“It was never my intention to be a reporter, critic, or advocate,” Anthony Bourdain stated in 2012. This quote introduces readers to “Eat, Travel, Discover: An Irreverent Food Guide,” his latest book, published posthumously. “I’m a storyteller,” he continues. “I go to the places and come back. I share the feelings that places trigger in me.” This way of working and living made him a revered personality in the world of travel and culinary discoveries. Even now, five years after his death, he continues to influence how you travel and what you eat.
The book was conceived with her writing partner Laurie Woolever as an “atlas of the world from her point of view”. Wanting to share his thoughts on some of the most interesting places in the world, the chef met with the author to outline plans for a book mentioning some of the places he hoped to include before his death on June 8, 2018. After his death, Woolever asked Bourdain’s friends, family and colleagues to share their thoughts and memories of the places they had experienced with him. In addition, he incorporated quotes from his acclaimed television shows such as No Reservations, The Layover, and Parts Unknown, as well as various essays he had written to complete his vision. The book was published in 2021 and serves as a guide to the places he admired.
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cuba, France, Ireland, Mexico, Kenya, Laos, Morocco and Taiwan are just some of the countries Bourdain visited and where he discovered special and unforgettable restaurants or street food outlets. The book provides a comprehensive list of hundreds of places and what the chef thought about them, sometimes revealing more about his personality and interests, such as human rights, the stories of the people behind the kitchens, and the origins of each kitchen. Here we have selected just a few that everyone can visit on their next vacation (or while walking in their own neighborhood).
For the authentic Mexican experience, head to this cantina, which offers complimentary drinks and appetizers (available with any drink) such as a plate of delicious carnitas. And yes, breakfast starts with tequila.
Mesones 20, Historical Center, 06010
Central de Abastos, Oaxaca, Mexico
The Central de Abastos is a classic Mexican market where vendors offer different types of food such as fruits and vegetables, but visitors can also find delicious barbacoa tacos, tlayudas and more.
Juarez Maza, 68090 Oaxaca
Founded in 1948, Fonda Margarita is the go-to place for a hearty Mexican breakfast with the “intoxicating scent of signature home cooking.” It’s one of the best places to try traditional Mexican food.
Adolfo Prieto 1364B, Tlacoquemecatl de Valle, Mexico City
A traditional Argentinian barbecue lunch is served at this restaurant, where llamas prepare ribs, steaks, sausages and more. “Meat is king in fire, and we strive to honor the flame,” he said.
Brigadier Juan Manuel de Rosas 1391 Avenue, Jose Leon Suarez, Buenos Aires
Port Market, Montevideo, Uruguay
Built in 1868, the Mercado del Puerto offers visitors an authentic meat meal, with grills on which thousands of cuts of meat and offal are cooked. It is a must for all tourists and gastronomy fans.
Rambla August 25, 1825, 228, 11000 Montevideo
The documentary filmmaker confessed that if he lived across the street from this place, he would quit his job and spend hours there until his money ran out. It is a four generations old tapas bar where you can also find other traditional dishes from the region such as montaditos or cipriones.
Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona
“Pizzeria Pellone is an excellent example of the industry standard according to the general Neapolitan consensus and even one of the best offering this minimalist classic margherita pizza.” There is no better way to taste pizza than Naples.
Via Nazionale 93, 80143 Naples
From this Shanghai spot, Bourdain particularly highlighted the Xiao Long Bao, which he described as a “pillow of happiness that will burn your tongue and throat if you don’t know what you’re doing.” When traveling to Shanghai, they alone are worth the trip, he said.
650 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Speaking about the best food city in the world, Bourdain said that no one can say that you go wrong when you say Hong Kong. Joy Hing’s Roasted Meat is a 100+ year old barbecue, a classic choice.
Chong Hing Building, 265-267 Hennessy Road, Chai Hu, Hong Kong
With three Michelin stars, Sukiyabashi Jiro is another recommendation. The chef declared that he ate “the best sushi of my life” and warned visitors to only use their fingers when eating.
4-2-15 Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tsukamoto Sogyo Building B 1st Floor, Tokyo
Four generations of the same family have served at this site since 1916. The dhabas are small places, usually next to gas stations, open 24 hours a day. Some are vegetarian but this type of food is suitable for all types of people.
Anant Seth Wala Church, Passian Shastri Market, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
Bourdain said of his visit to this restaurant: “The best meal I’ve ever eaten in Dublin.” Known as Gastro-Pub, the menu features French-influenced cuisine mixed with a pinch of pub grub.
2 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market, Seoul, South Korea
Another must-see for travelers. It is the largest market in Seoul. Open 24 hours, it sells the best seafood, which you can have freshly cooked or cleaned and sliced sashimi style.
674 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Bourdain called In-N-Out Burger “the only worthwhile American chain” and praised its fries and shakes. He also noted that the company “treats its employees like people.”
Locations throughout Southern California and beyond
For Bourdain, Los Angeles’ Mexican food scene was superior to New York’s and declared LA to be taco town. “María and Felicia Florez make tacos and burritos in a kitchen the size of a closet.” Authentic and unique.
3185 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90039
“Dumplings, good dumplings […] It should be at the top of your list,” the chef said of this Chinese eatery in Doraville, off the Buford Highway.
5141 Buford Highway, Doraville, GA 30304
“It’s beautiful and delicious,” he says of the Ricobene menu’s breaded steak sandwich. A complex dish he tried at the invitation of Chicago musician and producer Steve Albini.
252 West 26th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
“It sounds like a simple thing,” Bourdain said of Detroit’s famous “Coney,” a hot dog that “when done right, is symphonic.” A good version of the sandwich is on the menu at Duly’s along with other classic dishes Menu.
5458 West Vernor Highway, Detroit, MI 48209
The best Italian submarine sandwich. According to Bourdain, it can be enjoyed at Frank’s Deli in Asbury Park. “Good is always good: good music, good songs and a classic jersey sandwich.”
1406 Main Street, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
“The quintessential New York establishment remains the same.” His hand-cut pastrami was one of Bourdain’s favorite dishes at this classy eatery, which also serves a great soda de nata.
205 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002
Founded in 1885 and known for its premium dry-aged steak. Bourdain said that “there can’t be anything better or more authentic than Keens” when discussing steakhouses. It’s one of the last of its kind in Manhattan.
72 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018
For travelers to France wanting to try a classic French bistro, Bistrot Paul Bert is “one of the best,” according to Bourdain, noting that the eatery has kept its traditions (which haven’t changed over time) with a certain Something keeps the old school.
18 rue Paul Bert, 75011 Paris
“If you only have two stops in Paris, this has to be one,” said Anthony Bourdain of this classic restaurant in the Montparnasse district, where visitors can find the best seafood in the French capital.
108 Boulevard du Montparnasse, 75014 Paris
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