No Passport Required Season 1 Episode 6 D.C.
- TV-PG
- August 14, 2018
- 52 min
In the sixth episode of season one of No Passport Required, chef Marcus Samuelsson heads to the nation's capital, Washington D.C., to explore the rich and diverse culinary culture of the city.
Samuelsson begins his journey in the Ethiopian community, where he learns about the country's ancient food traditions and its influence on the local cuisine. He visits the capital's most popular Ethiopian restaurant, where he samples dishes like kitfo, a spicy raw beef dish, and injera, a sourdough flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian cuisine. Samuelsson also explores the community's coffee culture and visits a local coffee roaster to learn about the roasting process and taste some of the best coffee in the city.
Next, Samuelsson visits an Indian community and explores the unique blend of Indian and American flavors that can be found in the city. He meets with Indian chef Vikram Sunderam, who shows him how to cook a classic dish from India called rasam, a spicy soup made with tamarind and tomato. Samuelsson also visits a local Indian market to gather ingredients for a delicious Indian-inspired brunch at a trendy restaurant in the city.
Samuelsson then heads to the city's historic U Street, where he explores the vibrant African-American community and the local food traditions. He visits a soul food restaurant that has been serving the community for over 60 years and speaks with the owners about the importance of preserving the traditions of the neighborhood. Samuelsson also visits a local farm that grows collard greens, a staple in soul food cuisine, and learns about sustainable farming practices.
The episode then takes a turn as Samuelsson visits a Syrian refugee family who have made a new home in the city and have started a catering business to share their Syrian cuisine with the community. Samuelsson learns about the family's journey to America and the challenges they have faced along the way. He also gets a chance to taste some of their delicious dishes, including kibbeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with spiced ground meat and bulgur wheat.
Finally, Samuelsson ends his journey in D.C. at a local food hall, where he meets with different chefs from around the city to sample some of the most creative and innovative dishes. He finds out how the city's food scene has evolved over the years, and how it continues to be influenced by the many cultures that call D.C. home.
No Passport Required season one episode six, "D.C.", is a captivating exploration of the diverse and vibrant culinary culture of Washington D.C., as seen through the eyes of chef Marcus Samuelsson. From Ethiopian and Indian flavors, to soul food and Syrian cuisine, the episode showcases the many different influences that have shaped the city's food scene. Through his journey, Samuelsson celebrates the people behind these dishes, their stories, and the rich cultural heritage that is woven into every bite.