Broken Bread Season 2 Episode 6 Tijuana

Broken Bread season 2 episode 6, titled "Tijuana," follows chef and host Roy Choi as he ventures across the border into Tijuana, Mexico, to explore the city's culinary scene and the social and political issues that shape it.

Choi begins his journey by visiting a local community kitchen where he meets with a group of women who have turned their cooking skills into a small business. These women share their stories of overcoming poverty and violence in order to provide for their families, and explain how their kitchen has become a refuge for the community. Choi also meets with local activists who are working to combat gender-based violence and promote women's empowerment in the city.

As Choi continues his exploration of Tijuana's food culture, he learns about the impact of immigration policies on the city's restaurants and businesses. Many food entrepreneurs in Tijuana are immigrants or have family members who are undocumented, and their ability to work and travel freely is often restricted by border policies. Choi speaks with local restaurant owners and chefs about the challenges they face in navigating these policies and running successful businesses in a city that is often misrepresented in the media.

Throughout the episode, Choi also delves into the history and cultural significance of traditional Mexican cuisine, showcasing the unique flavors and techniques that set Tijuana's cuisine apart. He visits a vendor who specializes in birria, a popular meat stew, and learns about the hours-long process of slow-cooking the meat for maximum flavor. Choi also visits a brewery that combines Mexican and American flavors to create unique craft beer, highlighting the cross-cultural exchange that is integral to Tijuana's food and drink scene.

As the episode comes to a close, Choi reflects on the importance of food as a unifying and empowering force in Tijuana. Despite the challenges facing the city, the culinary community continues to thrive, bringing together people from all walks of life and providing a taste of hope and resilience. "Tijuana" offers an intimate look at the people and stories behind the food, revealing the richness and complexity of a city often overlooked by outsiders.