House Special

Documentary

Available on CBC Gem

Chef and author Jackie Kai Ellis explores Canadian Chop Suey cuisine and chronicles the Chinese Canadian experience through the lens of small-town Asian food joints and the families that run them.

Documentary

G

EPISODE 1

Hardwork

In this first episode, Jackie learns more about the origins of “westernized” menus. A new wave of Chinese-Canadian chefs are proud to cook what they love and have traditional food back on the menu.

22 min · May 1, 2023 G
EPISODE 2

Food is Love

In Chinese culture we say “I love you” through food. Here, Jackie tries to answer the age old question, how did food come to be synonymous with love in Asian culture?

22 min · May 1, 2023 G
EPISODE 3

Hungry for Home

When you’re far from home, you miss food. Jackie visits Kelowna to learn about the lengths homesick people will go to eat food that reminds them of home.

22 min · May 1, 2023 G
EPISODE 4

New Traditions

In Red Deer, Jackie explores how different cultures have embraced Chinese cuisine during the holidays and how these new traditions revolve around Asian food.

22 min · May 1, 2023 G
EPISODE 5

Happiness, Wealth, Prosperity

Jackie learns about the biggest celebration in the Asian calendar - Lunar New Year. Cream cheese wontons, hair moss soup, and handmade dumplings are on the menu.

22 min · May 1, 2023 G

About

House Special

DOCUMENTARY

Chef and author Jackie Kai Ellis explores Canadian Chop Suey cuisine and chronicles the Chinese Canadian experience through the lens of small-town Asian food joints and the families that run them.

Information

Studio: CBC Gem
Rated: G

Languages

Audio: * (AAC)
Subtitles: English (Canada) (CC, SDH)

Accessibility

: Closed captions (CC) refer to subtitles in the available language with the addition of relevant non-dialogue information.