For an experience like no other, head to Çka Ka Qëllu located in the Bronx. Owner Ramiz Kukaj was inspired to open his restaurant when his son asked him where he could take his friends for authentic Albanian cuisine. In his research, Ramiz came up empty handed and decided it would become his life's mission to bring Albanian cuisine and culture to NYC. After years of collecting 18th and 19th century Albanian artifacts to decorate the space, Çka Ka Qëllu is now one of the most unique restaurant/museum experiences in the city.

Find Çka Ka Qëllu online at http://ckakaqellu.com and @ckakaqellu on Instagram. The Open Belly podcast is hosted by Danielle Lehman and shares the stories of immigrant and refugee chefs and restauranteurs across America. You can find the Open Belly podcast online at openbellypodcast.com or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @openbelly. Thank you to our supporters, ChowNow and New American Economy. This episode was produced by Oliver J. Hughes, photography provided by Alyssa Broadus and Chris Dolt, and artwork created by Frank Norton. Data points and research provided by New American Economy.

In today's episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with co-owner of Caracas Arepa Bar, Maribel Araujo. Caracas is a Venezuelan arepa bar with 3 locations in NYC — one in Manhattan in the Lower East Side, one in Brooklyn, and a 3rd summer location in Rockaway Beach. Maribel's business journey has not been without challenges, as one of her locations was damaged in a fire, and another washed away by Superstorm Sandy. Her ongoing stories of resilience are sure to inspire.

Find Caracas Arepa Bar online athttp://www.caracasarepabar.com/index.php and @caracasarepabar on Instagram. The Open Belly podcast is hosted by Danielle Lehman and shares the stories of immigrant and refugee chefs and restauranteurs across America. You can find the Open Belly podcast online at openbellypodcast.com or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @openbelly. Thank you to our supporters, ChowNow and New American Economy. This episode was produced by Oliver J. Hughes, photography provided by Alyssa Broadus and Chris Dolt, and artwork created by Frank Norton. Data points and research provided by New American Economy.

For the first episode of season two, we had the opportunity to sit down with Soulayphet "Phet" Schwader from Khe-Yo, located in Tribeca. At Khe-Yo, Phet is cooking traditional Laotian cuisine with modern touches, at a hip and vibrant location in Tribeca. Chef Phet was born in Laos and came to Wichita, Kansas through a refugee resettlement program as a young child. Sadly Phet's biological father passed away while living in a refugee camp, and you'll hear Phet share how he decided to embark on a journey to find out more about his late father.

Find Khe-Yo online at https://www.kheyo.com/ and @khe_yo on Instagram. The Open Belly podcast is hosted by Danielle Lehman and shares the stories of immigrant and refugee chefs and restauranteurs across America. You can find the Open Belly podcast online at openbellypodcast.com or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter @openbelly. Thank you to our supporters, ChowNow and New American Economy. This episode was produced by Oliver J. Hughes, photography provided by Alyssa Broadus and Chris Dolt, and artwork created by Frank Norton. Data points and research provided by New American Economy.

Welcome back to season 2 of the Open Belly podcast, presented by ChowNow and New American Economy. Last season, we started our journey in the midwest, exploring the vibrant and diverse food culture of Kansas City. Now for season 2, we're headed to the city where many immigrants and refugees start their journey, a city where immigrants make up over 35% of the city's overall population - New York City.

Who says eating a plant-based diet can't be fun? Chef Zaid Consuegra Sauza is creating Latin American inspired dishes and drinks in his coffee shop, Pirate's Bone. Hear his story on this week's episode of the Open Belly podcast.

Dishes featured in this episode:

• Dirty Horchata
• Otoño
• Bagel sandwiches
• Activated charcoal waffles

Find Pirate's Bone online at http://piratesbone.com/ and @piratesbone on Instagram.

The Open Belly podcast is hosted by Danielle Lehman and shares the stories of first-generation American chefs in Kansas City. You can find the Open Belly podcast online at openbellypodcast.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @openbelly.

Desta's Ethiopian Cuisine is an experience like no other. Not only is Desta's food beautiful and packed with flavor, but her hospitality is unmatched. Desta and her husband Mekuria chat with us about their family, culture, and how to enjoy Ethiopian food if you're new to the cuisine.

Dishes featured in this episode:

• Tibs platter with Atakilit Wot (cabbage)
• Ethiopian coffee
• Baklava

Norma Palomino is bringing classic Peruvian dishes from her hometown of Lima to the people of Kansas City.

Dishes featured in this episode:

• Ceviche Mixto
• Jalea del Mariscos
• Lomo Saltado
• Sudado

Keeyoung Kim is bringing traditional Korean dishes to Kansas City in a modern and approachable way. His Instagram-worthy bowls are packed with flavor and fill your belly with warmth and comfort. But Keeyoung's story doesn't just end with his passion for food—he finds purpose in giving back to the community of Kansas City.

Dishes featured in this episode:

• Bibimbap
• Stir-fried rice cakes
• Kimchi pancake

Today we're excited to share one of Kansas City's best kept secrets: Queen Sweets & Bakery. The Bataineh family originally opened Queen Sweets & Bakery as just that—a bakery, featuring Jordanian and Lebanese desserts. But after many customers asked to try savory Jordanian dishes, they expanded their menu to offer lunch and dinner as well. We'll hear from Mohamed, Diyana, and Kay about the food, their culture, and their journey to owning a restaurant.

Dishes featured in this episode:

• Mashawi Mix Plate
• Lamb Shank
• Chicken Shawarma Sandwich
• Baklava

• Panes Rellenos
• Pupusas
• Chilaquiles
• Tamales