For Padma Lakshmi, connecting with people is the key ingredient to her series

Padma Lakshmi explores immigrant cuisines throughout the U.S. in Hulu’s “Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi.” In its first season, Hulu’s “Taste the Nation With Padma Lakshmi” set itself apart from other food travel shows by exploring immigrant cuisines throughout the U.S. Before that, Lakshmi could “count on one hand” the times she’d interviewed people in any serious way. On Emmy nomination day, Lakshmi found herself in three categories: as executive producer and host of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” which she has appeared on for the last 17 years — and recently announced that she’d be leaving— and for the second season of her dream show, “Taste the Nation,” both cooking shows, which, according to SAG-AFTRA, are not part of the AMPTP agreement. Padma Lakshmi earned 2023 Emmy nominations for hosting “Top Chef,” and for executive producing both “Top Chef” and “Taste the Nation.” Bravo Padma is more commanding than huggable Hulu Padma. Television ‘Top Chef’ champ Kristen Kish replaces Padma Lakshmi as host ‘Top Chef’ winner Kristen Kish is replacing outgoing host Padma Lakshmi on the Bravo culinary competition series when it launches in Wisconsin for Season 21.