How Anthony Bourdain Found The Actual Best Places To Eat Abroad
Beyond his career as chef-turned-author, the late Anthony Bourdain was a traveler at heart. And what better way to explore the world than through food? His journeys were documented in the shows that told his story, like "No Reservations," "Parts Unknown," and the lesser-known "A Cook's Tour," which started and influenced it all. Bourdain's travel shows provided insight into countless cuisines and cultures in cities and countries around the world, especially those that cameras often turn a blind — or heavily editorialized — eye to. This is highlighted in his award-winning episodes on locations from Gaza to Myanmar to Iran.
His experiences remain relevant despite all that's shifted globally since they were shared with the masses. The same is true of many of Bourdain's travel tips — including how to find the best spots to eat. For many food-enthused travelers, searching for restaurants or street food booths that capture the hearts of locals can be difficult. Whether you've been to a place before or not, the hidden gems are often hidden very well.
Before you hit the road or take off, consult the all-knowing guide: The internet. And no, not Yelp. Anthony Bourdain's strategies for tracking down the actual best places to eat abroad involve local food bloggers and food forums. With a little research and well-intentioned provocation of food nerds online, you can find the best-kept secret spots and enjoy a delightful dining experience. Here are some tips from the legend himself.
Find and follow recommendations of local food bloggers
Researching the place you're traveling to before you visit is key. And since not everyone is a celebrity chef with access to international contacts, the internet will be your best friend for finding experts. In an interview with National Geographic, Anthony Bourdain expressed how valuable food-loving locals are in guiding you toward the meals you won't want to miss. "We spend a lot of time looking for local bloggers who have been documenting street food or indigenous specialties around the city or town for a while. There's always somebody and they are often very, very good," he said.
A simple Google search may reveal more blogs than you could ever have time to read. It's also a great idea to scope out foodies on social media. More and more, local food fans take to Instagram or TikTok to share snaps of their flavorful finds. Depending on where you're visiting, though, you might have to dig deeper. If a search phrase with the city or town name and "food blogger" doesn't cut it, check geotags of locations.
While follower count is often considered a sign of credibility, don't overlook less popular food bloggers who are committed to their craft. Bourdain recommended bloggers who have spent at least one to three years eating a specific type of food in a place and writing about their experiences. Even better if they're passionate about comparing restaurants and explaining why the spot to eat a particular dish is the best.
Spark polite disagreements on food forums
When it comes to teasing out passionate opinions, there's no better place to learn a thing or two than an online forum. (If you've ever added "Reddit" at the end of a Google search, you get it.) While Anthony Bourdain was a stickler for being respectful while traveling and trying new cuisines, he enjoyed his fair share of playfully provoking food nerds into sharing their secret spots, according to an interview with Sherman's Travel. His strategy? "Say you're going to a new place; go online and find any old reference on Google for a good restaurant. Before you go, post about that restaurant on a local food forum and say that you had the best [region/country's specialty] there," Bourdain explained. "Inevitably, it will spark rage in the locals and they'll tell you where their favorite spot is and how it's so much better." Clearly, playing dumb can get you further than you'd expect.
Remember, if you want to travel and eat like Bourdain (maybe with the exception of eating a beating cobra heart), heed his advice: Avoid the concierge and ask the locals. Part of any adventure is stepping outside your comfort zone to talk to new people and try new things. Embrace the unknown; you never know if you'll be in a particular place again. Of course, what you discover might have you itching to return.