IF you're a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you'll know that food plays a significant role in the series. From Sheldon's ridiculous rules to ordering takeout and Howard's mother's brisket, the show is peppered with memorable food scenes that have left us both amused and hungry. So, let's embark on a culinary journey through some of the most iconic food scenes from this beloved sitcom.
Sheldon's Tangerine Chicken
Remember the episode where Sheldon's world was turned upside down because his favourite Chinese restaurant had changed their tangerine chicken recipe? Sheldon decides to confront the restaurant about this substitution and enlists Howard's help in learning Mandarin Chinese. Eventually, Sheldon visits Schezwan Palace and attempts to communicate with the manager, which results in a hilarious exchange between the two courtesy of the faulty Mandarin taught by Howard.
Tuesdays at The Cheesecake Factory
How can we not mention this one, where Tuesday at Penny’s workplace becomes a weekly fixture for the boys? Sheldon is introduced to The Cheesecake Factory’s (Penny’s workplace) barbecue bacon cheeseburger in “The Hamburger Postulate”. He seemed to have loved the burger so much that he switched from Big Boy for his Tuesday burgers. The Cheesecake Factory then became a regular spot for the group.
Sheldon's strict takeout rules
In one episode, Sheldon lays out a long list of rules for the delivery person when ordering takeout. The rules include things like knocking three times, placing the bag on the floor and stepping away, and not making eye contact. Sheldon's overly meticulous and peculiar demands provide a humorous contrast to the delivery person's exasperation.
Leonard's lactose intolerance
Leonard's lactose intolerance is a recurring source of comedy on the show. His struggles with dairy products lead to many funny moments, like when he accidentally drinks Sheldon's milk and spends the rest of the episode in the bathroom. In another episode, Leonard tries lactose-free ice cream and declares it "life-changing," much to Sheldon's amusement. Leonard's digestive issues provide an easy target for Sheldon's jokes.
Mrs Wolowitz's Famous Brisket
While Mrs Wolowitz was never seen on the show, her cooking, especially her brisket, was legendary among Howard's friends. Her brisket was often mentioned as some of the best in Pasadena, and the gang frequently looked forward to eating it at Howard's house. In the episode "The Leftover Thermalization," after the power goes out at the Wolowitz home, Howard decides to invite his friends over for a final dinner of all the food defrosting in his mother's freezer. This also includes Mrs Wolowitz's famous Matzah balls, allowing the group one last chance to enjoy her delicious cooking and remember her through the meal.
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The Infamous Roommate Agreement
Sheldon's Roommate Agreement with Leonard had clauses related to their meals. One notable clause was for "Pizza Night." Every Friday, the two would order a pizza from Giacomo's, their favorite pizzeria. The specificity of the order showed Sheldon's particularity about food: a large pizza with half pesto and light mozzarella, and half artichoke and sun-dried tomato with feta cheese. Though Leonard likely regretted signing the agreement at times, it helped establish ground rules that allowed Sheldon and Leonard to coexist as roommates for many years.
The Two-Strike Banishment
When Penny's cable is cut off, she barges in on the boys' Klingon Boggle game to catch "America's Next Top Model". Sheldon, undeterred, continues playing while the others feast their eyes on the show. Hungry and tempted by Sheldon's onion rings brought in by Leonard, Penny attempts to eat one of them and despite her attempts to put it back, Sheldon notices and gives her another chance. But that chance gets wasted when Penny sits in Sheldon’s spot, making him banish her from the apartment. The rest of the episode is them being petty and getting on each other’s nerves.
Pavlov's Experiment
You might remember this one from Season 3 where Penny makes French Toast on the day Sheldon eats oatmeal. After savouring the wafting aroma for a while, he promptly tosses it away. Sometime around dinner Leonard notices Sheldon acting a bit off character, but he does not make much of it. Sheldon was in fact very much in his element, feeding Penny a chocolate every time she would “zip it”. Leonard calls him out later for this “positive reinforcement” Sheldon was trying on Penny, creating a hilarious moment for the viewers.
The show uses food in clever ways to highlight the characters' quirks and neuroses, which often results in comedic situations. Sheldon's strict routines, Leonard's lactose intolerance, Penny's job at The Cheesecake Factory — all these food-related details become fodder for humour that audiences can relate to. The writers do a good job of weaving food organically into the storylines while also mining it for laughs.
Bazinga! Did we encourage you to re-watch your favourite show? If so, this time why not indulge in Chinese takeout like the cast often does or grab a burger or two and savour The Big Bang Theory even more this time round?