Waffles + Mochi: Get your kids eating and inspired in the kitchen with Michelle Obama’s Netflix children’s cooking show

Get ready for a trip to The Land of Frozen Food, because Waffles and Mochi are about to be your kids' new favourite friends.

Created by Netflix, Michelle Obama and production company Higher Ground, the series takes young viewers on a global adventure with an adorable half-yeti, half-waffle called Waffles and a strawberry pink ice cream named Mochi.

Designed for families to enjoy together, the show takes the classic Sesame Street educational format of bringing delight, comfort and moments of joy to show children the incredible possibilities the world offers.

Introducing themes around heritage, immigration and conservation – alongside an inspirational message for children to eat healthily – the series will be as captivating for parents as young viewers.

Here is everything you need to know about the series, which just might be your child’s new favourite show…

What is Waffles + Mochi about?

The two lead characters, Waffles and Mochi, are best friends with one shared dream – becoming chefs!

This is how Netflix describes the show:

"When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime.

"With the help of friendly new faces like Mrs Obama, the supermarket owner, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities.

"Whether they’re picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends.

"Waffles + Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe."

When is Waffles + Mochi released on Netflix?

The 10-episode kids TV series is released on Netflix on Tuesday, March 16.

What is Michelle Obama doing on Waffles + Mochi?

Former First Lady Michelle Obama said that she couldn’t possibly turn down the chance to get involved in this “hilarious, heartwaming" show.

“I only wish Waffles + Mochi had been around when my daughters were growing up, because it’s the kind of programme that’s fun to watch together as a family, and gives parents the peace of mind to know that their little ones are learning something, too,” said Obama.

“In many ways, Waffles + Mochi is an extension of my work to support children’s health as First Lady. We know that everybody loves good food and a good story. And that’s exactly what our curious and adventurous heroes provide, whether they’re discovering the possibilities of potatoes, the world of pickling, or the art of cleaning up a cracked egg.

“No matter what they’re up to, I always have such a wonderful time laughing and exploring the world of food and cooking with Waffles and Mochi - and I think you and your children will, too.”

What will kids learn from Waffles + Mochi?

Co-creator Jeremy Konner said that it was Netflix cookery shows such as Chef’s Table and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat that inspired Waffles + Mochi, explaining that he wanted a show that would inspire younger viewers in the kitchen in a similar way.

“When we’re watching Chef’s Table or Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, not only are we learning about cultures and dishes from all over the world, we are inspired to get in the kitchen and start cooking! Shouldn’t kids have that experience, too?"

Konner said that the team were “floored” by the “warm, welcoming” Michelle Obama, who had inspired them to stretch and grow the series.

“It sounds funny, but one of the biggest influences for us was 1970s Sesame Street,” said Konner.

“There was just something so totally wild and silly and experimental about those early years that we were so enamored with. We just thought, “OK, that’s the North Star.”

Talking about his hopes and dreams for the series, he added: “More than anything, I want kids to experience the pure joy of food and realise how it brings us all together. This isn’t about hiding broccoli in brownies, this is about going hey broccoli is amazing, why would you ever want to hide it?

“Ultimately, my greatest dream for this show is that at the end of the day parents and kids walk away feeling inspired to have dinner together. It’s that simple.”

What age do kids need to be to watch Waffles + Mochi?

Waffles + Mochi is aimed to entertain children from pre-school age.

The globetrotting adventures, humour and celebrity guests mean that the show will still be watchable and loved by children in early years of school.

Talking about the inspiration for the series, co-creator Jeremy Konner said that it was his attempts to get his two-year-old son to eat a tomato that drove him to bring the series to screen.

“We really wanted to help make food seem less scary. For preschoolers, new foods are a big deal. And, personally, if my son feels me trying to sell him on any ingredient, he’s not having it," said Konner.

“No wonder my son wouldn’t eat a tomato! It just shows up on his plate and he has no clue where it came from or how truly awesome it can be."

Who are Waffles + Mochi?

Part-yeti, part-frozen waffle, and a whole lotta fun, Waffles hails from the Land of Frozen Food where she shared a dream of becoming a chef with her best bud, Mochi.

She is endlessly curious about trying new foods, meeting new people and going on adventures to new places.

Mochi is  a strawberry pink ice cream delight who speaks in his very own language of meeps and murmurs. Mochi loves food and adventure as much as Waffles, and tries his best to keep his best friend out of trouble, sometimes using his tongue’s five taste buds to make sense of his new world.

The duo are joined in the series by characters including Busy, Steve the Mop and Shelfie.

Co-creator Erika Thormahlen said: “Waffles and Mochi come from The Land of Frozen Food. When we first meet them, they’re watching old episodes of Julia Child on their little ice-television. They want to be chefs like her. The problem is, everything in their world is frozen.

“So, they know very little about food, even when they’re overly confident, which led to some silly moments in the kitchen with our guests.

“For Waffles and Mochi, the simplest foods from our world blow their minds starting with a fresh cherry tomato from Samin’s garden.”

Who are the celebrity special guests on Waffles + Mochi?

If you love Netflix shows, there are lots of familiar faces who pop up along the way to help Waffles + Mochi in their adventures.

Tan France from Queer Eye, Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo, Zach Galifinakis and Rashida Jones are among the stars you will recognise.

Watch Waffles + Mochi on Netflix from Tuesday, March 16.