How a New Generation of Chefs Is Turning Cooking Into Sensual Performance

12 January 2026

Rankin (and Fraser) entertain more than 1.5 million cross-platform followers. Troy Goodall Photography

In a world saturated with cooking videos and food influencers, a fresh and unexpected trend is taking hold that goes beyond perfectly plated dishes and artisanal ingredients. A new crop of charismatic chefs is redefining what it means to be a culinary star by blending serious kitchen skills with personality, performance, and yes, sex appeal. These are cooks who are not just preparing meals but commanding attention with playful performances that elevate food content into something far more engaging and, for many fans, irresistible. Some have millions of followers, others have carved out passionate niche audiences, but all share the ability to make hearts race as much as appetites.

Take Daniel Rankin, a New Zealand-born creator whose social media presence is as much about his muscular physique and cheeky humor as it is about cooking. With more than 1.5 million followers, Rankin has mastered the art of making his kitchen videos feel like performance art. Whether he is shirtless while preparing lasagna or gently pouring creamy coconut milk over his own chest for a playful visual gag, his approach to food content is self-aware and deliberately engaging. Fans tune in not just for his recipes but for the energy he brings to every clip, often featuring his loyal pug companion who shares the screen and the spotlight.

Rankin’s success highlights a larger cultural phenomenon. In an era where social media thrives on attention and personality, the traditional chef persona stoic, apron-clad, focused solely on technique is giving way to something more multifaceted. These chefs are entertainers, storytellers, models, and content creators all in one, using a blend of sensuality and humor to connect with audiences in a way that feels alive and authentic. For Rankin, the transition was organic. What began as simple baking videos evolved as he embraced the playful side of his personality and realized that fans were responding not just to the food but to him.

Then there is Gianluca Conte, known to his more than 16 million followers as the “Pasta King.” Conte’s appeal lies in his seamless fusion of culinary craft and charismatic bravado. A former model, he brings striking visuals and animated flair to classic Italian-American dishes. Conte’s videos often feature bold personality moments, punctuated by his signature sign-off that fans adore. His work extends beyond social media into collaborations with celebrities and appearances across the globe, amplifying his reach and cementing his status as a modern culinary influencer with an edge.

Not all of these chefs rely on overt sensuality, but their personalities shine just as brightly. Chef Ronnie Woo, for example, blends a background in modeling with culinary expertise and academic credentials, creating content that is both humorous and engaging. Woo’s background in marriage and family therapy and business administration gives him a unique perspective on connection and presentation, and his television appearances, including lively segments on national morning shows, show that his appeal extends far beyond the kitchen.

Anthony Randello Jahn, who goes by “Donut Daddy,” has taken another approach entirely by infusing his baking videos with playful, suggestive humor that rides the line between culinary creativity and performance art. With millions of views and a cookbook coming soon that leans into his cheeky style, Jahn’s content is a testament to how personality can elevate even the simplest of kitchen tasks into a spectacle that keeps audiences coming back for more.

Then there’s Zachary Rodriguez, a chef who has gained nearly two million followers not by stripping down for the camera but by letting his culinary heritage and natural charm do the work. Rodriguez embraces traditional cooking content, focused on Mexican-inspired dishes and authentic flavors, while still acknowledging the enthusiasm of fans who admire his style and presence. He may not cook shirtless in every video, but his relaxed charisma and genuine love of food have earned him a devoted audience that delights in both his recipes and his amiable personality.

What unites these diverse creators is a willingness to transcend the boundaries of traditional food media. They have recognized that today’s audiences crave more than just instruction; they want connection, entertainment, personality, and a sense of intimacy that makes them feel like part of the experience. Whether through flirtatious humor, authentic storytelling, or charismatic presence, these chefs are building loyal followings that extend far beyond the kitchen.

In doing so, they are reshaping the landscape of cooking content, proving that food and personality can be an irresistible combination. As social media continues to evolve and audiences seek deeper connections with the people behind the content, these chefs are likely to remain at the forefront of a trend that makes cooking feel exciting, personal, and endlessly engaging.