No Passport Required Season 1 Episode 4 Queens, NYC

In the fourth episode of No Passport Required season one, viewers are transported to Queens, New York City, to explore the diverse cuisine and cultures of this vibrant borough. Host Marcus Samuelsson visits several neighborhoods throughout Queens, including Astoria and Jackson Heights, to meet with local chefs, restaurateurs, and community members who represent the diverse roots of this melting pot.

The episode begins with Samuelsson meeting with a group of Nepalese immigrants who have come together to form a food cooperative. The organization, called Momo Crawl, hosts an annual festival featuring the popular Nepalese dumpling, momo. Samuelsson speaks with the founders of the festival to learn about the challenges they faced in transitioning to life in the United States and how they are integrating their culture through their food.

Next, Samuelsson heads to Astoria, a neighborhood that has seen an influx of Greek immigrants since the early 20th century. There, he meets with a local Greek chef who demonstrates how to make traditional dishes like taramasalata, a dip made from fish roe, and souvlaki, grilled skewers of meat. Samuelsson also visits a Greek market to learn about the variety of ingredients used in Greek cooking, including different types of olives and cheeses.

Moving on to Jackson Heights, Samuelsson visits a famous food court that features stalls selling food from all over South Asia. There, he samples dishes like dosa, a type of Indian crepe, and chats with the owners of the stalls to learn about the different regions represented by the varied cuisines. Samuelsson also stops at a Colombian bakery to try empanadas and other traditional sweets.

The episode concludes with a visit to a family-owned Mexican restaurant, where Samuelsson gets a lesson on making tortillas by hand. The family shares stories about their journey to the United States and their role in bringing authentic Mexican cuisine to the Queens community.

Throughout the episode, Samuelsson emphasizes the importance of food as a means of preserving cultural heritage and bringing people together. He celebrates the diversity of Queens and highlights the ways in which immigrant communities have contributed to the borough's vibrant food scene.

Viewers will be left with a newfound appreciation for the cultural richness of Queens and a mouthwatering desire to try some of the dishes highlighted in the episode.