Netflix releases ‘High On The Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America’

Netflix releases the first African food docuseries inspired by the book “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America” by Culinary historian Jessica B. Harris.

Where it all started : The book

The acclaimed author has spent much of her life researching food with a particular interest in the food of the African Diaspora. The book turned Netflix series is the result of years of research and tells a tale from slavery to survival and how food was a part of this journey all the way. The docuseries celebrates the healing powers of food and how it can bring, nostalgia, joy and a sense of connection many of us are yearning for. 

After years of African food being put on the backburner in the fine-dining world, Netflix subscribers get a fresh perspective and chance to see the inspiration and heart behind some of the foods that travelled all the way from Africa to America. The docuseries looks at the link between African food and  American food opening up our eyes to the importance of understanding the rich history behind some of our favourite meals. 

The heart of African food

The show is hosted by food writer Stephen Satterfield who has clear enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about the food he loves so much. First landing in the marketplace in Benin the series takes us straight to the heart of African food. The atmosphere is buzzing with life, the colours are bold and bright, you can almost feel and taste the food. This is the perfect first depiction of the experience when tasting food from the motherland. American Stephen Satterfield is evidently overwhelmed with joy at the smells and sights but also comments on how welcomed he instantly felt in Benin.

“I think my work is a lot about building empathy. Because I try to connect people and ideas through food. I make media about food, not just because I love food, but because it’s a universal language that we don’t otherwise have access to. There are no other universal languages except for food.”

Quote by Stephen Satterfield

The show had an all-black production team to ensure the show encapsulated the true message of African cuisine from a holistic perspective as well as simply giving black people a chance to work on a project close to their hearts. 

The Netflix docuseries did a great job of showcasing what Africa has to offer and how food across the globe brings people together during hard times but also a way to restore love and hope in a community.  The series is perfect for foodies looking to explore new recipes, people interesting in history and culture and also just the average netflix browser looking for a feel good series to watch.