Easy Chinese

Easy Chinese is a captivating culinary television series that first aired in 2011 on the Cooking Channel. The programme is hosted by the charismatic and knowledgeable Ching-He Huang, a Taiwanese-born British food writer and TV chef who is celebrated for her innovative methods in teaching the art of cooking Chinese cuisine.

The show is distinctively set in New York City, one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally diverse cities. This setting infuses the show with an exciting backdrop, highlighting the rich cultural mix that constitutes the city's culinary scene. As Ching takes viewers through the endless maze of food markets, noodle houses, dim sum parlours and fusion food trucks, she continuously demonstrates her talent for accessible, straightforward cooking, making traditional Chinese food accessible to the viewers.

Throughout the show, Ching-He Huang introduces food enthusiasts to a delicious array of Chinese dishes that are easy to prepare at home. With each episode, she embarks on a culinary adventure that seeks out the city’s best Asian ingredients and demonstrates the simplicity of Chinese cooking methods. From the delectable Beef and Black Bean Ho Fun to the ever-popular Sweet and Sour Pork, Ching showcases the accessible nature of Chinese cuisine, proving that anyone can create these mouth-watering dishes in their own kitchen.

This educational and entertaining show is beautifully curated with stunning visuals and stylish presentation, ensuring viewers are completely absorbed from start to finish. It provides a unique blend of travel program and culinary delights, with the presenter dipping into various neighbourhoods, introducing viewers to unique Chinese ingredients, and acquainting them with local Asian culinary traditions, before returning to her own kitchen to whip up dishes that reflect these traditions.

What sets Easy Chinese apart is its focus on fusion cuisine and vibrant street foods, rather than solely focusing on fancy, high-end restaurants. This brings an unusual, fresh perspective to its viewers. The show touches upon the vast influence and contribution of the Chinese-American community in shaping modern-day American cuisine, making it something more than a traditional cooking show. It does a brilliant job of bridging the gap between East and West, all under the charismatic guidance of Ching.

A key aspect of Easy Chinese is its emphasis on achieving incredible flavours with simple and manageable steps. Ching encourages fresh ingredients and a well-stocked pantry of basic Asian condiments. She is known for her nutritious and healthy food, and as such, she always gives handy tips on portion control and choosing lean proteins and fresh vegetables. This approachable and practical style of cooking demystifies Chinese cuisine for viewers worldwide.

In addition to exploring food and culture, the show also addresses Chinese culinary philosophy, cooking techniques, and traditions. Ching often discusses the importance of five key elements in Chinese cooking: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Along with showcasing mouth-watering dishes, the presenter also explains the balance and harmony of these tastes, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the complexity of Chinese cuisine in a fun and easy-going manner.

In conclusion, Easy Chinese is a unique cooking and travel programme that successfully combines elements of culture, fusion cuisine and cooking lessons. It not only brings a vast array of easy-to-cook Chinese dishes to its viewers but also takes them on an exciting culinary journey through the melting pot of NYC’s food scene. With each episode, Ching-He Huang proves that making Chinese food at home is simple and satisfying.

Whether you're a novice cook interested in dipping your toes into Asian cuisine, or an experienced foodie looking to diversify your repertoire, Easy Chinese provides an enlightening and engaging viewing experience that is bound to leave you feeling inspired and hungry for more.