Watch Culinary China

Culinary China is a documentary TV series produced by TVF International that explores the rich and diverse cuisine of China, one of the oldest continuous civilizations in the world. The series is divided into six episodes, each focusing on a different region of China and its unique culinary traditions. From the fiery flavors of Sichuan to the delicate tastes of Jiangsu, from the hearty dishes of Xinjiang to the seafood specialties of Guangdong, each region offers a distinct culinary experience that reflects its history, culture, and environment.

The series is hosted by chef Ken Hom, who was born in the United States but grew up in China and is widely regarded as an expert on Chinese cuisine. Hom explores each region alongside local chefs, farmers, and food experts, learning about the ingredients, techniques, and traditions that make each cuisine so special.

In the first episode, Hom travels to Sichuan, the land of spicy food, to discover the secrets of Sichuanese cuisine. He meets with chef Yu Bo, who takes him to a local market to sample some of the region's most famous dishes, such as hot pot, dan dan noodles, and mapo tofu. Hom also visits a Sichuan pepper farm and learns about the unique flavor and numbing sensation that this ingredient adds to the cuisine.

In the second episode, Hom travels to Guangdong, the land of seafood, to explore the delicate and fresh flavors of Cantonese cuisine. He meets with chef Tony Tan, who takes him to a wet market to select ingredients for a traditional Cantonese feast, including live seafood and exotic fruits. Hom also learns about the art of dim sum-making and samples some of Guangdong's most famous dishes, such as roast goose and steamed fish.

In the third episode, Hom travels to Xinjiang, the land of lamb, to discover the hearty and flavorful dishes of the region. He meets with chef Hanna Husin, who takes him on a culinary journey through the Silk Road, trying dishes such as lamb skewers, naan bread, and pilaf. Hom also learns about the history of the region and how its cuisine has been influenced by the various cultures that have passed through.

In the fourth episode, Hom travels to Jiangsu, the land of gentle flavors, to explore the refined and delicate cuisine of the region. He meets with chef Jereme Leung, who takes him to a tea house to sample the famous Huaiyang cuisine, known for its light flavor and artistic presentation. Hom also learns about the art of making xiaolongbao, a type of soup dumpling that is a specialty of Jiangsu.

In the fifth episode, Hom travels to Hunan, the land of rice and fish, to discover the complex and spicy cuisine of the region. He meets with chef Tian Sheng, who takes him to a local market to select ingredients for a traditional Hunanese feast, including river fish, rice wine, and chili peppers. Hom also learns about the history of the region and how its cuisine has been influenced by its geography and climate.

In the final episode, Hom travels to Beijing, the capital city of China, to explore the imperial cuisine of the Ming and Qing dynasties. He meets with chef Da Dong, who takes him to a restaurant that specializes in Peking duck, one of the most famous dishes of the region. Hom also learns about the history of the Forbidden City and how the emperors' cuisine was influenced by the various regions of China.

Throughout the series, Culinary China showcases the diversity of Chinese cuisine and the passion and creativity of its chefs and food experts. It offers a fascinating insight into the history, culture, and geography of China and the ways in which they have shaped its extraordinary cuisine.

Culinary China is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between January 1, 2005 and on TVF International