First generation immigrants are often silenced, left out of discussions about “who belongs here”—even though their voices should be front and center in the conversation. But, food is a universal language. In this episode of Melting Spots, chefs from Besharam, Bini’s Kitchen, D’Maize, Reem’s California, and Beit Rima share stories of using their cooking to speak up, take political action, and enter contemporary debates about immigration and identity in this country. 

The memories we associate with food are more than just taste and flavor. Food reminds us who we are, and where we come from. In this episode of Melting Spots, chefs and restaurateurs from Prubechu, Mamahuhu, La Mediterranee, Abanico Coffee Roasters, and Wonderful Foods share stories of keeping food and family recipes alive through childhoods and across borders, and passing these memories to the next generation.

What makes food “authentic”? Is it a dish made with imported spices? A recipe on the back of a napkin in your grandmother’s handwriting? The truth is, culture is alive: the most authentic cuisines are really a product of constant change, adaptation, and innovation. In this episode of Melting Spots, Chefs and food writers from Damansara, Moya, Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, Mandalay Restaurant, and H-Mart share stories of how food can introduce people to a country—and is often the most tangible way to represent a culture today. 

Fusion cuisine is much more than a foodie buzzword. It’s a tangible (and often delicious) representation of the ways people, ideas and flavors move across borders and create new cultures. Something that can only really exist because of migration. In this episode of Melting Spots, chefs and owners from Señor Sisig, Midnite Bagel, Boug Cali, and Uji Time Dessert share stories of melding cultures, ideas, and flavors to create something new. 

Cioppino, Irish coffee, the mission burrito, fortune cookies, garlic noodles. Those dishes may sound like they came from somewhere else, but did you know they were all invented right here in SF? In this episode of Melting Spots, chefs, founders and historians from Anchor Oyster Bar, The Buena Vista Cafe, El Faro, Thanh Long, and the Japanese Tea Gardens share stories of iconic San Francisco treats and their origins.

Melting Spots is a food map & storytelling project from the California Migration Museum that explores how immigrants have shaped San Francisco and fed its residents from the first Gold Rush to the latest AI boom. Explore more at calmigration.org/meltingspots

From tight-knit cultural enclaves to new challenges like gentrification, food connects immigrant communities and preserves a sense of belonging. In this episode of Melting Spots, chefs, baristas and bakers from Liguria Bakery, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, Grand Coffee, Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, and Cinderella Bakery & Cafe share stories about the city’s historic Italian, Irish, Latino, Black, and Russian neighborhoods. They talk about how cooking helps build community in a place that didn’t always look like home.

Melting Spots is a food map & storytelling project from the California Migration Museum. Explore more at calmigration.org/meltingspots

When you begin a new life far from home, family is so important: honoring the people and traditions left behind, building something new for the next generation. In this episode of Melting Spots, chefs from Bi-Rite Market, Yank Sing, R&G Lounge, Estrellita’s Snacks, and Lavash share stories of building a family business, working together across generations, and passing on the family legacy.

Melting Spots is a food map & storytelling project from the California Migration Museum. calmigration.org/meltingspots

San Francisco was a foodie city right from the start. How did those first dishes take shape? And who were the immigrants that brought them to California? Chefs, bartenders and restaurateurs from Comstock Saloon, Boudin Bakery, Dandelion Chocolate and Sam Wo Restaurant share stories of beginnings in this first episode of Melting Spots. 

Melting Spots is a food map & storytelling project from the California Migration Museum. Explore more at calmigration.org/meltingspots

Melting Spots is a food map & storytelling project from the California Migration Museum. The series brings together 38 bite-sized stories from immigrant chefs, restaurants, and dishes that are uniquely San Francisco. Explore how immigrants have shaped the city and fed its residents from the first Gold Rush to the latest AI boom. 

New episodes drop November 19. Explore more at calmigration.org/meltingspots