Fusion or Regional Expression?

Jess Ho investigates the myth of authenticity and takes a look at what Cantonese food is in the diaspora. They visit renowned Melbourne restaurant Flower Drum to eat pearl meat and explore how migration affects a regional cuisine. In conversation with New York food writer Francis Lam, Jess asks 'When does regional expression become fusion?' and in this context, ‘What IS the food of my people?’

What do we actually mean when we say something is authentic?

Francis Lam

Jess and Jason Lui behind the scenes in the kitchen at Melbourne institution Flower Drum

Credits

Hosted and Created by Jess Ho

Executive Producer: Beth Atkinson-Quinton

Senior Producer: Elle Marsh

Producer: Bez Zewdie

Sound Designer: Nicole Pingon

Mixed by Max Gosford

Theme and additional original music is by Jon Tjhia

Artwork: Jason Phu

SBS team: Joel Supple and Bernadette Phương Nam Nguyễn

Thanks to our guests Jason Lui and Francis Lam