Paul Hollywood has eaten his way through his namesake Hollywood, as well as Japan, America, South Africa and more, not to mention the British countryside, where he has sampled hundreds of baked goods. Now it’s Mexico’s turn. ¡Ay, caramba!

Paul Hollywood Eats Mexico (in which we’re pretty sure he doesn’t eat the actual country) lifts the lid on this largely untapped gastronomic destination. Burritos, nachos and fajitas are not on the menu, as those foods were invented in America for a fusion known as Tex-Mex (Texan and Mexican). Authentic eats include chocolate, which the Mexicans invented, pan dulce (sweet breads), taco al pastor and dangerous fruit (avocado!).
 

Paul samples jackfruit, which thrives in Mexico’s humid subtropical climate

Across three episodes, Old Blue Eyes travels to Mexico City, the American border in Tijuana, and Cancun to sample the rich flavours they have on offer – from fresh cactus and insects (Mexico is the world’s biggest consumer of them) to everything chilli-infused (including drinks) and Tequila and Mezcal.

The bread expert gets a run for his money when he meets chef and baker Elena Reygardes. She teaches him how to make Mexico’s most popular pan dulce – concha, a round soft and sweet bread with a white topping that resembles the surface of a seashell.
 

Sunglasses: ideal for sneakily eyeing up each other’s food

What’s a Paul Hollywood show without some judging? While on his travels, he’s roped into judging a Cornish pasty competition in a small Mexican town (mariachi band in tow) that’s obsessed with the tasty pastry. He also helps decorate a four-tier cake for a quinceañera, a celebration when a girl turns 15.

It’s no secret that celebrities love fronting a travelogue/food series, whether they’re good at making food, or just eating it. After getting a flavour for Paul Hollywood Eats Mexico, check out what else is being served below, and by who.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix

Each one of the four episodes features a different city and a different star, kicking off with “Vancouver with Seth Rogen.” Chef David Chang discusses food and chows down on local delicacies, which range from bowling alley grub in LA to tarantulas in Phnom Penh. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it…

Chicken Shop Date

Find it in Apps & Games > YouTube

We say that setting episodes around different chicken shops in London definitely classifies as travelling. If you have to use public transport to get there, it counts! Chicken Shop Date is a dating show and food series wrapped up as one big juicy franchise where Amelia Dimoldenberg interviews UK grime and rap artists. She’s even shared some nuggets with the man behind the lyrics, “My money don't jiggle jiggle, it folds” – Louis Theroux. Heard of him?
 

Somebody Feed Phil

Find seasons 1-5 in Apps & Games > Netflix

Philip Rosenthal, creator of Everybody Love Raymond, is the Phil the title refers to, and he even video calls the show’s stars, Ray Romano and Brad Garrett, in the series. As he tours the globe, he’s joined by friends and family, and he draws attention to charities and non-profit organisations that operate in each area. Tel Aviv, Mexico City, New Orleans and Bangkok are all on the list in this feel-good food programme. A companion cookbook to the series, Somebody Feed Phil: The Book, will be released at the end of this year.
 

Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy

Find it in Apps & Games > BBC iPlayer

During lockdown, The Devil Wears Prada star went viral for sharing videos of himself making cocktails at home, starting with a Negroni recipe, then a margarita, a Scotch sour, an old fashioned and more. You might not know that Stanley Tucci has written two cookbooks and a memoir called Taste: My Life Through Food, as well as played cook Julia Child’s husband in Julie & Julia. The former bartender travels across Italy for this series, where he samples the exquisite food the country has to offer.

The Chef Show

Find seasons 1 & 2 in Apps & Games > Netflix

All-rounder Jon Favreau wrote, directed and starred in the 2014 film Chef, which was loosely inspired by chef Roy Choi and the food truck trend. The pair reunite to travel around the world to experience different flavours, cultures and people. Along the way, they break bread with big-name chefs and celebrity friends, including Seth Rogen (he must always have the munchies), Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr and Gwyneth Paltrow. Sharing good food with good company is, after all, the aim of the game.
 

Gordon, Gino & Fred’s Road Trip

Find series 1-3 in Apps & Games > ITV Hub

Foodie dream team Gordon Ramsay, Gino D’Acampo and Fred Sirieix hit the open road in search of culinary delights. They began in their hometowns of Scotland, Italy and France, respectively, for series 1 and they’ve had the travel bug ever since! Join the mischievous trio as they jaunt off to sample local cuisine, with a little peacocking about their own skills and knowledge, and playful taunting, like putting to the test who can eat the hottest chilli in Mexico. Paul Hollywood might have something to say about that!

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Find seasons 1-7 in Apps & Games > Prime Video

The late chef and author explores six continents to “eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice… they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get”. Anthony Bourdain is given the opportunity to visit places including the Congo, Libya, Myanmar, Colombia, Peru, Morocco and Koreatown in Los Angeles to truly understand the meaning behind the food and the people who make it. Bourdain’s no-nonsense, journalistic approach makes him one of the all-time greats when it comes to food travelogue series.
 

Salt Fat Acid Heat

Find it in Apps & Games > Netflix

Based on Samin Nosrat’s book of the same name, the four-part series examines what Nosrat considers to be the four elements of successful cooking as outlined in the title – salt, fat, acid and heat. Each one is the focus of an episode as Nosrat journeys to different places to demonstrate how each element is used in local grub, with help from local guides.
 

When is Channel 4’s Paul Hollywood Eats Mexico on TV?

Paul Hollywood Eats Mexico airs on Channel 4 HD (CH 104/141) on Sundays at 9pm, with the first episode screening on 10 July.

The full three-part series will be available following transmission of episode 1 in Apps & Games > All 4.