Watch Take Out With Lisa Ling

Take Out With Lisa Ling is a docuseries available on HBO Max that explores the impact and significance of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine in America. The show takes a deep dive into the history and cultural significance of various dishes and the individuals behind them, shedding light on the social and political implications of Asian cuisine through the eyes of the esteemed journalist and host, Lisa Ling.

The six-part series invites viewers on a culinary journey across America, as Lisa Ling takes us through local restaurants and food trucks, kitchens and world-renowned chef's restaurants. She introduces us to the chefs and proprietors who have dedicated their lives to crafting authentic and delicious dishes from China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, and Korea. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and have their unique stories, which are woven into the show's narrative, making it a must-watch not just for food lovers, but for anyone interested in cultural and social issues.

Each episode showcases a different aspect of Asian cuisine, the first of which is Chinese food. Ling visits some of New York's most iconic Chinese restaurants, such as the opulent "Red Farm," where she samples mouth-watering dishes like the dim sum, Sichuan-style dumplings, and crab cakes, and meets the creative genius who invented them.

In episode two, Ling takes us on a culinary trip to Koreatown in Los Angeles, where she tries some of the city's best Korean barbecue and shops for traditional Korean ingredients. Viewers also have the opportunity to see Korean dishes like kimbap and barbeque sesame beef from an innovative perspective as Ling meets with a new generation of Korean-American chefs who bring fresh and exciting takes on these classics.

The third episode takes viewers on a journey through Vietnamese cuisine. The show visits the bustling Vietnamese markets of New Orleans, exotic French-Vietnamese restaurants, and even a Vietnamese po' boy sandwich shop. Ling meets Vietnamese chefs who are pushing the boundaries of traditional Vietnamese food in the US, with dishes like Gulf shrimp spring rolls and sauteed catfish with dill and green onion.

The fourth episode highlights the magnificent Japanese cuisine that Japanese immigrants brought to the US. From a traditional Sushi restaurant in Seattle to a Roast duck noodle shop in New York, the show covers the spectrum of Japanese cuisine. Ling also sits down with Japanese-American chef and businessman, Roy Yamaguchi, who has become a household name for his fusion recipes that pair Japanese and Hawaiian ingredients in innovative combinations.

In the fifth episode, Ling takes us to Thailand, where we visit the heart of Thai cuisine, Bangkok. The hostels samples Thailand's famous street food, such as spicy fried chicken, pad Thai, and green curry, while exploring the traditional markets of the city and meeting with Thai chefs who have brought their cuisine to the US market.

Finally, in the last episode, Lisa Ling examines the challenges faced by Asian-American restaurateurs in the US, highlighting the ways in which food is used as a means of addressing these challenges and bringing communities together. Ling interviews restaurant owners and chefs from all over the US, showcasing how the Asian community has created a new culinary scene that blends tradition, innovation, and variety.

Overall, Take Out With Lisa Ling is a groundbreaking show that promotes diversity and celebrates the cultural richness of Asian cuisine. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring new foods, discovering exciting new restaurants, and exploring the stories behind them. The show provides a fascinating insight into the history, culture, and preservation of Asian cuisine and the challenges facing Asian-American communities. With Ling's excellent narration and the mouthwatering food, Take Out With Lisa Ling is an immersive experience not to be missed.

Take Out With Lisa Ling is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between January 27, 2022 and on HBO Max