Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown backdrop
Documentary

The Worst Episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Every episode of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown!

Binge this in 2d 23h•Peaking at 10.0/10

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

Airs on
CNN
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons12

All123456789101112

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 7 - Lower East Side
    5.7/10(3 votes)

    #1 - Lower East Side

    S12:E7

    Bourdain takes a personal journey through this formerly bohemian New York City neighborhood, as he meets, shares meals and reflects with music, film and art trailblazers including Richard Hell, Deborah Harry and Chris Stein, Lydia Lunch, Fab 5 Freddy, Danny Fields, Amos Poe, Jim Jarmusch, Kembra Pfahler, John Lurie, Clayton Patterson and Harley Flanagan, whose collective cultural impact in the 1970’s and ’80’s has sustained through the decades.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 5 - Russia
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #2 - Russia

    S3:E5

    It's been nearly a decade since Tony has set foot in Russia with his longtime drinking buddy/travel partner Zamir Gotta. Vladimir Putin is more powerful than ever. On the eve of the Sochi Games, the country is on lockdown, but Tony and Zamir aren't known for keeping their mouths shut and following orders.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 3 - Indonesia
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #3 - Indonesia

    S12:E3

    A shadow puppet performance provides an entry into understanding Indonesia, a country comprised of thousands of islands whose people endured political turmoil, and one in which, Bourdain discovers, food is the great unifier. In this fourth largest country in the world, every area has it’s own unique traditions. In Jakarta, Bourdain eats at a Padang Restaurant where nearly every menu item comes to the table; while in Bali he visits the beach, commenting on yoga before joining in a traditional Balinese Funeral ceremony.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 4 - Bourdain’s Impact
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #4 - Bourdain’s Impact

    S12:E4

    This episode explores how Anthony Bourdain’s unique perspective and voice altered the world of food, travel and culture and in the process reinvented how audiences watched television and engaged intimately and actively with the world around them.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 5 - Far West Texas
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #5 - Far West Texas

    S12:E5

    Bourdain travels to the untamed land of Big Bend, Texas near the Mexican border; an area that pits man against nature and in which the land usually wins. Bourdain shares meals with working cowboys who have made peace with the rough terrain, and meets with an anthropologist who decoded prehistoric landmark, the White Shaman wall painting.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 6 - Behind the Scenes
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #6 - Behind the Scenes

    S12:E6

    Bourdain’s relationship with his crew, the team that traveled with him and slogged through the trenches, was like no other in his life. In this episode the people who made Parts Unknown select moments from their episodes and pull back the curtain, to talk about collaboration, creative freedom, moments when Bourdain had their back or called them out, the times when he was caught off guard or forgot the cameras were even there.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

    READ
  7. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 7 Episode 3 - The Greek Islands
    7.2/10(4 votes)

    #7 - The Greek Islands

    S7:E3

    Life on the Greek islands, home to a fiercely independent and proud population, is relatively secluded, steeped in tradition, and revolves around local food, wine, close friends and family. On the island of Naxos, Bourdain heads offshore to dive to a sunken ship wreck, drink raki with the local residents, and sample cuisine fresh from the fishing boat, including octopus salad, salatouri (skate), and rofos (grouper) with olive oil and lemon. While exploring the island, he meets with politically outspoken musical group, The Stray Bitches, and travels to the mountainous village of Apeiranthos where he attends a traditional celebration in the town square.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 2 - Asturias, Spain
    7.5/10(4 votes)

    #8 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 12 Episode 1 - Kenya
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #9 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 6 Episode 7 - Istanbul
    8.0/10(2 votes)

    #10 - Istanbul

    S6:E7

    The cliché East meets West rings true in Istanbul as Bourdain explores its confluence of food, culture and politics, featuring a Turkish breakfast with old friend Esra, an oil wrestling tournament, and lunch at an Armenian restaurant near the Golden Horn. Bourdain leaves the urban sprawl of Istanbul for Sedef Island and a meal with author and philosopher Gündüz Vassaf and celebrated Turkish actress Serra Yilmaz.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 9 Episode 3 - Laos
    8.0/10(2 votes)

    #11 - Laos

    S9:E3

    The rich sensory experience of Laos with its enchanting scenery, distinctive aromas, and exceptional food are explored in Bourdain’s trip to this Southeast Asian country which also continues to suffer the effects of the Secret War by the U.S in the 1960’s-1970’s. In his travels, the host takes in a boat festival, dines on imperial dishes at the Ban Lao hotel prepared by Mama Vahn, and communes with residents who have fallen victim to active bombs that still pepper the countryside.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 10 Episode 5 - Sri Lanka
    8.0/10(2 votes)

    #12 - Sri Lanka

    S10:E5

    As peace spreads throughout Sri Lanka following the end of its brutal civil war, Bourdain travels to the once divided nation to experience the reinvigorated people, food and landscapes. Starting in Colombo, the country’s capital, Bourdain discovers change in in a place he visited nearly a decade ago as he enjoys street food on The Galle Face Green, dining on light curries and lots of seafood. Taking a 10-hour train to the northern “time capsule” city of Jaffna, Bourdain experiences crab curry, a dish he calls the “holy grail of Sri Lankan cuisine,” for its spicy and fiery flavors.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 10 Episode 6 - Puerto Rico
    8.0/10(2 votes)

    #13 - Puerto Rico

    S10:E6

    When Bourdain heads to Puerto Rico to check out the reality behind the piña coladas and fancy resorts, he finds natural splendor, delicious food and warm people, all against the background of a seemingly insurmountable economic crisis. Bourdain also learns why Puerto Ricans are so devoted to their homeland, and so determined to stay there. He samples ‘grandma food’ at a restaurant that evokes a simple traditional Puerto Rican home, cracks open the freshest crabs at a rustic spot on the beach, joins singer Tito Auger for a meal with friends and enjoys some of the best lechon (roast pork) around. A trip to the small island of Vieques rounds out his experience, with a meal at a sustainable farm and an optimistic discussion about strategies for a better future for the region and its people.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 1 Episode 2 - Los Angeles
    8.3/10(6 votes)

    #14 - Los Angeles

    S1:E2

    Tony takes Los Angeles--but with a twist. No Hollywood sign, no Beverly Hills. Instead, he zeroes in on a three square-mile area of the city known as Koreatown, where he finds a tight-knit community still marked by the 1992 Rodney King riots.

