Watch No Passport Required

No Passport Required is a television series that premiered on PBS in 2018. The show is hosted by Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson, and it explores the diverse cuisine of immigrant communities in several American cities. Each episode of the show takes viewers on a culinary tour of a different city, showcasing the unique dishes, ingredients, and cooking methods of the city's immigrant populations.

In the first episode of the series, Samuelsson travels to Detroit, Michigan, where he explores the city's rich African-American and Middle Eastern food cultures. He visits a soul food restaurant, where he samples staples like fried chicken and collard greens, and he also samples Lebanese dishes like shawarma and falafel at a local Middle Eastern bakery. In subsequent episodes, Samuelsson travels to cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Queens, New York, to explore the contributions of Vietnamese, Mexican, and Caribbean immigrants to American food culture.

One of the standout features of No Passport Required is the focus on the stories and experiences of the immigrant chefs and restaurant owners Samuelsson meets along the way. In each episode, he visits family-owned restaurants and food businesses, interviewing the chefs and proprietors about their personal stories and culinary traditions. In doing so, the show highlights the vibrant cultural heritage of the showcased immigrant communities, while also emphasizing the hard work and dedication required to build a successful restaurant business in America.

Another noteworthy element of No Passport Required is its attention to historical context and social issues. In the New Orleans episode, for example, Samuelsson explores the history of Creole cuisine and its complex relationship with African-American culture and identity. He also visits a local organization that promotes food justice and works to address the city's issues with food insecurity. Similarly, in the Queens episode, Samuelsson examines the impact of gentrification on the local food scene, interviewing chefs and residents about changes in the neighborhood's food culture over time.

Throughout the series, Samuelsson brings his own expertise as a world-renowned chef to the table, providing insight into the ingredients, techniques, and flavor profiles of each cuisine he encounters. He also offers tips and tricks for viewers who want to try cooking the dishes themselves, demonstrating recipes like jollof rice and gumbo in his home kitchen. Samuelsson's friendly and approachable demeanor makes the show an enjoyable and accessible experience for foodies and amateur cooks alike.

Overall, No Passport Required is a compelling and informative exploration of the vibrant immigrant food cultures that make up the fabric of America. By highlighting the stories of the chefs and restaurant owners behind each dish, the show offers a humanizing view of the immigrant experience and celebrates the diverse array of culinary traditions that enrich our food landscape. With its blend of cultural exploration, social commentary, and culinary expertise, No Passport Required is a must-watch for anyone interested in food, culture, and the immigrant experience in America.

No Passport Required is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between July 10, 2018 and on PBS