Awkwafina's 'The Unlikely Cook' Explores Family Heritage and Culinary Legacy
Awkwafina's new Apple TV+ series, 'The Unlikely Cook', follows her journey to revive her family's Cantonese restaurant.

In Brief
- •Awkwafina's new Apple TV+ series, 'The Unlikely Cook', follows her journey to revive her family's Cantonese restaurant.
- •The show highlights Awkwafina's deep appreciation for food and her grandmother's influence on her career.
- •Awkwafina's grandmother, who passed away after filming, is a central figure in the series.
- •The show features appearances by Awkwafina's best friend Jimmy O. Yang and other family members.
- •Awkwafina's series is her most biographical work yet, following her hit 2020 comedy 'Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens'.
Why It Matters
Awkwafina's 'The Unlikely Cook' offers a personal and heartfelt look at her family's culinary heritage and the impact of her grandmother on her career. The series not only showcases Awkwafina's talent but also highlights the importance of family and tradition in her life. This project is significant for its blend of comedy, personal storytelling, and culinary exploration, making it a unique addition to the Apple TV+ lineup.
Key Details
- Series Title
- The Unlikely Cook
- Platform
- Apple TV+
- Grandmother's Role
- Central figure in the series
- Family Restaurant
- Lum's, Flushing, Queens
- Closure Year
- 1982
Context & Background
Awkwafina's great-grandfather Jimmy opened one of New York's first Chinese-American restaurants in Flushing, Queens, in the 1950s. The restaurant, called Lum's, became an institution and helped popularize Chinese-American cuisine.
Original Reporting & Sources
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