Memory Bites brings Matt Moran’s unique culinary storytelling to SBS in 2025.
Memory Bites with Matt Moran, an upcoming food series led by acclaimed Australian chef Matt Moran, is set to premiere on SBS Food and SBS On-Demand in early 2025.
Developed through a unique partnership between Moran, Shaun Murphy of Big Owl Pictures, and Alexandra Jakob, founder of Globe Wealth, the show aims to delve into the personal and emotional histories of prominent Australians, using food as a gateway to nostalgia and connection.
The global distribution rights for Memory Bites have been secured by BBC Studios, who will also represent the format worldwide.
In each episode, Moran invites a well-known guest to revisit a significant meal from their past. These dishes serve as poignant symbols of childhood, family connections, or meaningful experiences, unlocking memories of love, tradition, and personal growth.
The concept hinges on the idea that food holds a unique power to reconnect people with pivotal moments in their lives. Moran explains,
“There’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up when they take a bite of a dish, once cooked by someone they love, that transports them back to a moment in time. It’s a unique and warm way to share the connection between food and memory.”
One distinctive aspect of the show is the Memory Box, an item filled with mementoes related to the guest’s history. As Moran and his guest explore these objects, memories unfold, revealing the stories and relationships that shaped them.
Alexandra Jakob, who serves as executive producer, spoke to the universal appeal of the concept:
“Food is such a powerful connector and through the series, we’re able to uncover food stories that resonate with everyone. It’s been an honour to partner with Shaun and Matt, to allow audiences to share in the laughter, tears and memories that unfold with every bite.”
Murphy echoed Jakob’s sentiments on the show’s emotional depth, stating,
“Memory Bites takes us on an emotional journey through food, connects us with some of Australia’s most beloved personalities in a new way and gives us a chance to pause, look back at our loved ones, and tap into our own individual Memory Bites.”
The series has attracted a range of notable guests, including Richard Roxburgh (Elvis, Rake), Pia Miranda (Looking for Alibrandi, Wentworth), and comedian Ross Noble. Their culinary journeys, explored through Memory Bites, promise a fresh perspective on how shared experiences around food can bridge generations and evoke powerful emotions.
The show’s development leveraged an innovative co-production model, combining private equity, commercial partnerships, and network presale. This approach reflects a creative solution to securing original programming in a competitive television landscape.