World's rarest cacao unites cultures in Chengdu

Named UNESCO's first City of Gastronomy in Asia, Chengdu boasts over 2,000 years of rich culinary heritage. But today, something new is unfolding: cacao, once traded like gold by ancient civilizations, is being re-imagined in daring, unexpected ways. In the newest episode of Passion Project: Cacao Unites World's Cultures, CGTN Host Louisa Lee steps into the kitchen with three visionary chefs from Latin America, China and Italy, blending cacao and culture into a flavor-packed feast. Leading the journey is Charles Michel, Colombian-French food scientist and Netflix's Final Table star, who brings To'ak's cacao – one of the rarest and most treasured varieties on the planet – to Chengdu. Steven Tang, head chef of Mixun Teahouse, a Michelin one-star and Green star restaurant, redefines Chinese cuisine through plant-based creations rooted in balance and seasonality. Ricardo Baronchelli, head chef at Tivano, channels Italian tradition and fire-driven finesse into nostalgic yet innovative dishes. Together, they create a six-hands dinner where philosophies collide, and cacao becomes the soulful thread connecting the world's cultures and earth's purest ingredients on a single plate.