Chicago takes center stage in the new season of PBS's acclaimed food series Spice Road, and you're invited to celebrate where the journey begins.
Join South Asia Institute for an exclusive evening featuring screenings of the first two Chicago episodes of Spice Road, followed by a live conversation with actor and co-creator Rupak Ginn and Emmy Award-winning, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sami Khan.
Hosted by Rupak Ginn and co-created by Sami Khan, Spice Road travels across the United States to explore the people, traditions, and communities shaping South Asian food culture today. Season 2 opens in Chicago, spotlighting beloved local restaurants including Thattu, Indinne, Sukhadia's, and Cafe Nova.
Following the screenings, hear directly from the creators as they discuss storytelling, representation, and the ways food preserves memory, identity, and belonging across generations. The evening also features South Asian cuisine from Thattu and Sukhadia's, offering guests the opportunity to experience the stories on screen through the flavors that inspired them.
Whether you're passionate about film, food, or South Asian culture, PBS Spice Road Live at SAI is an invitation to experience the season premiere alongside the filmmakers, featured restaurants, and fellow members of the community.
Reserve your seat and experience the stories behind the food, while enjoying a complimentary drink with your ticket.
About the Filmmakers
RUPAK GINN – The son of immigrants from India, Rupak Ginn is a Los Angeles-based, New York-raised actor/writer who has appeared in seven seasons of USA's ROYAL PAINS, Universal's THE HIGH NOTE, THE STONE WITCH off-Broadway, and more. Follow Rupak on Instagram @rupakginn.
SAMI KHAN – (STARTING 5, MADE FOR MARCH, THE LAST OUT, SPICE ROAD, ST. LOUIS SUPERMAN, WE THE NORTH) is an Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker whose work in fiction and documentary has screened at leading film festivals including Tribeca, Toronto, Hot Docs, and Mumbai.
VICKY LEE – Vicky Lee is a New York City-based filmmaker. Her work reflects on the nuances of life and brings awareness to the overlooked, forgotten, raw forms of the everyday. Her films have been screened at Tribeca Film Festival, DOC NYC, and Asian American International Film Festival.