Ep 2. Taste of Asia

In episode 2 of season 23 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host Guy Fieri takes viewers on a culinary tour of Asia, stopping at some of the best and most unique eateries that serve up authentic and delicious Asian cuisine. The episode features three restaurants located in different parts of the United States, each specializing in their own regional dishes.

The first stop on the tour is a restaurant in Portland, Oregon that serves up classic Chinese American dishes with a modern twist. Guy visits the head chef in the kitchen to learn how they make some of their most popular dishes, including duck confit fried rice and house-made char siu pork. The restaurant also offers a variety of craft cocktails that incorporate Asian flavors and spirits.

Next, Guy travels to a Korean barbecue joint in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he samples a variety of grilled meats and traditional side dishes. The owners of the restaurant explain the unique process of grilling the meat directly at the table, and Guy enthusiastically tries his hand at cooking his own beef bulgogi. He also tries a Korean rice cake soup and a seafood pancake, which he declares to be some of the best dishes he's ever tasted.

The final stop on the tour takes Guy to a restaurant in Austin, Texas that specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. He meets the owner, who shares the history and cultural significance of each dish they serve, including a classic phở and bún chả, a dish made with grilled pork and noodles. Guy also tries some of the restaurant's homemade sauces and marinades, which he proclaims to be the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory.

Throughout the episode, Guy showcases the unique flavors and techniques of each region's cuisine, sharing interesting facts and tidbits about each restaurant and its history. He also highlights the passion and dedication of the chefs and owners, who pour their hearts and souls into creating delicious and authentic Asian food for their customers. Whether you're a fan of Chinese American fusion, Korean BBQ, or Vietnamese classics, this episode is sure to leave you hungry for more.