Hosted by renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED is a new six-part PBS/Eater series that takes viewers on an inspiring journey across the U.S. to explore and celebrate the wide-ranging diversity of immigrant traditions and cuisine woven into American food and culture. Each week Marcus an immigrant himself visits a new city to discover the dynamic and creative ways a particular community has made its mark. A vibrant portrait of America today, NO PASSPORT REQUIRED features musicians, poets, chefs, business owners, artists, community leaders and home cooks who have enhanced the nations culture and cuisine. Tune in or stream on July 10 at 9/8c. Check local listings.
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED host Marcus Samuelsson talked with Eater’s Sonia Chopra about the show and his experiences:
How do you describe No Passport Required?
No Passport Required is a journey across six American cities where in each stop we go deep into the heart of a local immigrant community. Through food, I learn about the traditions and culture of these communities that make this nation so rich and dynamic. Its not just about where or what to eat but how people come together around food that common thread that links us all and defines us, too.
Why did you want to be part of this show? What do you hope it brings into the world?
As an immigrant myself [born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, and now living in Harlem] it is a dream to be a part of a show that shines light on the food culture of immigrant communities all around us. I love nothing more that heading to a new city and making my way to a local market or being invited into a family home for dinner. My hope is that the program helps show people how similar we all are something that I think is incredibly important in our current climate. Through these moments weve captured, its my hope that people feel connected and invited into a community they may not know.
If you could narrow it down to your one favorite moment what was that and why?
Its hard to pick just one moment. Its all the incredible storytellers we met who made the show what it is. A couple of examples of some standout moments are cooking with Tung Nguyens family in New Orleans and making kibbeh with Nahdie in Detroit. I love both Vietnamese and Middle Eastern cuisines, and I hadnt had a chance to really cook them in a truly authentic way before. Above all, this show would be nothing without all the people who shared their wonderful stories with me, and I cant wait for everyone to see this journey.
Can you share something new that you learned that truly surprised or shocked you?
I dont think I fully realized? the extent of the sacrifices that some of these people make. So many of the stories are super powerful and humbling to hear. All of these people are so patriotic and really want to work hard and give back to their communities and hopefully this show will highlight that. When I think about this moment were in, I have these stories in my head. After all, at the end of the day were all immigrants.
Its impossible to create such a show without addressing industry legend Anthony Bourdain, the chef and TV host who died recently. Did he have an influence on you?
Absolutely. I dont think you can underestimate the impact Tony had showing the world how closely linked food, culture, and identity are. Our friendship meant a great deal to me and all of us in the chef community are still grieving. I was excited to tell him about the show early on and grateful for his support. I will never forget the amazing time we had together in Ethiopia with my wife Maya it was a powerful journey that I will carry with me always.
This interview originally appeared on Eater.com.
