Everyone needs some tuneage when they’re chopping 3 pounds of carrots or rolling sushi for a party of 20. Driving, hanging out, running — these motions of everyday life would be mundane and outright unbearable without some great jams, right? Cooking is no exception.
The musical choices you make while in the kitchen can take you from amateur to a legitimate chef that all your friends want to professionally hire. Okay, that’s a stretch, but the right music can bring you to a blissful state of happiness. Happiness and food, what more do you want from these delicious food and music pairings?
If You’re Cooking Asian Food (Sushi, Curries, Tempura)
The umami punch your about to indulge in needs some witty and adventurous melodies to accompany it. The kind of song that catches your ear immediately and makes you dream about that certain note you wait to hit overtime with imaginary drumsticks. You just bought a tub of Yuzu Kosho and are ready to get creative.
This calls for some upbeat Kishi Bashi’s “Bright Whites” to get you going. When you’re rollin’ that sushi, listen to the catchy “Gold Silver Diamond” by The Generationals. Got batches of veg to tempura fry? Check out a throwback album by Gorillaz, “Plastic Beach.” Food and music pairing made funky.
If You’re Cooking Italian Food (Pizza, Spaghetti, Anything With Basil and Tomato)
This calls for some hearty, loud and happy tunes. “I Really Need Love” by A Band of Bees is great for some happy feels while you drink (I mean, cook) with all that wine for this easy Drunken Pasta Bake. “Do you Believe in Magic” by the Lovin’ Spoonful will have you dancing around the kitchen. Alabama Shakes album “Boys and Girls” will supply you with plenty of soul as you blitz away this easy pesto in your blender.
If You’re Cooking Something Totally Unconventional/Out of Your Comfort Zone
You’ve bought the ingredients and now you’re questioning everything — a mashed potato chocolate cake is a thing. You need some equally quirky, off-beat tunes to compliment your adventurous cooking episode. An underrated tune to start you on your galaxy doughnut endeavor is “Church” by 2 Bears.
When you get in the groove of “Blood” by The Middle East, you’ll be able to embrace the pleasantly delicious combination of avocado and chocolate in this no-bake tart. When all hope is lost and you think your seitan tacos for your vegan friend are headed for the bin, turn up Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s “RKS” album.
If You’re Cooking Anything From Your Family Recipe Box
Play some nostalgic tunes. Your relatives took time to perfect their recipes, so do the same and consider your jams with precision and respect. If I’m breaking out my dad’s secret steak rub, Queen’s “Killer Queen” will be played on repeat, or something more folksy like Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.”
Mom’s chicken soup calls for more mellow tunes like tried and true Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumors” album or Canned Heat’s up-ity tune “Going Up the Country.” Making Grandma’s Classic Sugar Cookies? Go way back to Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free.”
If You’re Cooking Mexican Food (Tacos, Guacamole, Enchiladas)
“1977” by Ana Tijoux and “La Receta” by Kemo the Blaxican are like eating tacos — fast-paced and fun. You will be playing “I Like it Like That” by Pete Rodriguez long after your taco fiesta is over. A more mellow tune is “Mi Negrita” by Devendra Banhart for when you’re stirring up the guacamole. Classics “La Bamba” by Ritchie Valens and “Hotel California (Spanish Mix)” by the Gipsy Kings will help you chop jalapeño after jalapeño for this DIY Spicy Margarita. It’s a food and music pairing made into a true fiesta.
If You’re Not Turnin’ Up The Heat (Cheese Platters, Fruit, Wine)
This is about enjoying the purity of the ingredients and indulging in the simple pleasures of well-sourced ingredients that compliment each other. Your food and music pairing should be romantic and just damn good. While you’re making this 3-Ingredient Brie Cheese, play Pink Martini and The von Trapps’ “Dream a Little Dream” or Maxcence Cyrin’s hypnotically beautiful “Where is My Mind.”
Not into piano? The sax in the Coleman Hawkins’ “Greensleeves” will take your pairing skills to new heights. If you have to have some singing in there, Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness” can do no wrong.
If You’re Baking The Sweet Stuff
Whether you’re tackling a batch of homemade croissants or only have 2 minutes for a mug cake, some poppy sugary jams are in order. Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” should be your go-to. An early 2000s gem Liz Phair’s “Why Can’t I?” is just contemplative enough to roll these fluffy cinnamon rolls to. “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies will have you pouring sugar on just about everything. These Salted Fudge Pretzel Macarons would not make themselves without the upbeat and funky electronic melodies of Sylvan Esso’s debut album, “Sylvan Esso.”