Can AI Help You Cook? Insights from a Festive Cook-Off

Cooking can be a daunting task for many, and while some claim to possess culinary skills, the reality is often different. This article explores my experience at a festive cook-off hosted by OpenAI Singapore, where we discovered how ChatGPT could potentially aid in meal planning and cooking, even for those of us who might prefer to stay out of the kitchen.

When I mention that I can cook, it usually just means I can whip up something edible if the situation demands it. My creations may not be worthy of gourmet recognition, but they’re certainly not a health hazard. Yet, the effort to prepare a meal from scratch often reminds me of an important life lesson: just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.

So, when I received an invitation to a festive cook-off in early December aimed at showcasing ChatGPT’s role in holiday cooking, my skepticism was palpable. Unless this AI could perform culinary tasks physically, like seasoning my chicken, it felt like just another layer of noise in the cooking process. Instead of aiding me in the kitchen, I worried it might add to my stress when trying to remember whether my pasta was salted or not.

Despite those reservations, I often express a wishful thinking mantra: “I want AI to do my dishes and laundry.” This sentiment suggests that in its optimal form, AI should relieve us of tedious chores, granting us more time for activities we truly enjoy. With that in mind, I was willing to see if ChatGPT could alleviate my cooking woes. After all, I had recently binged on Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars; perhaps transitioning from the couch to the kitchen wasn’t as far-fetched as it seemed.

At the very least, I hoped that the AI’s frequently flattering nature would convince me that I was indeed reality TV material and provide the motivation I needed to excel.

Getting Started

The rules were clear—at least as clear as they could be for a group of individuals who might not have excelled in Home Economics. We gathered in groups of four to five at The Providore Cooking Studio for the cook-off.

The challenge involved selecting six ingredients from the available options, with each group tasked to create a dish that could serve one to two people, all while adhering to a randomly assigned theme. The clock was ticking, giving us just 45 minutes to bring our culinary visions to life.

A Unique Culinary Challenge

Each team quickly began discussing ideas, trying to harness the creativity sparked by the themes. It became clear that we would have to think critically about our ingredient choices and manage our time wisely. As we chopped, stirred, and sautéed, the ambiance transformed from mere cooking to a spirited competition infused with laughter and camaraderie.

While preparing our dish, I decided to lean into the possibilities provided by ChatGPT. I began by consulting it for recipe inspiration based on the ingredients we had chosen, hoping to draw on its extensive database for creative yet straightforward ideas. It was a kind of real-time collaboration, as I balanced my initial instincts with recommendations from the AI.

Concluding Thoughts

As the timer ticked down, our dish was nearly ready for presentation. The experience was thrilling, a blend of excitement and nerves, but also a testament to the potential that AI tools like ChatGPT have in making cooking less overwhelming. By the end of the cook-off, I found myself reflecting on how technology could elevate everyday tasks, transforming dreaded chores into enjoyable challenges.