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The Best Episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Every episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown!

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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

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  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 3 - Lyon, France
    8.8/10(206 votes)

    #1 - Lyon, France

    S3:E3

    World-renowned French chef Daniel Boulud takes Tony back home to the food-obsessed city and farm where he was raised on a journey into the roots of gastronomy. In this food-centric episode, Bourdain accompanies world-renowned chef/restaurateur Daniel Boulud as they travel back to Boulud's hometown of Lyon, France for a "once-in-a-lifetime" pilgrimage to the so-called Mecca of French cuisine's rich food culture and legendary chefs, with a focus on Nouvelle Cuisine innovator Paul Bocuse.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 4 Episode 6 - Iran
    8.8/10(309 votes)

    #2 - Iran

    S4:E6

    Bourdain and his crew take their long-awaited inaugural trip to Iran exploring Tehran and Isfahan, and sites that include Imam Square, the Borje Milad, mosques, and ancient caravanserai. The cuisine includes Dizi, Fesenjan, Biryani, and Tahdig. Local guides for this tour include Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian and his wife Yeganeh Salehi, who were subsequently detained by the Iranian government.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 8 Episode 1 - Hanoi
    8.7/10(217 votes)

    #3 - Hanoi

    S8:E1

    Inspired by Graham Greene's words “... whatever you’re looking for, you will find here...” Bourdain joins the throngs of locals as he motorbikes through Vietnam’s capital, traverses its rapidly changing cityscape, and indulges in its singular cuisine with president Barack Obama, who, over a dish of Bun Cha, shares personal stories and reflects on his own international travels.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 8 Episode 6 - Japan
    8.6/10(147 votes)

    #4 - Japan

    S8:E6

    Guided by world-renowned chef Masa Takayama, Bourdain’s return trip to Japan begins with a tour of outdoor food markets in Kanazawa where they sample uni, steak-sized oysters, and grilled eel liver, followed by a conversation with an ex-geisha at her teahouse, and comes full circle with a special omakase experience at Tokyo’s acclaimed Ginza restaurant, Sushi Koi, where Masa trained as an apprentice.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 11 Episode 3 - Newfoundland
    8.6/10(120 votes)

    #5 - Newfoundland

    S11:E3

    An exploration of this rocky, east coast Canadian island by Bourdain reveals a magical place abundant in fish and wild game and steeped in distinctive traditions. Guided by prominent chefs Frederic Moran, Jeremy Charles and David McMillan, the host takes part in cod fishing, moose hunting, and axe throwing and dines on charred whelk with brasciola, caribou tartare, and Newfoundland classic Jiggs Dinner (boiled meat & vegetables). A side trip to the nearby French archipelago of St. Pierre is the setting for a home cooked meal of sea urchin pâté, stuffed squid over rice and braised halibut.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 11 Episode 5 - Hong Kong
    8.6/10(135 votes)

    #6 - Hong Kong

    S11:E5

    Hong Kong, a city that’s always in transition and unapologetically modern has another side…a beautiful one that’s in danger of disappearing entirely. Bourdain experiences this city through the eyes and lens of legendary cinematographer and longtime Hong Kong resident Christopher Doyle (Chungking Express, In the Mood for Love, The White Girl).

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

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  7. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 2 - Asturias, Spain
    8.6/10(125 votes)

    #7 - Asturias, Spain

    S12:E2

    Bourdain travels to the enchanted region of Asturias, Spain with chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, as he makes a return to his homeland. The people of Asturias embody the rugged environment of the region with a hard working ‘do it yourself’ spirit. Bourdain and Andres hike to a remote village in the mountains for traditional fabada, ocean cliffs for gooseneck barnacles, and secret cheese caves in undisclosed locations. Bourdain also enjoys pitu de caleya with local musician Pablo Und Destruktion while he’s served on the last worker’s class movement. And in true Jose Andres form, he saves a special surprise for the end.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 1 - Kenya
    8.5/10(140 votes)

