Cooking

cooking dream meaning

Cooking Dream Meaning

Cooking can be featured in our dreams in many ways: from soups, one-pot cooking, braising, boiling and frying. Maybe you had a dream of cooking something and it went terribly wrong, maybe the pan is boiling over, you cannot find a certain ingredient or someone is cooking for you. If you see yourself cooking then this dream is about caring for others. I believe that cooking dreams are a way for us to process information but above all about control and the fact you need to "care" for others. 

In waking life, knowing how to cook is more than just a practical skill - it's an art form that can nourish, delight, and bring people together. Whether you're a busy parent, a solo adventurer, or a professional chef, putting food on the table is an act of love and care for others. 

Is the dream of cooking good or bad?

I do feel this is a postiive dream. If you're dreaming about cooking, it could be a sign of your inner creativity and your longing to create something special for the people you care about. Maybe it's also a sign of your aspirations for your future family and the kind of home you want to create. Cooking isn't just about satisfying hunger - it's about creating a healthy and satisfying lifestyle that nourishes the mind, body, and soul and this is important when it comes to how to interpret your dream.

  • If you were the person who was cooking in the dream, then you desire to comfort and nurture other people. Everybody needs another person in their life to take care of; it’s part of human nature. If you already have these people in your life, then you are trying to figure out how to take better care of their needs. If you do not necessarily have these kinds of people in your life, then you are still looking.
  • If you were cooking for yourself, you are concerned about your own health and nutrition. If you were cooking a dinner in the dream, then you tend to put other people’s needs ahead of your own. Your subconscious is asking you to take some time off to take care of you.
  • If you were unsuccessful at cooking, maybe the dish was burned, poor or the food was not good, then in my view this means you are afraid your nurturing skills are unappreciated or unsuccessful. I also feel that this dream means you are ignored by the people you love the most, and you are not sure whether it is because they do not notice you or because you are not showing them enough attention. If you did not finish cooking, then there is something or someone missing from your life.
  • If you cooked at a restaurant rather than at a home (maybe you were the cheif) then you are looking for a charitable act. You feel like your only concern is yourself and the people around you, but you know that there are people who are much more needy of what you can provide. Try volunteering at a soup kitchen, or running in a charity event to put your mind at ease.
  • If you prepared an intimate meal/dessert for two, then you are looking to do something romantic in the near future. If someone else helped you cook in the dream, then there is already someone in your life with whom you feel complete trust and comfort. Even if you do not realize it, this person will always be there to cheer you up and make you feel at ease.
  • If you are unsure of what you cooked or it looked strange and new, you are expressing your creative side. This can also be said if the dish looked especially decorative. If the meal cooked in the dream was nutritious, then you are taking the right steps toward your own well-being. Thinking about your health is one thing, but now it is time to take action.

What does it mean to cook food in a dream?

I want you to know that dreams have a way of revealing hidden parts of yourself, and the act of cooking can hold significant meaning. Perhaps you've dreamt of preparing a delicious dinner, showcasing your independence and self-sufficiency in full force. Cooking up a storm could be a sign that you take pride in your ability to take care of yourself, and relish in your independence. But if your dream kitchen is filled with fresh vegetables and herbs, it could suggest that your nurturing and caring side is calling to be expressed. As I have said above, maybe you need to take care of someone in your waking life, or perhaps it's time to practice more self-care and nourishment. Let me explain, one thing is evident: the act of cooking is a powerful metaphor for the ability to care for ourselves and others. 

If you're dreaming about cooking food and forcing people to eat something they don't like, this could indicate that others will turn to you for advice. So next time you're cooking up a dream feast, pay attention to the ingredients and what they might mean for your waking life. If you have a dream about cooking food in an old kitchen (where you use to live maybe) it could represent a pleasant surprise. Having guests come over for dinner indicates that you should enjoy the warmth and happiness that comes with entertaining others. 

What is the biblical meaning of cooking in dreams?

I am now going to look at the biblical meaning of cooking in dreams many users have e-mailed me about the symbols and signs of cooking over the last few months. What does cooking mean biblically? How much has cooking really been mentioned in the bible? Sometimes it is much easier to decode our dreams if we turn to the bible. There are certain areas in the bible that can give us clues to the real meaning.

