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Best Music for Cooking: Spice Up Your Kitchen with These Tunes 

Cooking is an art form that requires creativity, patience, and a little bit of music. Scratch that, a whole lotta music!

Music can set the tone and create an ambiance that can enhance the cooking experience. It can help you relax and focus, get you energized, and even inspire your culinary creations.

In this article, we’ll explore the best music for cooking, from upbeat pop songs to soothing jazz melodies. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, the right tunes can take your cooking from good to gourmet.

So, put on your apron and let’s get started!


IN A NUTSHELL

  • Music can enhance the cooking experience by setting the tone and creating an ambiance.
  • Upbeat music can energize and motivate you, while soothing music can help you relax and unwind.
  • Instrumental music can help you focus on your cooking tasks without the distraction of lyrics.
  • Genre-specific music can help create an immersive culinary experience.
  • Personalized playlists can be tailored to your unique tastes and preferences.

Upbeat Music

upbeat music

Upbeat music is perfect for when you need to get in the zone and power through your cooking tasks.

It can help you stay energized and motivated, and even make the cooking process more enjoyable. 

Here are some examples of upbeat music genres and songs that can get you moving and grooving in the kitchen:

  • Pop Music
    Pop music is known for its catchy beats and upbeat melodies, making it a great choice for cooking. Some popular pop songs that can get you in the cooking mood include Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, Shake It Off by Taylor Swift, and Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake.
  • Dance Music
    If you’re looking for something with a faster tempo, dance music might be the way to go. Dance music is designed to get you moving, and can be perfect for when you need to chop, stir, and sauté at a rapid pace. Some popular dance songs that can get you cooking include Levels by Avicii, Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa, and One Kiss by Calvin Harris ft. Dua Lipa.
  • Rock Music
    For those who prefer something a little more classic, rock music can be a great choice. Rock music is known for its energy and power, and can be perfect for when you need to tackle a big cooking project. Some popular rock songs that can get you cooking include Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses, “Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey, and “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.

No matter what genre you choose, upbeat music can be a great way to get you in the cooking mood and power through your culinary creations.


Soothing Music

cooking with music guide

While upbeat music can be great for getting you energized and motivated, sometimes you just need to relax and unwind in the kitchen. That’s where soothing music comes in.

Soothing music can help you calm your mind and body, and create a peaceful environment that’s perfect for cooking.

Here are some examples of soothing music genres and songs that can help you find your zen in the kitchen:

  • Jazz Music
    Jazz music is known for its smooth melodies and relaxing rhythms, making it a great choice for when you need to unwind. Some popular jazz songs that can help you relax while cooking include Take Five by Dave Brubeck, Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra, and My Funny Valentine by Chet Baker.
  • Classical Music
    Classical music is another great option for when you need to create a calming atmosphere in the kitchen. From the soothing sounds of the piano to the gentle melodies of the violin, classical music can help you relax and focus on your cooking. Some popular classical songs that can help you find your Zen in the kitchen include Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven, Clair de Lune by Debussy, and The Four Seasons by Vivaldi.
  • Ambient Music
    If you’re looking for something a little more modern, ambient music might be the way to go. Ambient music is designed to create a relaxing atmosphere, and can be perfect for when you need to unwind after a long day. Some popular ambient songs that can help you relax while cooking include Weightless by Marconi Union, Ambient 1: Music for Airports by Brian Eno, and In a Landscape by John Cage.

No matter what genre you choose, soothing music can be a great way to create a peaceful atmosphere in the kitchen and help you relax while cooking.


Instrumental Music

music lyrics

Sometimes, lyrics can be distracting while you’re cooking. That’s where instrumental music comes in.

Instrumental music can help you focus on your cooking tasks without the distraction of lyrics. 

