If you’ve scrolled through TikTok at any point this year, chances are you’ve come across a viral recipe—whether it’s butter boards, baked feta pasta, cloud bread, or the latest air fryer hack that turns leftover spaghetti into a crispy patty. TikTok has become one of the most influential platforms for food content, but the rise of so-called TikTok chefs raises a question that food lovers and professionals alike are debating: are these recipes actually worth trying, or is it all just short-form hype?
Let’s take a closer look at the rise of TikTok chefs in 2025 and unpack whether these viral creators are transforming how we cook—or simply chasing clout in the kitchen.
What Is a TikTok Chef?
A TikTok chef isn’t your traditional culinary professional. While some have formal training, many are everyday home cooks who’ve found an audience by blending creativity, relatability, and presentation in a 30 to 60-second video. Some, like Eitan Bernath or B. Dylan Hollis, started as hobbyists but have since built empires around their viral content. Others might be teens experimenting with ingredients in their kitchen or parents turning leftovers into lunchbox magic.
In short, a TikTok chef is any creator who makes food that catches fire on the app—and in many cases, their reach rivals that of professional chefs on TV.
Why Are TikTok Chefs So Popular?
There are a few key reasons TikTok chefs have exploded in popularity over the past few years:
1. Bite-Sized Content
People want fast ideas. A TikTok recipe doesn’t require sitting through a long tutorial or flipping through a cookbook. You get the essence in under a minute: the ingredients, the method, the final product.
2. Visual Appeal
TikTok is a visual-first platform. Food that looks good—cheesy, crunchy, melty, or colorful—performs well. These chefs know how to highlight textures and flavors on screen, often pairing it with trendy music and engaging storytelling.
3. Accessibility
Unlike traditional chefs who may use professional equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, most TikTok chefs work with pantry staples, air fryers, microwaves, and budget-friendly groceries. The relatability helps viewers believe they can actually recreate what they’re seeing.
4. Entertainment Value
It’s not always about the recipe. Some TikTok chefs are just plain fun to watch. Whether it’s chaotic cooking energy, ASMR slicing, or hilarious commentary, creators blend personality with food in a way that keeps viewers engaged—even if they never plan to make the dish.
Viral Hits That Took Over Our Kitchens
TikTok’s food influence is undeniable. Here are a few viral recipes that moved beyond the app and into real-life kitchens:
- Baked Feta Pasta: Arguably one of the biggest TikTok food trends ever, this dish caused grocery stores to run out of feta in some countries. It proved that even simple recipes can become sensations.
- Cloud Bread: More style than substance, this soft, pastel-hued bread was everywhere for a time, mostly driven by its dreamy look rather than taste or texture.
- Salmon Rice Bowl: A humble mix of leftover salmon, rice, sriracha, and Kewpie mayo blew up after Emily Mariko posted it. Simple, efficient, and satisfying—it showed how minimalism can thrive.
- Green Goddess Salad: Diced vegetables blended with a bright, tangy dressing made waves with health-conscious viewers, even inspiring store-bought versions.
- Cereal Pancakes: Mini pancake cereal gave breakfast a playful twist and showed how TikTok can turn even basic meals into social content.
Real Cooking Skills or Internet Theater?
This is where the debate starts. Many professional chefs have weighed in on TikTok cooking trends, and opinions are divided.
The Argument for TikTok Chefs:
- They democratize food by showing that anyone can cook.
- They inspire creativity, especially among younger audiences.
- They offer fast solutions for busy people and show how to use leftovers creatively.
- They build community—food trends create shared experiences and conversations online.
The Criticism:
- Many recipes lack structure, precise measurements, or safe techniques.
- Some recipes are impractical, messy, or result in food waste.
- There’s a growing concern about aesthetic over function—dishes look good for the camera but aren’t necessarily enjoyable to eat.
- Some creators spread misinformation, like undercooked meat or incorrect food safety practices.
In short, not all TikTok recipes are created equal. Some are practical and delicious. Others are made for views, not plates.
When Hype Meets Reality: Testing the Trends
Home cooks who have tried TikTok recipes know this all too well. One day you’re baking a three-ingredient cookie, and it turns out great. Another day you’re attempting rainbow pasta with melted gummy bears, and it turns into a kitchen disaster.
Food bloggers and YouTubers have built entire series around testing TikTok recipes to see which ones live up to the hype. The results are mixed—but they prove one thing: the platform is not just about instruction, it’s about experimentation.
Who Are the Most Influential TikTok Chefs in 2025?
While dozens of creators are gaining traction, a few have established themselves as leaders in the space:
- Jeremiah McClure: Known for five-minute meal hacks using budget groceries, he’s loved for his honest reactions and realistic advice.
- Nadia E. (aka @KitchenRx): A pharmacist-turned-home cook who focuses on food for wellness, especially helpful for viewers with dietary restrictions.
- Sam Kwong: Famous for his “One Wok Wonders,” he blends Cantonese tradition with modern speed cooking for young audiences.
- Tayla Bites: A high school student whose no-bake desserts consistently go viral thanks to their color, creativity, and simplicity.
These creators are shaping how the next generation thinks about food—and not just what to eat, but how to enjoy the process.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Food?
TikTok chefs aren’t replacing traditional chefs, but they are shifting the conversation. For many, TikTok is the new cookbook, cooking class, and food inspiration engine all in one. It’s also forcing the food industry—from brands to restaurants—to take digital creators seriously.
Brands are now partnering with viral chefs to test products, co-develop recipes, and influence consumer behavior. Some TikTok recipes have even made their way into restaurant menus and packaged meal kits.
This influence will only grow. Whether it’s through live-streamed cooking, AR food filters, or AI-generated recipes, digital-first cooking is here to stay.
Final Thoughts
Not exactly. While not every TikTok chef brings Michelin-level mastery, the creativity and accessibility they offer shouldn’t be dismissed. Some videos are definitely hype—but that hype has encouraged millions of people to pick up a pan, try new ingredients, and cook something from scratch.
In a world filled with food delivery apps and frozen meals, anything that brings more people into the kitchen—even with a bit of chaos—is something worth celebrating.