Many meals have been discussed in history but the most famous is Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper. The painting is a religious symbol and there are many biblical theories around the last supper and what served. Cooking in the bible is mentioned a number of times. We know that the Israelites were rich and blessed with flocks and herds. The book of Genesis tells us that agriculture was “reaping a hundredfold” and that homes, such as Isaac and Rebekas had a permanent structure of cooking facilities. In biblical times people prepared their meals in open courtyards outside the home. Normally, using a pit that is filled with grass or sticks as fuel. In regards to Archeological finds clay cooking pots and frying pans have been found. To dream of serving food is connected to authenticity and we can use all the biblical clues to understand your dream.

Cooking food from a biblical perspective can represent that you are going to encounter some battles but also healing as food is a necessity for us to survive. If you are cooking or preparing food then this indicates that you will be comforted by communication. Spiritually speaking, this dream indicates that you may need to overcome barriers in life.

Spices have been featured in the bible many times, in ancient times they were used as a flavor. Cooking with herbs in dreams indicates healing qualities. People in the bible often eat fruits and nuts are part of their diet. If fruits such as apples, dates, olives, raisins grapes were used to cook within the dream it can suggest that you will avoid a problem.

Most notably vegetables in cooking can be a symbol of grounding. Daniel in Babylon served only vegetables. Cooking with eggs can indicate new beginnings (Luke 11:12 and Job 6:6). Cooking with butter in a dream can indicate a fresh start (Proverbs 30:33) and cheese is mentioned in Job 10:10 which denotes you will embark on a period of rest.

In biblical terms, cooking is presented in many ways. Bread in the old testament, from Genesis 3:19 on wards stands for “normal” food. But, if we look back the blacksmith, mason or carpenter they normally wrapped food and would often eat a puffed out piece of bread and on top would be meat, cheese, olives and maybe some fish. Venison was also cooked in ancient times and often seasoned with salt, pepper, whine, and rutabaga. To dream of cooking venison indicates other people are going to be “there” for you. There are many reasons biblically you could have had a dream of cooking.

What does it mean to dream of cooking vegetables?

When it comes to dreaming of cooking vegetables, you could have seen yourself: cooking, boiling, steaming, blanching, and roasting the vegetables. In essencne the meaning of cooking veg can indicate that you need to “nourish” yourself. There is no doubt that whatever veggies featured during the dream in my view can also indicate a message that the unconscious mind is is trying to convey: For example, if they are dark leafy greens like kale or cabbage this can mean you will hear from an old lover. If they are root vegetables such as potatoes or carrots then you need to get to the “root” of a problem. Vegetables such as beans and broad beans are associated with trying to conceal something in life. If an array of vibrant-colored veg appeared such as asparagus, peas and Brussels sprouts then this can show how diverse you are in regards to planning your goals.

I'm sure you have figured out by now --- each vegetable carries its own representation which adds another layer of symbolism. The type of “cooking” needs to also be considered, for example boiling vegetables may mean emotional conflicts while steaming can represent potential solutions; likewise roasting tends towards the need for slow changes while stir-frying connotes quick decisions should be made soon- each “cooking” metaphor provides a unique window into our innermost thoughts & feelings. I personally believe that dreaming of cooking vegetables clearly reflects your own self-care. Are you taking time out for yourself? Are you indulging in something nutritious? Spiritually speaking, I believe that dreams involving cooking vegetables can initiate various aspects of our personalities.

What does it mean for cooking soup?

Did you know that dreaming about cooking soup according to Chinese folklore can bring good fortune in your waking life? To chop up the ingredients of the soup in dreams can mean that you need to select a new path or goal. If you're the cook or just observing someone else, soup featured in dreams is a positive sign. And if you happen to see soup being cooked in your dream, that's especially meaningful. According to ancient dream dictionaries, soup symbolizes comfort, good tidings, and an easy life. But soup can also represent emotional hunger and inner healing. So if you dream about cooking soup, it's a sign that you're going to receive opportunities to move to the next level in your life. And if your dream features vegetable soup specifically, then I believe you need to get ready for some exceptional, exciting new experiences in the near future. 

In the fascinating world of dreams, the different types of soups mean different things. Cooking mushroom soup in dreams can suggest that you need to keep going and keep growing. Steaming hot bowls of chicken soup or seeing yourself preparing or cooking chicken soup can indicate that you need to stop being a “chicken” and start to rise up in life. Seeing tomato soup in dreams indicates that you may feel that you are getting scrambled feelings and facing tense relationships. 

Think about the humble comforts of a hearty chicken noodle soup, which can reflect your warmth and emotional nourishment. And finally, there's the murky, evocative, and indefinable nature of broths, tasty or bland, yet brimming with mystic wisdom. If you had a dream of cooking this broth then this is a dream about making sure you stand up for yourself. We can gain allot from looking at what cooking means in the bible.

