Bourdain travels across the globe to uncover little-known areas of the world and celebrate diverse cultures by exploring food and dining rituals. Known for his curiosity, candor, and acerbic wit, Bourdain takes viewers off the beaten path of tourist destinations – including some war-torn parts of the world – and meets with a variety of local citizens to offer a window into their lifestyles, and occasionally communes with an internationally lauded chef on his journeys.
Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 20, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
A South American country of 6 million, much of the oppressively hot landlocked nation of Paraguay is jungle terrain or desert known as "the Chaco." An investigation into the puzzling history of the host’s great, great, great, grandfather, Paraguayan émigré Jean Bourdain, is a springboard to his first tour of this South American country, primarily comprised of jungle and desert land, which features a rich culture and savory local dishes that include Bife Koygua, Bori Bori, and Sopa Paraguaya.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 105 votes.
Bourdain heads to Jamaica, a destination well known for delicious Caribbean delicacies and feel-good vibes. The host travels along the Northeast region of the island and explores life in Port Antonio and Winnifred Beach. He also delves into the importance of music legend Bob Marley, with his producer Chris Blackwell, and takes a side trip to the home of author Ian Fleming (the setting of James Bond novels). A main topic in this episode is the ever-burgeoning tourist industry and how it continues to affect the local population.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 107 votes.
Parts Unknown travels to the host’s “first love,” with a look at Hue, a city in central Vietnam, including excursions to the Dong Ba market, Vinh Moc tunnels, the Duyen Anh restaurant, and the Citadel. Sampled dishes include Com Hen, Bun Bo Hue and a special bird’s nest soup.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 124 votes.
Bourdain explores the widely diverse cuisines and cultures found in the NYC borough just north of Manhattan. Mainstays of The Bronx Afrika Bambaataa, Mellle Mel, Baron Ambrosia, and Desus help guide Tony through the music, food, art, and other offerings of this often misunderstood part of the city.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 126 votes.
Parts Unknown travels to Tanzania for an African safari adventure. Bourdain visits Zanzibar, a one-time slave trade hub, and enjoys the island’s famous foods, from mandazi to street food including grilled seafood and the famous Zanzibari pizza. On an excursion to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Bourdain comes face to face with lions, elephants, and the great migration.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 105 votes.
From the eccentric, gay-friendly beach community of Provincetown at the very tip of Cape Cod to rural Franklin County tucked in the northwestern corner of the state, Anthony Bourdain explores an oft-overlooked Massachusetts, meets up with some old friends, and makes some new ones along the way.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 112 votes.
In the season premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, the host explores Shanghai by savoring classic, home-style cuisine at restaurants that include Chun and Fuchun Xiaolong, and converses with locals who give their take on their country’s booming economy and expanding global influence.
The episode was rated 8.10 from 144 votes.
Anthony Bourdain explores an Iran few Americans have visited since the 1980s -- a country that's complicated and changing.
The episode was rated 8.19 from 123 votes.