    Director:Michael Steed
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 4 Episode 8 - Jamaica
    8.3/10(3 votes)

    #15 - Jamaica

    S4:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 2 - Las Vegas
    8.5/10(2 votes)

    #16 - Las Vegas

    S3:E2

    Anthony Bourdain travels to Las Vegas, a city known for over-indulgence, with food author Michael Ruhlman and visits locales that include Huntridge Tavern (in the shadow of the strip), and famed restaurant é by Jose Andres. Also featured are Penn Jillette, and former mayor Oscar Goodman.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 8 - Bahia, Brazil
    8.5/10(2 votes)

    #17 - Bahia, Brazil

    S3:E8

    Parts Unknown tours Bahia, known as the “African heart of Brazil” and internationally recognized for its Afro-Brazilian music, art, design and food. A look at the dance/martial art of Capoeira, the region’s legendary food vendors, Salvadoran fishing neighborhoods, and a BBQ on the beach are featured.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 7 Episode 7 - Cologne, Germany
    8.5/10(4 votes)

    #18 - Cologne, Germany

    S7:E7

    The 40-day Cologne Carnival celebration sets the tone for Bourdain’s visit to this city that boasts many delicacies (kolsch, mett, blood sausage with himmel und erde, schnitzel), and maintains a peaceful atmosphere and sense of tolerance, despite the recent New Year’s Eve assaults linked to incoming refugees, which the host discusses with the locals.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 9 Episode 7 - Trinidad
    8.5/10(2 votes)

    #19 - Trinidad

    S9:E7

    A trip to the Caribbean uncovers how the island of Trinidad has turned a history of colonialism and slavery into a non-stop celebration of multicultural food, music and good times. Bourdain visits Port of Spain, a vibrant city of African, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern influence, where he dines on curried duck, doubles (floppy Indian bread topped with curry chickpeas, mango) and fish in tahini sauce with Trinidadians of contrasting cultures. While the Carnival lifestyle revolves around liming (hanging out) and whining (dancing), Bourdain questions the extent to which this non-stop bacchanal distracts residents from the the country’s growing list of social ills.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 10 Episode 1 - Singapore
    8.5/10(4 votes)

    #20 - Singapore

    S10:E1

    Bourdain tours the historically rich streets of Singapore and immerses himself in the vast array of multicultural foods found throughout this island city-state. An old-school style prawn mee lunch with his go-to Singaporean food guide, KF Seetoh, and a trip down to the Muslim quarter for a soup-like dish of wontons, rice cake, coconut gravy, vegetables, and hard boiled eggs are included in the host’s cuisine-driven excursion. Bourdain also explores the dichotomy of Singapore society that is known for its tolerance of diverse cultures, generous social services, and sanctioned diversions (ex. legalized brothels, casinos), and the restriction of such basic civil liberties as freedom of the press and privacy.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 7 Episode 2 - Chicago
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #21 - Chicago

    S7:E2

    Chicago’s iconic Old Town Ale House and its colorful patrons are the gateway to Bourdain’s tour of the “City by the Lake,” which includes the host dining on breaded steak sandwiches at Ricobene’s with music producer Steve Albini, sampling Mapo Doufu at Chinatown’s Sze Chuan with Chef Stephanie Izard, and a home cooked meal with Chicago-raised rapper Lupe Fiasco and his mom, plus a tour of comedy mecca Second City with mainstage performer Paul Jurewicz.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 1 Episode 1 - Myanmar
    9.0/10(5 votes)

    #22 - Myanmar

    S1:E1

    With the slight relaxation of control by the government of Myanmar, Tony is finally able to explore one of the most fabled and beautiful areas of Asia.

    Director:Tom Vitale
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 3 - New Mexico
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #23 - New Mexico

    S2:E3

    Parts Unknown takes a close look at the mash-up of cultures that comprise this uniquely American state by sampling its food – a combination of Spanish, Mediterranean, Mexican, Pueblo and even chuck-wagon influences. New Mexico is also a land of drugs, guns, monster vehicles, and possibly extraterrestrials. It may also be the perfect place to investigate the underside of the Western cowboy ideal.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 6 - South Africa
    9.0/10(3 votes)

    #24 - South Africa

    S2:E6

    Once considered the most dangerous city in the world, Johannesburg now barely makes the top 50. But the end of the apartheid has led to vast changes in the city. In this episode, Bourdain visits the suburb of Hillbrow (which remains a dangerous locale), spends a day in the life of a taxi driver and discovers the culture and food that make up modern day Johannesburg.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown Season 3 Episode 4 - Mexico City
    9.0/10(2 votes)

    #25 - Mexico City

    S3:E4

    Bourdain travels to Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Cuernavaca to commune with local residents who express their passion through food, art, and the struggle for an improved quality of life. Addressing the latter issue, Bourdain talks with journalist Anabel Hernandez on the impact of the area’s drug trade-related violence.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"Lower East Side" is the worst rated episode of "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown". It scored 5.7/10 based on 3 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 11/11/2018. This episode scored 1.3 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Russia".