In Genesis 25:29 Jacob cooked soup when Esau came into the fields. This was further described as red soup and in Gen 25:34. The soup was also served with bread. To dream of cooking often brings luck in waking life. However, the cooking of soup in a dream has a special meaning. The soup is interpreted as a symbol of comfort, good tidings, and happiness. Soup is also a sign of emotional hunger, and inner healing. To dream of cooking the soup predicts opportunities and rising from one level to a higher one in your life. Be prepared to experience great things in the near future.

What does it mean to cook rice in a dream?

Have you had a dream of rice? Well, ancient dream books suggest that dreaming of rice is a positive sign and will lead a long and happy life. Plus, did you know that rice is one of the healthiest foods out there? So if you're continuously dreaming about it, it could be your body's way of encouraging you to revamp your diet and focus on eating healthier in order to see the results you desire. Overall, rice may be a simple thing to cook in dreams, but its significance in dreams is definitely worth pondering. 

The meaning of rice in your dream is as simple as the rice itself – it represents contentment, time for good things, simplicity and humbleness. Rice is an important diet for many people around the world. In the bible, rice is mentioned vastly. In response to grains. The bible was developed at a time when life focused on agricultural pursuits. In the time of Jesus there was grains such as: Einkirn, Emmer, and later Triticum. Grains were normally soaked and fermented and they grinder particles to make the flour.

Grains are sustenance of life and to dream of rice means you’re in perfect health and you will live a long life according to older folklore. Rice is important in dreams because it is white (meaning pure) and stable food and eaten throughout the world. To dream of rice also indicates a message your body is sending to your subconscious mind saying – “Change your diet and eat healthier to see the results you’ve always wanted."

To cook the rice in your dream denotes new possibilities you will have to create for yourself. By this I mean the rice can indicate that you will achieve what you want. I often find rice appears in dreams when we are feeling unfulfilled with our current appearance. It could be time to pay attention to your health. The act of cooking rice symbolizes the creation of new opportunities and possibilities. But remember, in order to achieve your desired outcome, you must put in the hard work. And if you have to create your own luck along the way, don't lose hope. Rice represents growth in life and the knowledge needed to reap future rewards. So take note of your rice dreams and use them as motivation to strive for success in all areas of your life.

What does it mean to cook meat in a dream?

Well, it turns out that this dream symbolizes more than just your culinary abilities. In fact, cooking meat in your dream represents your mental and physical well-being. But don't be surprised if, after having this dream, you wake up feeling exhausted and beaten down - it's just a reminder that sometimes life can be tough. 

However, if you're a vegetarian and dream of cooking meat, this dream may represent your negative feelings towards something that goes against your own beliefs. It's like a “dark cloud hovering over your mind” making it hard to see the silver lining. 

But fear not! This dream is urging you to clear your mind of trivial problems and focus on the positive. It's time to let go of that negative energy and start seeing “what you wish to see” and hearing what you wish to hear. So, the next time you have a dream about cooking meat, remember that it's just a symbol and an opportunity for personal growth.

Imagine yourself in a kitchen, standing over a sizzling frying pan, cooking a piece of meat to perfection. This simple action holds a powerful meaning when it comes to your dreams, as it signifies that you will soon be faced with challenges that will push you to rely on your intuition and survival instincts. These obstacles may seem daunting at first, but once you overcome them, you will feel an immense sense of self-confidence and empowerment. 

In fact, dreaming of cooking meat is a sign that you are a fortunate individual, as not everyone has the means to purchase and consume meat regularly. This dream is a reflection of your blessings and hard work paying off, allowing you to indulge in the things you desire. So the next time you find yourself dreaming of cooking meat, take it as a sign of good fortune and a reminder to trust in your instincts when faced with challenges.

Let's now also consider the biblical meaning of cooking meat in a dream. Meat is mentioned many times in the old testament. Normally referred to as “flesh” in many verses. Meat is associated with focusing on the soul and the inner thoughts of our subconscious mind. The word righteousness is used as strong meat in Hebrews 5:12-14. Cooking meat in your dream is a symbol of your mental and physical health. Are you feeling fed up, abused and drained? If you’re a vegetarian, and you dream of cooking meat this can indicate the right things will happen in the end.

To cook raw meat in your dream means you will encounter situations and problems that will strengthen your intuition and survival instinct. Frying meat is connected to our inner self-confidence. There is a focus on overcoming obstacles. In old folklore cooking meat in a pan in a dream, means you’re a blessed individual.

