The movie Soul Food is a heartwarming drama-comedy that centers around the lives of a large African-American family living in Chicago. At the center of the story is the matriarch of the family, Mama Joe, who has three grown daughters - Teri, Bird, and Maxine. Every Sunday, the family gathers at Mama Joe's house to partake in a big meal of soul food and catch up with each other's lives.
However, as the sisters' individual struggles start to take over, the family gatherings become strained and tensions rise between them. Teri is a successful lawyer who is cheating on her husband with a married man. Bird is a struggling single mother who is trying to raise her two sons while dealing with financial difficulties. Maxine is insecure about her weight and has marital problems with her husband, Kenny.
When Mama Joe becomes seriously ill and hospitalized, the sisters are forced to put aside their differences and come together as a family to support each other. Ahmad, Mama Joe's grandson, becomes the mediator who tries to keep the family together and help them through their problems.
As the family works to mend their relationships, they come to realize the importance of family and the significance of the Sunday dinners. With the help of Ahmad and Mama Joe's love, the family overcomes their obstacles and reunites over their love for soul food and each other.