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Food transports us to our roots

On his television show, No Taste Like ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, Antoni takes a celebrity on a journey to discover a meal that has shaped their life.

Jonathan Van Ness and Antoni Porowski (Image Credit: Angela Weiss)

Whether it’s James Marsden enjoying chicken-fried steak or Florence Pugh's comforting shepherd’s pie, Antoni says the impact of food on the people he’s met has been truly eye-opening.

“You go down a rabbit hole of clues,” he tells Jonathan. “It’s fascinating to learn, going from elements of a dish to discovering key family members in a genealogical tree with historians who have done months of research.”

Food helped Antoni rediscover his heritage

Born in Quebec to Polish immigrant parents, Antoni tells Jonathan he has never really leaned into his European ancestry. Until now. “I thought I knew a lot more about Polish culture than I did,” he explains. “Food has basically created questions for me to go on my journey.

“And the more I’ve leaned into that heritage, the more confident I have been about who I am and where I come from. I can take up more space in a room – and not be so much of a pushover.

“It helps me feel more planted.”

Food provides clues to a country’s history

By meeting a wide range of celebrities from different backgrounds, Antoni has unearthed fascinating insights into the past. Take his trip to Senegal with American actor Issa Rae, for example. She introduced him to Ndambe, a humble and widely eaten sandwich that, beneath its simplicity, holds a rich and complex history.

“It’s a baguette that everyone eats,” says Antoni, “but filled with Senegalese bean stew.

“It’s a dish that is taken for granted, but is actually a symbol of resilience against French occupation that says: ‘We’ll take your baguette, but make it a bit better’.

“The richness that comes from learning this is so fascinating.”

Food is a route to education

Antoni has been particularly captivated by exploring people’s histories, especially the oral traditions passed down through certain cultures. He says everyone has an opportunity to learn about their family or community’s past, and food is the perfect way to start that conversation.

“Those family occasions when you get socially overwhelmed by all the distant cousins and relatives,” he says, “just ask questions.

“Get the older generation to make sure the stories are retold and passed down.”

Food tethers communities

Antoni believes the dinner table is where relationships are built and strengthened. Aware that might sound a bit clichéd, he’s quick to explain what he means.

“Food is so powerful for connection when story-telling is involved,” says Antoni. “That’s all we really want – and food is the easiest way to break ice with people.

“Historically, cross-culturally, universally, it has always been at the centre. It is so much more than just utilitarian.”

Food intimidates some of us

While Jonathan is inspired by Antoni’s stories of joy and connection, he acknowledges that, for many, cooking can feel like a daily struggle. “Just give us some strategies to take cooking from stressful to fun and tasty,” Jonathan pleads.

“There is a blueprint, a template to follow,” Antoni reassures him. “It’s not about knowing every single step, but there is a bare minimum.

“It ultimately depends on interest and skill.”

Listen to Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness now on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Sounds to hear some of Antoni’s favourite ways to make food feel more joyful and manageable.