What does it mean to cook porridge in a dream?

Dreaming of cooking porridge can be a highly meaningful experience. It is often linked to wishing for fortune and protection, as told by the Fairy tale story. The tale goes like this: In ancient times, a woman desperately wanted to have children and when hope was all but lost, she boiled a pot of porridge that magically gave her seven sons who would eventually become kings. 

The dream imagery of hot boiling porridge might suggest intense passion that we feel inside --- simmering beneath the surface for something you deeply desire in life. To look further into this dream meaning it’s important to pay attention to how you feel during the dream itself—are there any particular emotions present? I want to let you know that you need to pay attention to your reactions within the dream so that you can gain more insight into what it could be telling you about your waking life. 

The Bible refers to oats in Genesis 9:3. In this verse, it is associated with giving everything for you. Oats in the Bible are associated with an abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17) If you cooked porridge in your dream it signifies that grace will be yours. If we look at folklore, oats is a symbol of bad luck there is not much more about the actual meaning. In terms of the folklore meaning, if you’re a female and you dreamed of cooking porridge, it denotes you will have problems with a male. If you’re a male, on the other hand, it foretells a conflict in your family. To dream of serving, porridge has one more meaning related to your love life.

Boiling porridge in your dream could also point towards nurturing qualities or warmth in the heart and reflects possibly fulfilling an aspiration. The gentle stirring movement (maybe you were stirring the porridge) could also refer to self-reflection; taking time out. When I read some older dream books from the 1930s the dream of porridge could be a symbol of trouble. This dream means that any unlucky period will be fleeting. However, it's worth noting that difficulties in communication with the opposite gender could be on the horizon. For men, conflict in the family could also be a possibility. Also after cooking porridge in a dream there is a chance that you may face some obstacles on your path to success due to poor choices and misplaced trust. 

In my view, porridge due to the oats can represent our internal subconscious mind. This could be telling you to stand up for yourself against those who are holding you back. Listen to your intuition. Moreover, runny porridge in dreams might represent unfinished business that requires your attention. Interestingly, if you dream of cooking porridge on the stove (in a saucepan), it could be a sign of sowing the seeds in your love life. While sometimes in some cultures a symbol of bad luck, porridge might also hint towards a new romantic encounter waiting for you. 

What does it mean to cook chicken in a dream?

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you are cooking chicken and it is so vivid that when you wake up, you can almost smell the aroma? If so, then I am sure you would like to explore what this dream might mean. 

In some cultures, chickens are considered sacred creatures with magical powers because they are said to be able to “judge people’s character” and how your life will turn out, depending on how you cooked the chicken. To dream of roasting a chicken may therefore be interpreted as meaning that although we have many influences surrounding your life paths. Frying chicken can ultimately mean YOU hold the power over our own destiny. 

In the bible Chicken is a symbol of fertility and creative power. It’s also a sign of happiness and prosperity. However, to dream of cooking the chicken or preparing chicken means, indicates success. (Matthew 23:37) states that chickens (hen) is a protective symbol and looks after the young. A rooster, however (Matthew 26:75) is normally seen as a negative omen. For example ”Before a rooster crows, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly” the rooster could be in connection with a problem that you have in waking life. E.g. you need to try 3 times in order to succeed!

To dream of under-cooked chicken in dreams --- according to the bible represents your inability to handle a certain situation. However, it can also mean that you should change your way of reacting to something, to get a better outcome.

To dream of over-cooked chicken refers to your carelessness and ability to destroy something by listening to your mind, instead of the heart. Maybe you have a somewhat experimental nature and always like to try something new. However, you’re not very good at choosing the right timing to do so. Your dream reveals your destructive attitude you must work on to improve your life.

Dreaming about chicken wings could also reveal something about your feelings in waking life. If the chicken was boiling then maybe there’s something in your life right now that needs ‘cooking’ a bit longer before it reaches its full potential or comes together. While seeing yourself steaming chicken denotes an emotionally heated situation which requires calming down and letting go of negative emotions before matters can move forward successfully. Burning a chicken could signify hard work leading to success but at a personal cost - indicating that not all growth can come without sacrifice or discomfort. If the chicken was raw inside (or not cooked right) then this indicates that beneath a problem and mess in life things can be rather raw, but you can make it through. Cooking chicken drumsticks can indicate the power of the mind and mind over matter.

