22 Destinations to Celebrate Anthony Bourdain’s Legacy
Chef, documentarian, wit extraordinaire, and one of the most unforgettable travelers ever, Anthony Bourdain left a legacy that continues to resonate years after his death. On “Bourdain Day” – June 25, his birthday – we celebrate his legacy of fearless, frank, and flavorful travel by spotlighting 22 destinations around the world that he visited and perhaps loved best.
1. Myanmar (Burma)
“It’s something really special to be thrilled by ruins – hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck-excited by a view.” – Anthony Bourdain
Aside from admiring the temples and ruins of Myanmar, Bourdain paid a visit to a Yangon tea shop. His friend, Philippe Lajaunie, took him to a full-moon festival, and they boarded a train for a 600km (375-mile) trip to Bagan that took over 19 hours. This journey highlighted the rich history and the remarkable landscapes of the region.
2. The Greek Islands
“There’s a lot of delicious food. The place is, as one would expect, gorgeous.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain visited the Greek island of Naxos, where he drank raki with local residents and explored an early 20th-century shipwreck. Additionally, he went to the mountainous village of Apiranthos to immerse himself in a traditional celebration.
3. Detroit, Michigan, USA
“Of all the American cities, this is easily one of the most awesome.” – Anthony Bourdain
Exploring Detroit, Bourdain pondered the city’s storied past at the renowned Packard Plant, showcasing the local fire crews, volunteer park workers, café owners, and chefs who are rejuvenating their neighborhoods. This illustrated Detroit’s vibrant culinary scene amidst its historical backdrop.
4. Québec, Canada
“You will see food porn in this week’s episode so epic, so enticing, so devastating in its richness, flavors, and sheer volume as to endanger the life.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain savored local delicacies in Montréal and Québec City, relishing ice fishing on the St. Lawrence River. He explored unique dining experiences, including a quirky restaurant where the chef prepared dishes on electric stoves.
5. Antarctica
“It takes a special breed of hard-ass to not just make it down here, but like it. You got to be tough.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Antarctica, Bourdain’s adventure included a helicopter ride over an active volcano, a visit to a colony of Adélie penguins, and interactions with scientists living under extreme conditions. Despite the lack of fresh produce, he enjoyed creatively prepared rations in this stunning environment.
6. Zanzibar, Tanzania
“Zanzibar has a lot of Arab, Persian, and Indian influence, which makes the food spicy and quite interesting.” – Anthony Bourdain
While visiting Tanzania, Bourdain explored the island of Zanzibar, indulging in unique street food and seafood dishes, such as fried mandazi and the famous Zanzibari pizza, showcasing the island’s rich culinary traditions.
7. The French Alps
“God bless the French. They can’t go too long – not even down a mountain – without eating well.” – Anthony Bourdain
In the French Alps, Bourdain and his friend Eric Ripert tackled slopes while enjoying exquisite regional cuisine, including rich wines and an array of cheeses, encapsulating local flavor and culture.
8. Bahia, Brazil
“It’s a place where everybody is sexy, where even the ugly people are hot.” – Anthony Bourdain
Traveling to Bahia, Bourdain discovered legendary food vendors, enjoyed beachside barbecues, and explored local flavors, including the caipirinha cocktail, a symbol of Brazilian beach culture.
9. Okinawa, Japan
“Okinawa is where I found out that having a thumb crunched into the cartilage of the ear can really, really hurt.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain explored Okinawa, enjoying delicious yakisoba and discovering the local version of sumo, emphasizing the island’s vibrant culture and culinary richness.
10. Uruguay
“Welcome to the tiny, overlooked but enchanted land of Uruguay, one of my favorite places to visit.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Uruguay, he traveled through Montevideo and the island of José Ignacio, tasting the nation’s unofficial sandwich, the chivito, highlighting the vibrant food culture of the region.
11. Iran
“Of all the places, of all the countries, all the years of traveling, it’s here, in Iran, that I am greeted most warmly by total strangers.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Iran, Bourdain experienced the warmth of its people and the complexity of Persian cuisine, indulging in stews and kebabs during his culinary journey.
12. Trinidad
“Trinidad prides itself on its multicultural, multiethnic makeup. If one judges solely by the food, it is a glorious stew indeed.” – Anthony Bourdain
On his visit to Trinidad, Bourdain immersed himself in the vibrant local culture, connecting with locals during the famous Carnival festivities.
13. South Korea
“I have, for some time, believed that the chefs doing the most interesting work in America are Korean.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain’s return to South Korea offered a glimpse into Seoul’s culinary evolution, tasting traditional dishes and engaging in local entertainment.
14. Havana, Cuba
“Even crumbling from neglect, Havana is the most beautiful city in all of Latin America or the Caribbean.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Cuba, he discovered the vibrant culture of Havana and Santiago, noting the incredible rum and music enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
15. Ethiopia
“I learned a lot about a beautiful country while making this episode, and enjoyed doing it.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain traveled from Addis Ababa to rural Ethiopia, enjoying local coffee and traditional dishes, showcasing the country’s diverse culinary traditions.
16. West Texas, USA
“Thank you for showing me this ludicrously amazing, beautiful place.” – Anthony Bourdain
While in West Texas, he savored local dishes and explored the artistic community of Marfa, highlighting the intersection of culture and culinary experiences.
17. Laos
“Laos is the kind of place that can easily capture your heart and not let you go.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Laos, Bourdain experienced vibrant festivals and enjoyed local dishes by the river, illustrating the warm culture of the region.
18. Peru
“Whole different flavor spectrum, right? All new. It’s almost like you need a new section of your tongue.” – Anthony Bourdain
Exploring Peru, Bourdain and his friend sought out the rarest cacao while experiencing the rich history of both modern and ancient culinary traditions.
19. New York City, New York, USA
“This is a show about a very special place, a special time and some very special people.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain cherished New York City, where he explored its lower east side, connecting with diverse artists and musicians over shared meals.
20. Jamaica
“Let’s accept as a premise that this is as close to paradise as it gets.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Jamaica, Bourdain enjoyed local delicacies in Port Antonio and experienced the rich cultural tapestry of island life.
21. Copenhagen, Denmark
“I gotta be honest: I usually try to avoid clean, orderly countries without massive social problems.” – Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain’s visit to Copenhagen included a culinary expedition at noma, underscoring his commitment to high-quality culinary artistry.
22. Vietnam
“My first love; a place I remain besotted with, fascinated by.” – Anthony Bourdain
In Vietnam, Bourdain’s love was on full display as he explored Hanoi with memorable meals and engaging encounters, cementing the region’s culinary excellence.
