SBS is Australia’s home of food and travel. And now you can binge it all (for free) thanks to SBS On Demand.
If the cabin fever’s setting in, it may be time for an escape. An online food and travel escape that is, which you can do so (safely) from the comfort of your couch thanks to SBS online. With a myriad of awe-inspiring content and inspiration for future travel, sit back and explore the world one show at a time.
So let’s get you started with our top 10 picks to watch on SBS On Demand now:
Abandoned
Abandoned’s concept is very cool – a pro skateboarder, Rick McCrank, skates around different abandoned buildings including everything from shopping centres to schools. What could have been a surface level skating show becomes so much more, mainly thanks to McCrank’s hosting. At each unique location, the audience are invited to understand the interesting place and the fascinating people, who often live on the fringes of society. The snippets you witness of McCranks past add immeasurably to the show, as does the nostalgia-kick you feel watching.
Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen
Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen has the best of both worlds when it comes to escapism- the incredibly beautiful location of the Caribbean paired with its absolutely delicious food. Charming chef Ainsley Harriott takes us through the Caribbean islands, where we meet a host of interesting characters, witness beautiful natural wonders and of course, are mesmerized by the amazing dishes effortlessly whipped up in each exotic location.
Beerland
Do you like beer, competitions and road trips? Then Beerland is the show for you. Beerland’s host, Meg Gill, is the co-founder and president of Golden Road Brewing, a very successful California-based craft beer brewing company that started small. The program follows Gill all over America, as she samples home brews and chooses the best from each location. The show is light, fun and exciting as you explore the vast lands of America, it’s characters and communities, transcending it from “just a beer show”.
Destination Flavour Japan
Adam Liaw is brilliant in this detailed and fun travel and cooking show, hosted all over Japan. Liaw himself has a connection to the beautiful country – having lived there for seven years and speaking the language well. As we tour the country, guided by the very likeable and respectful host, we see the beauty of the cities, countryside, food and people. As Liaw is first and foremost a chef, we see him prepare countless mouthwatering dishes, many of which will tempt you to try yourself at home!
Gino's Italian Escape
The ultimate destination for both food and travel, Italy! The culinary pilgrimage is ultimate escapist television, where an Italian chef, Gino, takes us around his beautiful home country, from the big cities and small towns to the coast and mountains. Gino is as charming as he is good at cooking, and there’s no doubt that you will be inspired to whip up some delicious Italian cuisine after watching!
Going Places with Ernie Dingo
This home-grown show is different to others, led by the charming and thoughtful Ernie Dingo. With Ernie as our guide, we see some of the most beautiful places in Australia (well, the most beautiful in the world in our biased opinion). Going Places is particularly special because at each location Ernie explores you meet the traditional owners and custodians of the land, the Indigenous population, as well as the locals who work and live at each breathtaking spot.
Luke Nguyen's Railway Vietnam
Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen has created a warm and fun show to enjoy, and as the name suggests, Luke takes a rail journey through Vietnam starting at Ho Chi Minh through to the countryside. Some truly delicious-looking food is made and shared with the wonderful people that are introduced along the way. Watch and be inspired to do your own travelling and cooking in the near future!
Mission Galapagos
Mission Galapagos is a science-meets-travel kind of documentary led by the charismatic Liz Bonnin who constantly reminds us of the awe and power of nature as we explore the Galapagos Islands and its animals and landscape. A highlight is a trip itself, hosted withing the subversive clear pod that goes deep into the ocean. If you are interested in marine biology, or animals of any kind, or are a fan of Charles Darwin’s work, this beautifully shot series is for you.
On Country Kitchen
This fun and informative cooking show, On Country Kitchen, is helmed by two friends who bring a twist to a classic cooking show. Mark Olive, a Bundjalung man and celebrity chef who blends native ingredients and modern techniques to create delicious culinary creations, is joined by his friend, comedian and Noongar man, Derek Nannup who is being taught to cook by Mark. The two friends search for fresh ingredients, meet people along the way and showcase the beautiful coastline and countryside of New South Wales.
Planet Expedition
Let naturalist and adventurer, Steve Backshall, take you to incredible destinations on thrilling (and somewhat dangerous) adventures all over the world. Escape from your living room and explore Antarctica and Mexico, then Borneo, to see and tackle the natural wonders they offer. If you like learning about interesting places and adventures around the world such as cave diving and cliff climbing, this adrenaline junkie hosted show is for you.