By Bhargavi Venkataraman

Cooking is a life skill. There are many times in life when you may not have access to healthy delicious meals in your role as a university/college student or as a working professional. Most people turn to takeout or quick microwaveable meals during this time that soon become tasteless, boring, and very unhealthy. Fortunately, we live in the day and age of social media and technology, putting millions of amazing content creators at our fingertips. Below, I have compiled a very brief list of content creators, on TikTok and Instagram, who I have personally followed and are incredible cooks and bakers. They instill a sense of joy regarding cooking and food in general so that even if you might not find the activity the most enjoyable way of spending your time, you at least do not find it an unbearable task.

Tiffy (@tiffy.cooks on Instagram and @tiffycooks on TikTok)

Tiffy is a Taiwanese-American creator who shares numerous Asian-inspired recipes and delicious food with Asian flavours. If you’re looking for some experience with Asian cuisines, she is a great starting place!

Nadia Caterina Munno (@the_pastaqueen on Instagram and TikTok)

Nadia was born and raised in Rome, Italy and brings to us authentic recipes and dishes in an entertaining manner. I personally really enjoy her pasta recipes so if you are a fan of Italian cuisines and want to try some classic foods, she is a good follow!

Tabitha Brown (@iamtabithabrown on Instagram and TikTok)

Tabitha is a vegan Southern creator, mom, and actress. She brings an enthusiasm and ease to her videos that often make a possibly daunting task, cooking vegan food, a fun and easy task. For those who also want to create and experience vegan Southern food, a difficult niche to access in restaurants, she is an appreciable option!

Matthew Merril (@mmerril on Instagram and @matthewinthekitchen on TikTok)

Matthew began his career in food at the age of 10 when he appeared on Food Network’s ‘Kid’s Baking Championship.’ Since then, he has had numerous culinary experiences around the world that took him to TikTok in 2020. Now, he is in university and posts easy and creative dorm recipes, desserts, dinners, and all sorts of other meals that are perfect for students and adults likewise!

Carleigh Bodrug (@plantyou on Instagram and TikTok)

Carleigh is a NYT bestselling cookbook author and a sustainable creator on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. She has great series such as “SOUPerb Soups”, “Sneaky Veggie”, “Veganized” and “Scrappy Cooking” that tackle a wide variety of comforting and wasteless recipes. If you are looking to figure out how to incorporate more veggies into your meals or want to learn more about zero-waste cooking, this account is a great find!

Chaheti (@rootedinspice on Instagram and TikTok)

Chaheti has been a food creator since only 2021 and uses her platform to share food, stories, and her South Asian culture. She posts numerous vibrant and tasty that use unique ingredients and are often South Asian inspired. If you are looking to try out a new cuisine or want a taste of India, this is a good beginning!

As is evident by this list, there are so many amazing creators online that can help guide you in your cooking journey, no matter your expertise level. Here are a couple more creators that didn’t make it onto the list but are nevertheless amazing:

• @thegoldenbalance on Instagram and TikTok
• @plantfuture on Instagram and TikTok
• @upbeetanisha on Instagram and TikTok
• @maxlamanna on Instagram and TikTok
• @feelgoodfoodie on Instagram and TikTok
• @freshleafeats on Instagram and TikTok
• @shreyaskitchen2 on Instagram and @shreyacookssss on TikTok

So, whether you are trying to learn a new skill or building an old skill, use social media to take a risk and diversify your palates!