Dreaming is often connected to our emotional processing and health. There was an interesting study in the publication "Frontiers in Psychology" which determined that dreams are about how we defuse our own emotions. Chicken is a symbol of fertility and creative power. It’s also a sign of happiness and prosperity. However, to dream of cooking the chicken or preparing chicken can denote success at work. To dream of under-cooked chicken represents your inability to handle a certain situation. However, it can also mean that you should change your way of reacting to something, to get a better outcome.

What does it mean to dream of cooking pizza?

Dreaming of cooking meals such as pizza speaks to our desire to combine passions and abilities to reach our objectives. Dreams featuring paella - is all about how we mix things up in life, this is due to the multiple textures and flavors that are found in this spanish dish --- they represent unity and balance in our lives (rice, seafood, and vegetables) which all come together harmoniously. The question here (if you dream of cooking paella) is about trying to drive yourself to a certain point that you will need different ingredients in life to make things better.

What does it mean to dream of cooking spaghetti bolognese?

Maybe you cooked spaghetti bolognese --- preparing the seductive swirl of pasta in a rich meat sauce --- well in dreams cooking spaghetti bolognese is symbolic of an intertwined personal and professional relationship that you are striving to nurture and master, it could be a relationship with a partner or even someone close to you.  Dreams of cooking tomato based dishes often signifies that we feel the need for human connection, striving (maybe) to find deeper meaning and joy through shared experiences. Dreaming of cooking Indian food (currys) can symbolize an urge for adventure, while delving into the mysteries of the East. It often tells me that there is a need to explore uncharted territory in life. Dreams depicting chili con carne simmering away symbolize warmth, comfort, and the strength to overcome life's difficulties with resolve.

What does it mean to dream of cooking ramen?

Dreaming of making a bowl of comforting ramen could signify that you're missing out on important logical and strategic aspects of life - as you create this elaborate dish with layers and flavors added with deliberate precision. Cooking Moussaka (that irresistibly delicious Greek dish) speaks to our inherent understanding of "layering", since its components include eggplant, potatoes, meat and creamy bechamel sauce; it reminds us to keep building upon layers for integrity, loyalty and learning. It was not long ago I had a dream of cooking fish which is associated with emotions. It could mean emotions have run high in life.  Dreaming of cooking desserts can be a sign that we need to find some peace and indulgence, as these delectable treats ignite our desires for pleasure and reward. Dreams of creating tasty treats (such as cakes) may indicate the need for balance in life.

Summary of a dream of cooking

Cooking in your dream represents the way you feel about others and the care you give yourself. What you cook is important. Let’s focus on the term ‘cooking’ for now. Cooking in ancient times was normally carried out via boiling the food, or cooking with fire. To see yourself cooking during sleep is directly connected to taking care of yourself. To dream of cooking food for others is associated with a higher level of independence–In folklore, the dream of cooking food also predicts you will have unexpected guests soon and feel happiness and warmth.

Cooking is normally carried out alone and if you dream of being alone and cooking this can mean you need to reflect on your own inner desires. To see a feast or dreaming about a feast biblically can mean that you will be focused on surprise. We all have many things that are important in our life. Seeing the last supper in a dream can indicate that other people will turn to you for advice.

In essence, a dream in which we cook an abundance of foods and dishes represents different facets of our existence: desires for unity, adventure, logic, tradition, and indulgence. In peeling back the layers of these vivid culinary dreams it can clearly unveil the essential aspects of our emotional, intellectual, and spiritual selves.

In your dream you may have

  • Cooked something.
  • Seen someone else cooking.
  • Tried to cook unsuccessfully.
  • Set out on an impossible cooking task.
  • Cooked for several people or only for yourself.
  • Cooked either at home or at a restaurant/someone else’s home.
  • Cooked an intimate dinner.
  • Cooked something strange/inedible.
  • Cooked something nutritious.
  • Cooked something pretty.
  • Done some cooking with another person.

Positive changes are afoot if

  • You or a loved one cooked for your family.
  • You were successful, creative, or healthy in your cooking.
  • You cooked with another person.

This dream is in association with the following scenarios in your life

  • The way you treat other people.
  • Finding the ideal partner.
  • Your family’s health and wellness.
  • Creativity in all areas of life.
  • Nurturing and comforting others.
  • The future and your family’s future.

Feelings that you may have encountered during a dream of cooking

Comforted. Hungry. Full. Satisfied. Fulfilled. Empty. Needy. Helpful. Productive. Creative. Imaginative. Nurturing. Busy. Loved. Appreciated.

By Flo Saul
Jun 14, 2012