    #8 - Kenya

    S12:E1

    Bourdain introduces his fellow CNN Original Series host W. Kamau Bell (United Shades of America) to the distinctive sights, tastes, and sounds of Kenya. It is Bell’s first trip to the African continent, and to a country that holds a personal connection for him. In Nairobi, they talk to locals about the country’s growth and economic challenges, as well as the continual fight for identity and self-definition of Kenyans. Bourdain and Bell also take a Matatu party bus ride, share a meal of goat’s head soup and visit a boxing academy devoted to teaching young women, and promoting female empowerment. Leaving Nairobi the pair travel to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and visit with a Maasai community actively engaged in conservation. Through the eyes of Bourdain and Bell, and their first experiences with this highly dynamic deeply, soulful and beautiful country we ask, what will a future Kenya… for Kenyans…. by Kenyans…look like?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 1 Episode 4 - Quebec
    8.4/10(280 votes)

    #9 - Quebec

    S1:E4

    Bourdain travels to remote areas within the province of Quebec where he samples local delicacies, explores ice fishing and beaver hunting and spends time with two of funniest and most brilliant chef/restauranteurs in Canada, Joe Beef's Dave McMillan and Fred Morin.

    Director:Michael Steed
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 7 - Thailand
    8.4/10(185 votes)

    #10 - Thailand

    S3:E7

    Bourdain and his crew head to the Chiang Mai province of Northern Thailand along with celebrated chef and Thai food specialist Andy Ricker (Pok Pok restaurants) to explore the country’s distinctive eating and drinking scene that varies by region and season.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 8 Episode 3 - Sichuan with Eric Ripert
    8.4/10(146 votes)

    #11 - Sichuan with Eric Ripert

    S8:E3

    Michelin star chef, and all around good sport, Eric Ripert is introduced to China and Sichuan province by host and good friend Bourdain. Bourdain takes Ripert to the Sichuan province capital, Chengdu, testing his endurance with mouth-numbing, sinisterly spicy meals (like green peppercorn fish). They also visit the world’s largest stone Buddha, seek out a local favorite rabbit head snack, and visit a legendary distillery for some Baijiu, a fermented sorghum wine. Ripert will never forget this trip.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 9 Episode 8 - Porto, Portugal
    8.4/10(128 votes)

    #12 - Porto, Portugal

    S9:E8

    Food takes center stage in this tour of the northern Portugal city by Bourdain, whose local travel companions include his former Les Halles boss Jose Meirelles. A sumptuous pig tripe dinner at A Cozinha do Martinho, an at-home meal of sea lamprey and a stop at Café O Afonso for local specialty Francesinha highlight the trip which culminates with a traditional food celebration in the Douro Valley countryside.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 11 Episode 8 - Bhutan
    8.4/10(119 votes)

    #13 - Bhutan

    S11:E8

    Bourdain and film director Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan) tour the remote South Asian Kingdom of Bhutan and travel on the winding East/West highway known for its spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains. The seasoned explorers share a meal with yak herders, visit the capitol city of Thimphu for traditional Bhutanese cuisine, drive to Punakha to explore the village of legendary divine monk Drupka Kinley, and visit Bumthang for a bamboo archery competition.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 4 - Copenhagen
    8.3/10(197 votes)

    #14 - Copenhagen

    S2:E4

    This episode explores the food and natural beauty of Copenhagen, the economic and cultural center of Denmark. Home to famed chef Rene Redzepi and his brainchild Noma – regarded by critics as one of the world’s best restaurants – Parts Unknown delves into the city’s cuisine and the new Nordic creativity that infuses Redzepi’s work at Noma.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 4 Episode 4 - Vietnam
    8.3/10(162 votes)

    #15 - Vietnam

    S4:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 7 Episode 1 - Manila, Philippines
    8.3/10(163 votes)

    #16 - Manila, Philippines

    S7:E1

    In the season seven premiere, Bourdain explores the Philippines during Christmas season and travels through the festive streets of Manila to taste the fast food wonder Jollibee, try the sweet, milky drink, Halo-Halo, and indulge in the classic dish, Sizzling Pork Sisig. The trip continues with the host accompanied by cover band “Keystone,” as they dine on Adobo, a simmered pork-chicken dish. The tour concludes with a family meal of Kare-Kare and the opening of the Balikbayan box.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 7 - Tokyo
    8.2/10(200 votes)

