Picture the aroma of simmering sauces rising from a countryside kitchen in Italy or the crackle of spices in a bustling South Korean market. National Geographic’s upcoming docuseries, No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski, is a feast for the senses, where food and heritage intertwine to tell extraordinary stories. Premiering February 23, this visually rich series invites viewers to explore the flavors, traditions, and family histories that shape some of the world’s most beloved dishes.
Hosted by Antoni Porowski, the Emmy Award-winning star of Queer Eye, the series pairs him with an impressive lineup of celebrity guests, including Awkwafina, Henry Golding, James Marsden, Florence Pugh, Issa Rae, and Justin Theroux. Together, they embark on journeys across the globe, from the misty Bavarian Alps to the emerald jungles of Borneo, rediscovering family recipes and uncovering the deeply personal stories behind them.
“It’s a beautiful adventure to discover our past through the great connector that is food,” Antoni reflects. The series celebrates not only the act of cooking but also the connections, resilience, and memories woven into each meal.
Stories Told Through Flavors
Each episode serves up a sensory and emotional exploration, where the journey is as rich as the destination:
- “Florence Pugh’s English Odyssey” takes viewers to the rolling hills of Oxford and the rugged Yorkshire coast. As Antoni and Florence uncover her family’s passion for food, they trace the origins of recipes that have been passed down through generations, each bite carrying a story of survival, tradition, and love.
- In “Awkwafina’s Korean Homecoming”, the vibrant streets of Seoul come alive with sizzling pans and colorful plates. Antoni helps Awkwafina reconnect with her South Korean roots after the loss of her mother at a young age. Each dish becomes a doorway to memories, revelations, and a renewed sense of identity.
- “Justin Theroux’s Italian Quest” whisks viewers to sun-drenched Italian villages, where the air is fragrant with olive trees and the sea breeze. Justin and Antoni dive into the origins of a cherished family pasta dish, harvesting clams by the shore and crafting meals in rustic kitchens that tell the story of his ancestors’ migration.
- “James Marsden’s German Dish Up” explores Bavaria’s snow-capped peaks and charming villages. Over hearty stews and delicate pastries, Antoni and James piece together the origins of his family’s chicken fried steak, unearthing stories of immigration, resilience, and the ties between Texas and Germany.
- “Issa Rae’s Senegalese Royal Roots” is a kaleidoscope of color and culture. In the bustling markets of Dakar, Issa and Antoni uncover the stories of powerful women in her lineage, where each ingredient tells of strength, tradition, and royalty. The shared meals become a tribute to Issa’s family legacy.
- “Henry Golding’s Malaysian Adventure” immerses viewers in the lush rainforests of Borneo. Amid the verdant greenery and the sounds of nature, Antoni and Henry delve into his Iban heritage, cooking with family and learning how oral traditions and food intertwine to preserve identity and history.
Food as the Great Connector
Every episode culminates in a family meal, a heartfelt gathering where laughter, stories, and flavors collide. Whether dining with royalty in Bavaria or cooking with long-lost relatives in Borneo, the series reveals how food bridges the past and the present, creating moments of joy and unity. Each dish—crafted with care and tradition—becomes a celebration of identity and a testament to the enduring power of heritage.
A Visually Stunning and Emotional Experience
The series is a work of visual and emotional artistry. Sweeping shots of landscapes—from misty coasts to bustling city streets—are paired with intimate close-ups of dishes like chicken fried steak and vibrant Korean cuisine, each crafted with love and precision. The sizzling pans, colorful ingredients, and intricate preparations transport viewers into kitchens and dining rooms filled with tradition and care. Every moment is infused with warmth and authenticity, reminding us that food is more than sustenance—it’s a vessel for heartwarming stories, unforgettable flavors, and the deep connections that bind us to our heritage.
Produced by Studio Ramsay Global, No Taste Like Home builds on the legacy of groundbreaking food programming while carving out a unique space of its own. Executive producer Antoni Porowski brings both expertise and heartfelt storytelling to each episode, making the series a vibrant exploration of culinary traditions and the human stories behind them.
Mark your calendars for February 23, when No Taste Like Home with Antoni Porowski debuts on National Geographic and streams on Disney+ and Hulu the next day. Prepare to be swept away by breathtaking flavors, heartfelt stories, and the profound beauty of discovering who we are through the meals that connect us to our roots.
