The latest series from Salma Hayek Pinault, based on the beloved 1989 novel “Like Water for Chocolate,” invites viewers in with a playful notice from the star and producer: “It not only makes you crave food but also desire romance.”

This series, which runs on Sundays at 8 PM EST/PST on HBO Latino and is viewable on Max, offers a vibrant twist on Laura Esquivel’s enchanting tale that was originally adapted into a 1992 film. Over six episodes, the storyline follows the forbidden romance between Tita (played by Azul Guaita) and Pedro (Andrés Baida).

Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Mexico, the show opens with Tita’s dramatic birth during a moment of sorrow, as her mother Mamá Elena (Irene Azuela) experiences grief while preparing food in the kitchen.

Tita’s birth signifies the emotional turmoil and love she will encounter throughout her life.

The series quickly transitions into Tita’s passionate connection with Pedro and her dreams of a future together, only to be disrupted by her mother’s strict tradition that keeps her by her side until death.

Hayek Pinault describes the narrative as one about women striving to shape their fates and gain empowerment, highlighting a complicated relationship with customs and the anxiety of letting down one’s parents. “It’s humorous, sensual, and beautiful—a tale of forbidden love, with absurd reasons behind it, but it carries a heavy impact given the time and setting,” she emphasizes.

What made the ‘Like Water for Chocolate’ film adaptation special for Salma Hayek

The 1992 movie was celebrated as the top-grossing foreign-language film in the U.S. at the time, securing 10 Ariel Awards and a Golden Globe nomination.

Having come at a pivotal moment in her career, Hayek Pinault reflected, “Moving to the U.S. to pursue an international career while this impactful Mexican film bridged cultures gave me the inspiration to believe I could also achieve something similar.”

As the 1992 film successfully introduced a Spanish-language narrative to English-speaking viewers, Hayek Pinault desires for her reimagined series to make Esquivel’s iconic story accessible to audiences worldwide, encouraging them to explore this elaborate piece of literature. “This story is rich and offers countless insights,” she notes.

“Everyone involved with this show, from cast to crew, shared a dedication to this project. We were eager to honor the book, and it meant something unique to every one of us.”

Salma Hayek’s ‘Like Water for Chocolate’ took six years to create

After the success of “Desperado” in 1995 which propelled Hayek Pinault to fame, she founded her production company, Ventanarosa, in 1999. The company produced “Frida,” making Hayek Pinault the first Mexican actress to earn a nomination for best actress in a leading role, and provided America Ferrera with her breakthrough in ABC’s “Ugly Betty.”

Nonetheless, it took her six years to secure a platform for “Chocolate”.

“I feel like they don’t want to hear me,” she humorously comments about fellow Hollywood executives. “I keep achieving success and they see it, yet many women relate to my experiences. You put in the work, you reach a certain point, and think it will get easier, but it doesn’t. They start to doubt and ask if it was just a one-off, ‘Can you do it again?’ And I respond, ‘Yes, I can. Just watch me.'”

Despite her strong commitment to portray Latino narratives, Hayek Pinault admits, “It’s frustrating how difficult it can be. We understand what our people desire, but we often encounter those who lack knowledge of our culture and fail to realize that this is what they truly want. People wish to take pride in their identity and heritage. There’s a misconception that only clichés, stereotypes, or trivial representations will succeed, but diversity among Latinos exists, and we need to acknowledge all facets.”

Food and love lie at the core of ‘Like Water for Chocolate’

The enchantment in “Like Water for Chocolate” is sparked by Tita’s time in the kitchen. There, while aiding Nacha (Ángeles Cruz), the caregiver who raised her, she learns to convey her feelings through the art of cooking, both literally and metaphorically.

“Tita is somewhat of a kitchen superhero,” Hayek Pinault shares. “Her superpower allows her emotions to seep into the food she creates, meaning those who eat it are touched by her feelings.”

When Mamá Elena forbids Tita from seeing Pedro and instead proposes her older sister Rosaura for marriage to him (which he agrees to, merely to remain close to his true love), Tita is assigned the task of baking their wedding cake. As she channels her heartbreak into the recipe, the wedding guests are overwhelmed with sorrow upon tasting it, causing rain to pour from the skies.

This cooking is also Tita’s method of expressing her love and longing for the one she cannot have.

Although “Like Water for Chocolate” is set in a specific historical period, Hayek Pinault believes its themes are timeless and resonate universally.

“I take pride in it and genuinely want people to watch it,” she expresses. “My hope is that the series encourages viewers to engage with joy and mindfulness, and to never overlook the vital life lessons we often take for granted, including the importance of food, family, and the support systems around us.”