Today's Special (2009)

In the bustling culinary heart of Manhattan, Samir, a talented sous chef, dreams of promotion but is met with disappointment. His masterful techniques, his boss claims, are devoid of soul. Disheartened, Samir plans to refine his skills through an unpaid internship in Paris. However, fate intervenes when his father's heart gives out, anchoring him to his family's rapidly sinking Indian restaurant in Queens. Suddenly thrust into the role of head chef, Samir faces a daunting challenge: he doesn't know the first thing about cooking Indian food. The situation spirals when the restaurant's chef throws in the towel, leaving Samir on the brink of disaster. His salvation arrives in the form of Akbar, a cab driver with a mysterious past and tales of cooking for British royalty in Bombay. Akbar's cooking philosophy is a blend of intellect, emotion, and instinct, and he shares it generously with Samir. Enter Carrie, an acquaintance from Samir's Manhattan days, who breathes life into the struggling restaurant with her infectious enthusiasm. As Samir navigates this new world, he starts to discover the joy in his work. But looming over his newfound happiness is a crucial question: Will his father approve of this unconventional journey? And if not, what will become of Samir and the family restaurant?

Today's Special is a comedy movie featuring Aasif Mandvi and directed by David Kaplan.

Today's Special is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Today's Special on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Microsoft Store.