Ep 4. K-Town Countdown

In Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi season 2 episode 4, titled K-Town Countdown, Padma travels to the heart of the Korean American community in Los Angeles to explore the vibrant food culture of K-Town.

As Padma delves into the history of Korean immigration to the United States, she discovers how food has played a crucial role in keeping the community connected to their roots. She visits a traditional Korean market with a local chef to learn about the ingredients that are essential to Korean cooking, such as gochujang, a fermented chili paste, and kimchi, a spicy pickled vegetable dish.

Next, Padma meets with an elderly Korean woman who teaches her how to make bindaetteok, a savory pancake made with mung bean flour and filled with meat and vegetables. Padma learns about the importance of this dish in Korean culture and how it was a staple for Korean students during the 1980s democratization movement.

In another segment, Padma explores the fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisine in K-Town, as she samples Korean tacos and crispy chicken covered in a spicy Korean sauce served with tortillas. She also visits a popular restaurant where Korean barbecue is served in bite-sized tacos, showcasing the mix of cultures in K-Town.

Throughout the episode, Padma highlights the importance of food in bringing people together and strengthening community ties. She also looks at the struggles faced by the Korean American community, such as the 1992 LA riots, and how food played a role in healing and rebuilding after the devastation.

Finally, Padma sits down with a group of young Korean American women to discuss their experiences growing up in K-Town and the ways in which food has helped them connect with their culture and their community. The episode ends with Padma reflecting on the beauty of diversity and the power of food in bridging cultural divides.

K-Town Countdown is a celebration of the rich and vibrant culture of K-Town, and the important role that food plays in both preserving tradition and bringing people together. Padma's exploration of this community is a thoughtful and informative journey that will leave viewers with a new appreciation for the diversity and complexity of Korean American food culture.