Watch Rick Stein's Road To Mexico

Rick Stein's Road To Mexico is a BBC2 travel and food documentary series which premiered in 2017 and ran for 7 episodes until 2018. The show follows acclaimed chef and restaurateur Rick Stein on his journey from San Francisco to Mexico, tracing the roots of Mexican cuisine. Stein's show is not just about food, but also about the culture and history of the places he visits. The show's main objective is to help viewers understand the flavors, textures, and spices which make Mexican cuisine unique.

Joining Stein on his journey are two renowned chefs, Roy Choi and Martin Yan. Choi is known for his Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine, while Yan is a culinary expert on Chinese cuisine. Together, the trio explores the diverse array of regional dishes that make up Mexican cuisine, including classic Mexican dishes, like tacos and ceviche, and lesser-known recipes such as cochinita pibil and chilorio.

With the help of a vibrant cast of colorful characters who share their home recipes, the show offers an in-depth look at Mexican culture and its food heritage. Stein and his chefs visit various local markets, street vendors, and restaurants, exploring the different regional specialties of Mexico, including Oaxaca, Veracruz, and Yucatan. The show also delves into the role of food in Mexican culture and history, from the ancient Mayan civilization to the present-day.

Each episode features a different theme, including the history of tequila and mezcal, the significance of the Day of the Dead, and the Mexican breakfast. The show also highlights the role of cultural fusion in Mexican cuisine, looking at the impact of colonialism on the food and culture of Mexico.

Throughout the series, Stein is seen engaging with locals, cooking, and learning from them, as well as giving his own take on classic Mexican recipes. For instance, in one episode, Stein makes mole poblano, a traditional Mexican sauce, with a mix of chili peppers, spices, chocolate, and sesame seeds. In another episode, he creates a classic Mexican dish, chiles en nogada, a poblano pepper stuffed with meat and fruit, covered with a white walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.

The show also offers valuable lessons for viewers interested in learning how to cook Mexican food at home. With each episode, Stein shares simple techniques and tips that viewers can use to recreate these authentic Mexican dishes in their own kitchens. Moreover, the show emphasizes using fresh and local ingredients, showcasing the importance of seasonality and freshness in cooking Mexican cuisine.

Rick Stein's Road To Mexico also has an underlying message about the importance of cultural exchange and understanding between different cultures. The show celebrates Mexican culture and its cuisine, and highlights how different cultures have influenced and enriched it over the centuries. Stein's trip to Mexico is a journey of discovery, not only of the ingredients, techniques, and recipes of Mexican cooking, but also of the people who make it possible.

In conclusion, Rick Stein's Road To Mexico is a must-watch for any food lover who wants to understand the origins and diversity of Mexican cuisine. With stunning visuals, diverse recipes, and engaging storytelling, the show offers a comprehensive and intimate journey into the heart of Mexican cooking and culture.

Rick Stein's Road To Mexico is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between and on BBC2