Meghan and Roy Choi Bond Over Food and Culture in With Love, Meghan

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex invites celebrated chef Roy Choi into her kitchen for the third episode of With Love, Meghan. The episode blends nostalgia, cultural appreciation, and culinary creativity, creating an engaging and delicious experience. Since both Meghan and Roy hail from Los Angeles, they share a natural connection, which makes their conversation flow effortlessly. As they prepare homemade donuts and Korean fried chicken, they reflect on their childhood memories, family traditions, and the significance of food in their respective cultures.

Meghan Bakes Donuts and Shares a Taste of Her Childhood

Before Roy arrives, Meghan takes on the challenge of making buttermilk donuts. Although she admits to being new to baking, she embraces the process with excitement. She fondly recalls her early job at Little Orbit Donuts, where she first developed an appreciation for the comforting smell of freshly made treats. While reminiscing, she notes how donuts have always been a part of Los Angeles culture. In fact, LA is known as the donut capital of the world, home to thousands of independently owned donut shops.

Since she wants to impress her guest, Meghan carefully prepares the donuts, adding sugar and colorful sprinkles. While doing so, she shares that baking feels like a safer option for her, since it allows her to learn new skills without too much pressure. After all, she believes that food should bring joy, not stress. As the donuts bake, she prepares a glaze, eagerly anticipating Roy’s reaction to her homemade creation.

Roy Choi Brings Korean Flavor to Meghan’s Kitchen

As soon as Roy arrives, Meghan greets him enthusiastically, making it clear that she has long admired his work. In response, Roy jokingly says he was surprised he even registered on her GPS. Their playful banter sets a warm and inviting tone for the rest of the episode. Without wasting time, they dive straight into preparing a Korean fried chicken dish, a meal that represents LA’s vibrant Korean-American food culture.

Since brining is an essential step in creating the perfect fried chicken, Roy explains his unique method. He uses a mix of citrus, vinegar, and lactic acid, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. As Meghan listens attentively, she expresses her appreciation for learning new techniques. After preparing the brine, they let the chicken marinate, allowing the flavors to infuse. At this point, the conversation naturally shifts to the impact of Korean cuisine on Los Angeles, with Roy emphasizing how these flavors have become a staple in the city’s diverse food scene.

A Discussion on Food Culture and Family Traditions

While they wait for the chicken to marinate, Meghan reflects on how food has played an important role in her family. She shares a cherished memory of making fried chicken with her grandmother on her mother’s side. Those moments, she explains, were about more than just cooking—they represented love, warmth, and the importance of passing down traditions.

Roy, in turn, talks about his deep respect for farmers. He describes how they possess an almost intuitive connection to the land, allowing them to understand what will grow best in different seasons. As Meghan listens, she relates this to her childhood experiences with gardening and composting. She recalls how she learned patience by watching food grow and how rewarding it was to harvest something she had nurtured.

Their discussion takes an insightful turn when Roy debunks the myth surrounding MSG. He explains how misinformation about the ingredient stemmed from racist stereotypes against Chinese restaurants. Meghan, visibly interested, acknowledges the importance of challenging food misconceptions. Since food plays such a vital role in culture and history, she believes that people should be better informed about what they consume.

The Final Dish and a Shared Love for Cooking

As they move on to frying the chicken, Roy introduces Meghan to a technique that ensures an extra-crispy texture. He uses tempura flour mixed with ice-cold sparkling water, a method that enhances the crispiness of the batter. Meghan, eager to perfect the recipe, follows along closely. Since she has always loved fried chicken, she finds the process both fun and rewarding.

Once the chicken is ready, they carefully plate it alongside homemade sauces, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of sweet chili glaze. When Meghan sees the final dish, she marvels at how beautifully it all comes together. As they sit down to enjoy the meal, they toast to their shared love for food, their Los Angeles roots, and the joy of cooking.

By the end of the episode, it becomes clear that With Love, Meghan is more than just a cooking show. Through food, Meghan shares personal stories, honors cultural traditions, and fosters meaningful connections. Meghan’s conversation with Roy Choi highlights how food has the power to bring people together, making this episode a delightful and insightful addition to the series.