    #17 - Tokyo

    S2:E7

    Japan is a paradox. The low birthrate, the dedication, the conformity, and the life of a salary man are well known. There is also a competitive and rigid culture that gives way to some unique subcultures. Bourdain has traveled to Tokyo countless times, but on this trip he is in search of the city’s dark, extreme, and bizarrely fetishistic underside.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 8 - Detroit
    8.2/10(174 votes)

    #18 - Detroit

    S2:E8

    Few cities have experienced such a dramatic economic rise and fall of Detroit. In this episode of Parts Unknown, Bourdain explores the past, present and future of the Motor City. He steps into the lives of Detroit natives and sees the glory days of the past at the famed Packard Plant, the current state of the city’s urban decay, and the promise of the future in the citizens who are rebuilding their communities.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 4 Episode 7 - Massachusetts
    8.2/10(174 votes)

    #19 - Massachusetts

    S4:E7

    In a departure for the series, Bourdain takes a trip to the Provincetown haunts of his post high school youth (The Atlantic House, The Lobster Pot) that marked the start of his culinary career, and he candidly discusses his descent into heroin addiction (and later recovery). He then heads to the western part of the state to throw light on the unexpected and exploding heroin problem in small town New England – discussing with residents exactly how this happened – and how they are learning to deal with it as a community.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 6 Episode 2 - Marseille
    8.2/10(132 votes)

    #20 - Marseille

    S6:E2

    Bourdain and his travel companion, chef Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin), visit France’s oldest city to experience its stew of cultures and cuisines, indulging in chef Gerald Passedat’s famous bouillabaisse, the classic pied et paquets, Algerian couscous and as much salumi and Corsican cheeses as they can handle. The pair also meet crime novelist Cedric Fabre, esteemed chef Georgiana Viou, and journalist Gilles Rof.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 8 Episode 2 - Nashville
    8.2/10(130 votes)

    #21 - Nashville

    S8:E2

    Bourdain absorbs the tastes, sights and sounds of music city, from chef Josh Habiger's Catbird Seat and Bolton's famous hot chicken, to a night of cooking, drinking and rocking out with singer Alison Mosshart, and her bandmates. The episode features performances by The Kills, Dead Weather and Margo Price.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 9 Episode 5 - Antarctica
    8.2/10(137 votes)

    #22 - Antarctica

    S9:E5

    Bourdain travels to the bottom of the world to experience the serene beauty and mystery of the driest, coldest, windiest place on earth. Taken under the wings of such hearty residents as scientists, contractors and the U.S. military, Bourdain’s adventures include a helicopter view of the largest active volcano in the southern hemisphere, a snowmobile drive over 8 ft. thick sea ice, a visit with a colony of Adele penguins, and a trip the South Pole.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 1 - Jerusalem
    8.1/10(212 votes)

    #23 - Jerusalem

    S2:E1

    In the season premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown, the host and crew make their first trip to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. While the political situation is often tense between the people living in these areas, Bourdain concentrates on their rich history, food and culture, and spends time with local chefs, home cooks, writers and amateur foodies.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 5 Episode 3 - Scotland
    8.1/10(168 votes)

    #24 - Scotland

    S5:E3

    Bourdain visits one of his favorite cities in Europe, Glasgow. He makes his first stop at the Old College Bar for a pint, learns knife defense techniques from instructor Mark Davies, and tests his physical endurance while stalking red stag with writer A.A. Gill in the Scottish Highlands. Along the way Bourdain indulges in some surprising Scottish fare including deep-fried haggis, roasted grouse with bread sauce, and fresh venison.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 6 Episode 8 - Charleston, S.C.
    8.1/10(150 votes)

    #25 - Charleston, S.C.

    S6:E8

    For the season finale, Bourdain travels with “one of America’s most important chefs,” Sean Brock, to sample Charleston’s varied food offerings including traditional Gullah cuisine, and oyster pie and shrimp and grits at Brock’s restaurant Husk with actor and a Charleston resident, Bill Murray.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Lyon, France" is the best rated episode of "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown". It scored 8.8/10 based on 206 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 4/27/2014. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Iran".