Here are some examples of instrumental music genres and songs that can help you stay focused and productive in the kitchen:

  • Classical Music
    Classical music is a great option for instrumental music, as it’s often composed without lyrics. From the gentle sounds of the piano to the sweeping melodies of the orchestra, classical music can help you stay focused and on-task while cooking. Some popular instrumental classical songs that can help you stay focused include Canon in D by Pachelbel, The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, and Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart.
  • Electronic Music
    Electronic music is another great option for instrumental music, as it’s often composed without lyrics. From the pulsing beats of techno to the dreamy sounds of ambient, electronic music can help you stay focused and energized while cooking. Some popular instrumental electronic songs that can help you stay focused include Strobe by Deadmau5, Adagio for Strings by Tiësto, and Windowlicker by Aphex Twin.
  • Jazz Music
    Jazz music can also be a great option for instrumental music, as it often features improvisation and solos without lyrics. From the smooth sounds of the saxophone to the swinging rhythms of the drums, jazz music can help you stay focused and creative while cooking. Some popular instrumental jazz songs that can help you stay focused include Take the A Train by Duke Ellington, So What by Miles Davis, and Blue in Green by Bill Evans.

No matter what genre you choose, instrumental music can be a great way to stay focused and productive while cooking.


Genre-Specific Music

culinary music genres

Sometimes, the best music for cooking is genre-specific or cuisine-specific.

Different types of cuisine can be enhanced by different types of music, and choosing the right genre can help create an immersive culinary experience.

Here are some examples of genre-specific music for different types of cuisine:

  • Italian Cuisine
    Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and romantic atmosphere. To enhance your Italian cooking experience, consider playing some traditional Italian music. Some popular Italian songs that can help set the mood for Italian cooking include O Sole Mio by Luciano Pavarotti, Volare by Dean Martin, and That’s Amore by Dean Martin.
  • Mexican Cuisine
    Mexican cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and lively atmosphere. To enhance your Mexican cooking experience, consider playing some traditional Mexican music. Some popular Mexican songs that can help set the mood for Mexican cooking include La Bamba by Ritchie Valens, Cielito Lindo by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and El Rey by Vicente Fernández.
  • French Cuisine
    French cuisine is known for its elegant flavors and sophisticated atmosphere. To enhance your French cooking experience, consider playing some traditional French music. Some popular French songs that can help set the mood for French cooking include La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf, Sous le Ciel de Paris by Yves Montand, and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien by Edith Piaf.

No matter what type of cuisine you’re cooking, genre-specific music can help create an immersive culinary experience that’s sure to impress your guests.


Personalized Playlists

playlist for chef listening

While genre-specific music can be great for creating an immersive culinary experience, sometimes you just want to listen to your own personal favorites while cooking.

That’s where personalized playlists come in!

Personalized playlists can help you create a customized cooking experience that’s tailored to your own unique tastes.

Here are some tips for creating a personalized cooking playlist:

  • Choose Songs To Match Your Mood
    When creating a personalized cooking playlist, it’s important to choose songs that match your mood. If you’re feeling upbeat and energized, choose songs with a faster tempo. If you’re feeling relaxed and calm, choose songs with a slower tempo.
  • Mix It Up
    Don’t be afraid to mix up genres and styles when creating your cooking playlist. A little bit of variety can help keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
  • Consider Length
    Depending on how long you plan to cook, you may want to consider the length of your playlist. If you’re cooking a quick meal, a shorter playlist may be all you need. If you’re cooking a more elaborate meal, a longer playlist may be necessary.
  • Make It Personal
    Finally, don’t forget to make your cooking playlist personal. Choose songs that have meaning to you or that remind you of special memories. This can help create a more meaningful and enjoyable cooking experience.

No matter how you choose to create your personalized cooking playlist, the most important thing is to choose songs that you love and that make you happy.


Music can be a powerful tool for enhancing the cooking experience. Whether you’re looking to get energized and motivated, relax and unwind, or create an immersive culinary experience, the right music can help you achieve your goals.

From upbeat pop songs to soothing jazz melodies, from instrumental classics to genre-specific tunes, there’s a world of music out there waiting to be explored.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to turn on your favorite tunes and let the music take your cooking to the next level.