Food and film go together like peas in a pod; here we take a look at some of the best celluloid food scenes forever immortalised in movie history...

I’LL HAVE SECONDS…
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Widely regarded, as one of the best romantic comedies of all time, the Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal vehicle will clearly be remembered for one key scene. Taking place in a deli, the two leads innocently partake in friendly lunchtime banter about faking orgasms. Ryan's character in order to emphasise how it easy it is to fake one, takes a bite out of her corned beef sandwich and proceeds to act out the emotion much to the chagrin of her dining partner. The scene not only showcases the romantic tension between the two leads but also makes for one of the funniest moments in film history after an elderly neighbouring patron delivers a "I'll have what she's having" punch line to seal a moment of cinematic gold.

FAST FOOD’S A KILLER
Pulp Fiction (1994)
The Quentin Tarantino classic was infamous for several epicurean related scenes including one set in an Americana restaurant, which involves the memorable dance scene between Uma Thurman and John Travolta as well as the diner robbery scene with Tim Roth and Samuel L. Jackson. But the key food scene moment arrives midway through the film when Hit men Vincent Vega (Travolta) and Jules Winnfield (Jackson) run an errand for their boss Marcellus Wallace to shake down a group of drug dealing college kids to retrieve a missing briefcase. The scene ensues with Jules while emphasising his threat stops and takes a bite out of one of the kid’s burgers. What follows next is a trademark Jackson muthf&*%kin monologue, which revolves around the finer points of the Big Kahuna Burger, which leads up to a bloody gun battle.

DOGGIE BAG
Lady & The Tramp (1955)
One of the most loved Disney animated features spoke volumes about love and the differences in class, even though the central characters were of canine form. Focusing primarily on Lady, a young cocker spaniel from a well to do home who falls for a mutt who lives in a railroad yard, the film weaves an interesting tale on how love can conquer all, told through the eyes of the two animated dogs. The film is best remembered for the romantic moonlit dinner scene in an alleyway where the two characters share a plate of spaghetti meatballs, which ultimately leads to an innocent but meaningful kiss. Aww cho chweet…

MADE COOKS
Goodfellas (1990)
Ever since the first Godfather film, there’s a stereotype involving Italian cuisine and the Mafia. TV dramas such as The Sopranos emphasised that fact but in terms of one of the most endearing moments involving food and the Mafia occurs in this Martin Scorsese classic that depicts a group of wise guys in prison who strangely whip out an elaborate meal with smuggled contraband ingredients. Picture a made guy slicing garlic with a razor blade to another seasoning a can of tomatoes to a boss who sounds off this indispensable gem; “If you can make food look good in prison, you've really done something”, and you’ve got the makings of the strangest and tastiest cooking scene ever played out on film. Fuhgetaboutit!

"I'll have what she's having"

SWEET SEX APPEAL
Woman on Top (2000)
The movie that launched Penelope Cruz’s career in North America was a rather delicious affair that depicted a beautiful chef who melts the hearts and palates of every man she cooks for. When she ditches her failing marriage and makes a move to San Francisco, she inadvertently finds herself becoming an overnight sensation with her delicious meals and sex appeal. She then discovers the ultimate recipe for success after she snags a deal to become a celebrity chef with her own cooking show. Never in the history of Hollywood has cooking looked this sexy on film.

A FAMILY THAT COOKS TOGETHER…
Joy Luck Club (1993)
The movie based on the best-selling novel by Amy Tan explores the relationship four mothers who immigrate to America. Although focusing primarily on the culture barriers that each woman comes across, the film also zeroes in on the importance food plays in Chinese culture, none more evident by the many scenes that take place in the kitchen and dinner table. Most who saw this film would remember the unforgettable scene where the boyfriend of one of the daughters earns the ire of his future mother-in-law when he agrees that the dish she has prepared is too salty right before proceeding to douse his food in soy sauce. Talk about a Chinese faux pas.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Oliver! (1968)
Who could forget the musical production of Charles Dickens’ classic on the likeable orphan? Based on the best-selling story of a street urchin named Oliver who befriends a band of thieves, the big screen treatment, which spun off into a musical on Broadway will be forever remembered by its numerous scores and song and dance routines. One such highlight is the score ensemble ‘Food, Glorious Food’, which stands as key moment in the film that Oliver kicks off with a brazen mealtime request of “Please Sir can I have some more”. An instant classic indeed…