Award-winning cookbook author Padma Lakshmi goes on a journey across the United States, exploring the rich and diverse food cultures of various immigrant groups and seeking out the people who have shaped what American food is today.
EPISODE 1
Burritos at the Border
Once part of Mexico, El Paso, Texas, defines the region's identity and the complexity of America's political landscape; Padma eats her way through this border city while discovering the origins of one of America's most beloved cuisines.
EPISODE 2
The All American Wiener
Many think hot dogs, hamburgers and pretzels are quintessentially American, but their origins are actually German; in Milwaukee, Padma meets descendants of early German immigrants who hold onto their heritage by celebrating and reclaiming it.
EPISODE 3
Don't Mind if I Dosa
Padma asks family, friends and those she admires how they hold onto Indian culture and pass it down to the next generation; In New York City, she cooks the dishes that remind her of her original home and tastes Indian foods near her current home.
EPISODE 4
The Gullah Way
The Gullah Geechee people of South Carolina are fighting to preserve the traditions passed down from their ancestors, West Africans forced into slavery; Padma catches and cracks crab with friends, all working towards reclaiming their heritage.
EPISODE 5
What is Chop Suey Anyway?
Chinese food is a popular cuisine but the flavours have been simplified over time.
EPISODE 6
Where the kabob is Hot
Padma tastes her way through Los Angeles, sampling one of her favourite cuisines: Persian food; the community opens up about the misconceptions some Americans have about Iranians, one kebab at a time.
Padma Lakshmi
David Shadrack
Sarina Roma
