Recreate the Meals Eaten by the Stars of Your Favourite TV Shows

Ever watched your favourite TV show and found yourself drooling over the delicious dishes on screen? 

From a steaming shepherd’s pie on a rainy night in Happy Valley, to the luxe brunches of Bridgerton, or even the comfort foods of Friends, TV shows don’t just entertain us—they inspire us in the kitchen too.

Here’s how you can bring a little screen magic to your own table by recreating meals eaten by iconic characters from beloved series.

1. Friends – Monica’s Thanksgiving Feast

Monica Geller, a chef by trade, set the bar for holiday food. Recreate her Thanksgiving feast with:

Roast turkey – Brined and oven-roasted with herbed butter

Cranberry sauce – Homemade with orange zest

Sweet potato mash with marshmallows – Very American, very indulgent

Don’t forget Rachel’s infamous trifle – maybe without the beef and peas!

Fun Fact: Jennifer Aniston says she ate the same salad every day on set — a crunchy mix of bulgur, cucumber, parsley, mint, red onion, chickpeas, and feta.

2. Game of Thrones – Medieval Banquet Fare

Whether you’re Team Stark or Team Lannister, nothing screams Westeros like a medieval-style feast:

Honeyed chicken – Spiced and roasted, then glazed with honey and herbs

Baked apples and nuts

Crusty bread and rustic cheeses

Ale or mulled wine to wash it all down

There’s even an official Game of Thrones cookbook, A Feast of Ice and Fire, if you want to go full maester.

3. Downton Abbey – Elegant Edwardian Dining

Channel the grandeur of the Crawleys’ dining room with:

Beef Wellington

Pea and mint soup served in fine china

Lemon syllabub or spotted dick with custard for dessert

Accompanied by a good bottle of claret or a post-dinner sherry

Remember: courses were numerous and portions small — elegance over indulgence.

4. Stranger Things – 1980s American Comfort Food

Head back to Hawkins, Indiana, with nostalgic bites like:

Eggo waffles (Eleven’s go-to snack)

Sloppy Joes

Tater tots or TV dinners

Wash down with Coca-Cola (New Coke edition, if you dare)

Bonus: Create a retro playlist to match the vibe.

5. The Bear – Modern Chef-Inspired Dishes

Want something more restaurant-realistic? The Bear on Disney+ showcases gritty kitchen culture and creative cooking. Try your hand at:

Italian beef sandwiches – Inspired by the show's Chicago roots

Carmy’s omelette with Boursin cheese and chives

Handmade pasta with rich ragu

Tip: This is a great opportunity to sharpen your knife skills or plate like a pro.

How to Start Your TV Food Journey

Watch with intent – Pause scenes to note what’s being eaten

Use official or fan-made cookbooks – Many exist for popular shows

Recreate the vibe – Set the table or decorate to match the setting

Host a watch party dinner – Pair episodes with matching meals

Final Thoughts

Food on screen does more than fuel the plot—it tells us who characters are and where they come from. Recreating these meals at home is not just a culinary adventure; it's a chance to connect more deeply with the stories we love.

So whether you’re nibbling a Hobbit’s second breakfast or sipping tea like a Bridgerton, TV-inspired cooking is a delicious way to binge-watch with purpose.

Have you recreated a dish from a show you love? Share it on social media and tag us with #TVDinnerChallenge!

Bringing the Screen to Your Table: Themed Meals and Snacks Inspired by Your Favourite TV Shows and Movies

Nothing enhances a movie night or a TV binge session quite like a themed meal or snack that transports you right into the world of your favourite characters. 

Whether you’re a fan of magical worlds, epic adventures, or cosy sitcoms, creating food inspired by beloved TV shows and movies can make your viewing experience even more enjoyable. 

Here’s how to bring the screen to your table with some creative and delicious ideas.

Planning Your Themed Meal

Choose Your Theme: Start by selecting a TV show or movie that you love. Think about the setting, characters, and iconic scenes that could inspire your menu.

Research and Inspiration: Look for specific foods mentioned in the show or movie. If the exact recipes aren’t available, use the cultural context and general vibe to create your dishes.

Menu Balance: Ensure your menu includes a variety of foods to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. Include appetisers, mains, sides, and desserts if you’re planning a full meal.

Presentation Matters: The way you present your food can add to the thematic experience. Think about using props, decorations, and serving dishes that match your theme.

Themed Meal Ideas

1. Harry Potter: A Magical Feast

Butterbeer: Create your own version of this famous wizarding beverage with a mix of cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and whipped cream.

Pumpkin Pasties: Mini hand pies filled with a spiced pumpkin mixture, perfect for a sweet treat.

Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty dish that fits well with the cosy, rustic feel of the Hogwarts Great Hall.

Treacle Tart: Harry’s favourite dessert, made with a golden syrup filling in a shortcrust pastry.

2. Game of Thrones: A Westerosi Banquet

Honeyed Chicken: Roast chicken glazed with honey and herbs, reminiscent of a feast in Winterfell.

Medieval Meat Pies: Individual pies filled with minced meat, onions, and spices, inspired by the market foods of King’s Landing.

Sansa’s Lemon Cakes: Delicate lemon-flavoured cakes, perfect for a sweet finish.

Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced wine to evoke the chilly nights beyond the Wall.

3. Friends: Central Perk Café Spread

Monica’s Quiche: A nod to Monica’s culinary skills, a quiche made with a variety of fillings like spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.

Joey’s Meatball Sub: A hearty sandwich with meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, embodying Joey’s love for food.

Phoebe’s Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Chewy cookies that would make even Phoebe’s grandmother proud.

Chandler’s Cheesecake: A creamy cheesecake, perhaps accidentally stolen from a neighbour’s doorstep!

4. The Lord of the Rings: A Hobbit’s Feast

Seed Cakes: Traditional cakes studded with caraway seeds, perfect for elevenses.

Elven Lembas Bread: A homemade version of the sustaining elven bread, perhaps made with oats, honey, and nuts.

Roast Leg of Lamb: A substantial dish fit for a feast in the Shire.

Bilbo’s Birthday Cake: A rich, fruit-laden cake, perfect for celebrating like a Baggins.

5. Stranger Things: A Retro 80s Snack Bar

Eggo Waffles: Serve waffles with a variety of toppings in honour of Eleven’s favourite food.

Demogorgon Pie: A savoury meat pie with a ‘scary’ twist, perhaps shaped or decorated to resemble the infamous creature.

Classic 80s Snacks: Include retro snacks like cheese balls, pretzels, and chocolate pudding cups.

Upside Down Cake: A pineapple upside-down cake to represent the eerie alternate dimension.

Tips for a Successful Themed Meal

Preparation: Plan your shopping and cooking in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Some themed dishes may require specific ingredients or longer preparation times.

Ambiance: Enhance the experience by decorating your dining area to match the theme. Use posters, props, and music from the show or movie to set the mood.

Costumes: Encourage your guests (or yourself) to dress up as their favourite characters to fully immerse in the experience.

Interactive Elements: Include activities or games related to the theme. For example, a trivia quiz about the show or movie can add a fun element to your meal.

Photograph: Capture the moment by taking pictures of your themed creations. Share your efforts on social media to inspire others and show off your culinary creativity.

Creating meals and snacks themed around your favourite TV shows and movies can transform an ordinary viewing session into an extraordinary experience. It’s a fun way to connect with the stories and characters you love, and it adds a delicious twist to your entertainment. So next time you settle in for a binge-watch or a movie marathon, bring a bit of the screen to your table with these inspired culinary creations.