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Finding ‘American’ Food: Tasting The Nation With Padma Lakshmi

Heriberto prepares tacos in "El Jarocho" stand at Insurgentes Avenue on in Mexico City, Mexico.
Heriberto prepares tacos in "El Jarocho" stand at Insurgentes Avenue on in Mexico City, Mexico.

Late chef and television star Anthony Bourdain once said, “The history of the world is on your plate.

For many working in the food industry, it’s time that we take a hard look at whose history is on our plates and who’s equipped to tell its story.

And Padma Lakshmi’s new show, “Taste the Nation,” attempts to chronicle immigrant and indigenous communities and their contributions to  American cuisine — and their erasure from it.

From The Atlantic’s review of the show:

Lakshmi’s not alone in her pursuit of the definition of American food. We talk to her, an indigenous chef and a culinary historian about how — and if — food can still bring us together.

Copyright 2020 WAMU 88.5

Kathryn Fink
Kathryn Fink is a producer with NPR's All Things Considered.