Why Our Food Blog Is Called “The Noms”: The “Om Nom Nom Origin” and Cookie Monster Inspiration

If you’ve ever wondered what “om nom nom” means or why my food blog is named The Noms, you’re in the right place! This name is a playful celebration of joyful eating, childhood memories, and the pure delight of delicious food.

What Does “Om Nom Nom” Mean? The Cookie Monster Origin Story

The phrase “om nom nom” (sometimes spelled “nom nom nom”) is an onomatopoeic expression for the sound of enthusiastically devouring something delicious. It perfectly captures that unapologetic, childlike joy when food is just too good.

According to sources like Know Your Meme, Wiktionary, and Eater, the “om nom nom” origin traces directly back to Sesame Street’s beloved Cookie Monster. Starting in the late 1960s and 1970s, he’d gobble cookies while making frantic eating sounds—often transcribed as “om nom nom nom!” (Though early episodes sometimes used “num num num.”) The phrase exploded as an internet meme in the mid-2000s, especially in lolcats and cute animal videos, but its heart is pure Cookie Monster magic.

For me, it represents more than a meme—it’s the sound of pure happiness at the table.

How Cookie Monster’s “Om Nom Nom” Inspired The Noms Food Blog Name

Growing up, I watched Sesame Street, and Cookie Monster was my absolute favorite. His wild-eyed excitement over a simple cookie? Relatable! That’s the feeling I want every recipe on The Noms to evoke: that “om nom nom” moment when you take a bite and everything feels right.

Shortening it to “The Noms” keeps it fun and memorable—like saying “time for some noms!” It’s my nod to that blue furry icon while building a space for approachable, heartfelt cooking.

My Personal Story: Family Recipes, Kitchen Chaos, and New England Roots

The joy of “om nom nom” goes beyond cartoons for me—it’s rooted in real family memories. I grew up in a bustling kitchen with my mom, covered in flour, laughing over imperfect pies, and learning treasured family recipes (like her legendary shortbread cookies that I still bake today. (Her shortbread recipe can be found here).

Those chaotic, loving moments shaped who I am. Now, with my husband, we run a Boston-style roast beef restaurant in New England, bringing restaurant-quality tips to home cooks everywhere.

The Noms extends that family table to you: simple, seasonal recipes with a New England twist, like candied pecans or creative tiramisu, all designed to create your own “om nom nom” memories.

Join The Noms: Celebrate Joyful Eating and Family Recipes

Whether it’s channeling your inner Cookie Monster with a batch of cookies or recreating a handed-down family favorite, food should spark delight. That’s the spirit of The Noms.

Thanks for stopping by! What’s your favorite “om nom nom” moment—a Cookie Monster memory or a cherished family recipe? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear!