In the first episode of “No Passport Required,” chef and host Marcus Samuelsson visits Detroit to get a closer look at the city’s Middle Eastern community. Known as the “Arab capital of North America,” the area encompassing Detroit and Dearborn is home to hundreds of food establishments owned by immigrants from across the Middle East. People have been migrating from the greater Syrian region since the 1870s, delivering the flavors of their home countries straight to southeastern Michigan.
Throughout episode one (stream it here), Samuelsson aims to break down the stereotypes surrounding the Middle Eastern community. This community is both complex and connected, steeped in tradition but progressive in its ability to reach people from all backgrounds. Immigrant-owned restaurants serve more than just authentic Middle Eastern food; they provide much-needed spaces where people can meet up, dine together, and support one another. Here are the restaurants featured in this episode, listed in order of appearance.
No Passport Required is produced for PBS by Eater and Vox Entertainment, part of Vox Media. Tune in or stream full episodes Tuesdays at 9/8c on PBS. (Check local listings.) Get more information on the show at pbs.org/nopassrequired.
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