Watch Broken Bread

Broken Bread is a food and social documentary series that aired on KCET in 2019, hosted by celebrated chef and entrepreneur, Roy Choi. This unique show follows Choi as he explores the intersection of food, culture, and social issues in Los Angeles, while highlighting local chefs and community activists who are making a difference in their neighborhoods through food.

Throughout the series, Choi visits various neighborhoods in LA, including Watts, Boyle Heights, and Highland Park, to talk with chefs, activists, and community members who are using food as a means of social change. From a cafe that employs formerly incarcerated individuals to a youth program that teaches culinary skills, each episode showcases the power of food to bring people together, create jobs, and transform communities.

One of the standout episodes features Cheech Marin, the famous actor, comedian, and Chicano art collector, who joins Choi for a day of exploring the history of Mexican-American cuisine in LA. Together, they visit iconic restaurants like El Tepeyac and El Pescador, where Marin shares stories and memories of his childhood growing up in LA.

In another episode, Choi teams up with Anna Rose Hopkins, a farmer and artist who runs a community garden in Compton. Together, they plant seeds, harvest vegetables, and cook a meal using local ingredients, while discussing the role of food in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system.

But the series isn't just about food and cooking – it's about the people behind the food and their stories. Each episode features interviews with local chefs and activists who are using their skills and voices to make a difference in their communities. These individuals share their personal journeys, struggles, and passions, offering a window into the diverse and vibrant communities that make up LA.

What sets Broken Bread apart from other food documentaries is its focus on social issues and activism. Choi is passionate about using food as a way to create positive change in the world, and this message is evident throughout the series. Whether he's visiting a food bank or learning about urban farming, Choi showcases the work that is being done to tackle issues such as food insecurity, poverty, and economic inequality.

Overall, Broken Bread is an inspiring and thought-provoking series that highlights the power of food to unite people and make a difference in the world. It showcases the vibrant and diverse communities of LA, while celebrating the individuals and organizations that are working to create positive change. Through its mix of food, culture, and social issues, Broken Bread is a must-watch for anyone who cares about food and social justice.

Broken Bread is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between May 15, 2019 and on KCET