Watch The Migrant Kitchen

The Migrant Kitchen is a culinary series produced by KCET and Life & Thyme that explores the stories, traditions, and flavors of immigrant communities in America through the lens of food. The show is hosted by chef Wes Avila, who hails from the state of Sonora in Mexico and is known for reinventing the classic taco with his Los Angeles-based truck, Guerrilla Tacos, and food writer Jennifer Reichardt, who provides historical and cultural context to the dishes and ingredients featured on the show.

Each episode of the show takes the audience on a journey to a different part of the country where they meet immigrants who have brought their culinary heritage and traditions to America. Whether it's a Syrian refugee family in Michigan who opened a bakery to rekindle the flavors of their homeland or a Cambodian-American chef in Long Beach who is preserving the flavors of her grandmother's cooking, each episode tells a unique story of resilience, perseverance, and cultural identity.

What sets The Migrant Kitchen apart from other food shows is its focus on the people behind the food. Rather than just showcasing the dishes and techniques, the show delves into the personal stories of the chefs and how their upbringing, family history, and life experiences have influenced their cooking. For example, in one episode, viewers meet a group of Mexican-American women in Chicago who have formed a cooking collective called Kitchens for Good to share their culinary skills and support their community. In another episode, viewers get to know a Korean-American father and son who operate a taco truck in San Francisco as a tribute to their family's immigrant story and the fusion of cultures they represent.

Throughout the series, Wes Avila and Jennifer Reichardt provide insightful commentary and engaging banter as they taste their way through the dishes and engage in thoughtful conversations with the chefs. They also offer cooking tips and tricks that viewers can use at home to recreate some of the flavors and techniques featured on the show.

The cinematography and production values of The Migrant Kitchen are top-notch, with stunning shots of food being prepared and served, as well as sweeping views of the landscapes and communities where the chefs operate. Each episode is beautifully crafted with a mix of voiceover narration, interviews, and on-location footage that transports the audience to different parts of the country and gives them an intimate look at the lives of the chefs and the people they serve.

Overall, The Migrant Kitchen is a must-watch show for anyone who is interested in food, culture, and the immigrant experience. It is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of food as a means of preserving traditions, bridging cultures, and connecting people across borders and generations. By sharing the stories and flavors of immigrant communities in America, the show celebrates diversity, resilience, and the universal human desire for connection and belonging.