Ep 7. Guangzhou, China

In season 2 episode 7 of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern ventures to Guangzhou, China, to explore the city's unique cuisine and culture. Guangzhou is renowned for its diverse range of food offerings, which are heavily influenced by its close proximity to the ocean and its longstanding history as a culinary hub.

Zimmern starts his tour of Guangzhou's food scene at a local wet market, where he encounters an array of exotic ingredients and locally sourced seafood. From live eels to sea cucumbers, Zimmern is exposed to a variety of flavors and textures that are foreign to most Western palates. Despite the initially overwhelming nature of the market, Zimmern is fascinated by the vendors' vast knowledge of their products and the immense respect they have for food.

Next, Zimmern ventures to a neighborhood known for its street food vendors. Here, he encounters a slew of local delicacies, including skewered scorpions and deep-fried cicadas. Although these offerings may seem strange to outsiders, they are considered commonplace in Guangzhou and are a source of pride for locals. Zimmern is particularly impressed by the high level of craftsmanship and creativity that goes into creating these dishes, often with limited resources.

Zimmern then meets up with a local chef who shows him how to prepare one of Guangzhou's most iconic dishes: Cantonese roast duck. The dish is notoriously difficult to prepare, requiring several days of marinating, drying, and roasting to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Zimmern is struck by the chef's dedication to his craft, as well as his attention to detail and respect for the ingredients.

Later on, Zimmern visits a traditional tea house, where he experiences a different side of Guangzhou's food culture. Here, he learns about the significance of tea in Chinese culture and the art of preparing and serving it. He also samples a variety of tea-infused dishes, including tea-smoked pigeon and tea-leaf eggs.

Finally, Zimmern ends his trip with a visit to a 100-year-old family-run restaurant that specializes in Guangzhou-style home cooking. Here, he sits down with a local family to enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring dishes that have been passed down for generations. Zimmern is struck by the sense of community and tradition that permeates the restaurant, and he marvels at the flavors and techniques used to create each dish.

Overall, season 2 episode 7 of Bizarre Foods offers a fascinating insight into the culinary and cultural heritage of Guangzhou, China. Through his encounters with local vendors, chefs, and families, Zimmern highlights the passion, creativity, and respect that underpins Guangzhou's unique food scene.