In the first episode of Shane Delia's Spice Journey, Shane journeys back to his homeland Malta from where he follows ancient Phoenician trade routes across the sea to the original Land of Milk and Honey, Lebanon.
Shane visits the souks of Tripoli in Lebanon and learns how food traditions of the ancient port city have been shaped by centuries of trade and travellers.
Shane visits Beirut to explore the Palestinian and Armenian influences of Lebanese cuisine as well as finally trying the falafel- the original dude food.
Shane takes to the silk road to meet nomadic tribes keeping ancient methods of bread making alive, samples the local saffron and tries pashmak- the original fairy floss.
Having travelled close to 2000 kilometers and gained glimpses into 2000 years of Persian culinary history, Shane arrives in Iran's north, the Capsian sea, where the food influences are very Ottoman.