Food and culture are forever intertwined. A bowl of rice is more than a simple grain providing the foundation to the dish. It connects the past, present and future. On the seventh season, Lucky Chow, Danielle Chang journeys through Taiwan to celebrate tradition, innovation, and creativity.
A screen captivates people’s attention. When people look beyond the simple scrolling moment, they long for a relatable story. The locale can be unfamiliar, or the concept can be complex. No matter the direction, people want to immerse themselves in those precious minutes and feel something, have that emotional connection.
Premiering on May 1, Lucky Chow season 7 explores the culinary diversity in Taiwan. Each of the five episodes offers a deep dive into a particular topic. From Taipei’s vibrant nightlife to exploring traditional ingredients being used in innovative ways, each episode stands alone yet has a thread that connects them all.
As Chang explained, "Taiwan is a place where tradition and innovation coexist in the most beautiful and delicious ways. This season of Lucky Chow, premiering in May during AAPI Heritage Month, is a love letter to this island—a journey through its vibrant night markets, serene tea fields, and bustling kitchens where ancient techniques meet modern creativity. From the rice paddies and tea farms in the north to the innovators of the city, every bite tells a story of resilience, community, and connection. Through food, we celebrate the richness of global culture, a universal language that unites us all and reminds of us our shared humanity.”
Check out this preview clip from Lucky Chow Season 7.
As the clip says, Taiwan is at a cultural and culinary crossroads. The desire to hold true to the past combined with the need to embrace innovation can find a singular path to success. Instead of being divergent journeys, they weave in and out of each other’s stories to show how they can co-exist together.
More importantly, there needs to be authenticity to this conversation. Chefs travel the world to experience unique ingredients and be inspired. When a chef steps into a world that celebrates herself as a person, the conversations are more poignant and meaningful. Even if people might never eat a dish of lu rou fan, they can relate through a similar story which is part of their culture.
According to American Public Television, the five episodes are: “Made In Taiwan,” “Offerings,” “Nightlight,” “Steeped in Culture,” and “Origins.” Even for people who are unfamiliar with Taiwanese food and culture, this season is full of creative concepts that can apply to anyone. For example, the Buddhist temple’s approach to vegetarian cuisine could inspire the next Meatless Monday menu. Or, the discussion on the craft of tea could get some people to skip the coffee for tea once a week.
Overall, Lucky Chow is more than scenes of wanderlust that spark a desire to book a ticket to Taiwan. It inspires people to look around, appreciate that the little moments are as special as the big ones. When that food returns to the table, all the memories and connections make the flavor even more delicious.
Lucky Chow airs on PBS app, PBS Stations nationwide, and streaming on PBS Passport. Season 7 premieres on May 1 with new episodes airing weekly.