Every single playlist I make starts with "My Kitchen / ___" - a food that meets the vibe. Olives for jazz vibes, caviar for a dinner party, to name a few examples. But the Original My Kitchen Playlist is something I go back to time and time again. It is just more fun to cook with music, so maybe it'll inspire you.
The Power of Music in the Kitchen
There's something magical about the right soundtrack accompanying the rhythm of chopping, the sizzle of onions hitting hot oil, and the satisfying thunk of a knife on a wooden cutting board. Music transforms cooking from a routine task into a full sensory experience—it sets the mood, keeps your energy flowing, and somehow makes everything taste better.
When I'm in my kitchen sanctuary, I'm not just preparing food; I'm creating an experience, and the right playlist is as essential as a sharp knife or good olive oil.
The Original Kitchen Playlist
My Original Kitchen Playlist evolved organically over years of cooking sessions. It's an eclectic mix that seems to perfectly complement the ebb and flow of preparing a meal—upbeat enough to keep me moving during prep work, with some melodic interludes perfect for those moments of concentration when I'm balancing flavors.
Some core tracks that have earned their permanent place:
- "She's a Rainbow" by The Rolling Stones — Perfect for when I'm juggling multiple ingredients and need that burst of colorful energy
- "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest — When I'm winding down and plating
- "You Send Me" by Sam Cooke — Smooth and soulful for sauce-making
- "Jealous Guy (Live)" by Donny Hathaway — Perfect for those lingering moments at the table
- "Hey, Man!" by Nelly Furtado — Adds a playful energy to prep work
- "California" by Joni Mitchell — For sun-soaked afternoons of baking and preserving
Themed Kitchen Playlists
Over time, I've created specialized playlists that match particular cooking moods or cuisines:
My Kitchen / Olives — Jazz-infused sounds for Mediterranean cooking. Think Miles Davis, Chet Baker, and Nina Simone creating the perfect backdrop for olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
My Kitchen / Caviar — Sophisticated dinner party vibes with Leonard Cohen, Sade, and some classic Bossa Nova that pairs perfectly with those special occasion meals.
My Kitchen / Eclair — A collection of French classics and contemporary gems. From Edith Piaf to Charlotte Gainsbourg, this playlist transforms your kitchen into a Parisian patisserie.
My Kitchen / Fondue — The comfort food of music. Classic rock staples that feel like home—Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles create the perfect soundtrack for hearty, nostalgic cooking.
Creating Your Own Kitchen Soundtrack
The beauty of a kitchen playlist is how personal it becomes. Your cooking soundtrack should reflect your own rhythm and style in the kitchen. Here are some tips for creating your own:
- Notice your cooking pace — Are you a methodical, measured cook or more of a whirlwind? Match your music to your movement.
- Consider the cuisine — Some foods seem to call for their cultural soundtrack, while others benefit from unexpected pairings.
- Build in arcs — A good cooking playlist, like a good meal, has a beginning, middle, and end. Start energetic for prep, move to steady for cooking, and perhaps something more mellow for plating and enjoying.
- Include some classics — Those songs that never fail to put you in a good mood belong in your kitchen rotation.
- Refresh occasionally — Just like trying new recipes, incorporating new music keeps the kitchen experience fresh.
Share Your Kitchen Soundtrack
What songs make up the soundtrack to your cooking sessions? Do you have go-to tracks that make chopping onions less tearful or waiting for water to boil less tedious? Share your essential kitchen tunes in the comments below!
Remember, in the Cooking Spa, we believe the journey is as important as the destination. The right music can transform a routine task into a moment of joy and creativity—no appointments needed, just press play and let the kitchen dance begin.
Coming next week: What should be our next kitchen playlist theme? Share your suggestions in the comments below - what foods and music pairings would you like to explore?
