makes corn cookies three ways and her three layered Arnold Palmer Cake, Chef Burns makes ice cream and Chang goes strawberry picking.

Smoke
E15Jan 11, 201330m

Smoke

Chang profiles regional BBQ in North Carolina, Texas, and Kansas City plus the other-worldly smoky bacon from Allen Benton in Tennessee.

Buddies
E16Jan 11, 201330m

Buddies

Chang cooks and goofs around with his friends; Peter Meehan in Japan, Laurant Gras, Set Bains, and Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen.

Top Cast

Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain

Narrator (voice)

No Image

Danny Bowien

Self