Anthony Bourdain had a deep appreciation for authentic, simple, and flavorful dishes from around the world. While he explored a wide variety of cuisines, some of his favorite recipes and dishes stood out for their taste, cultural significance, and the stories behind them.
We continue with a few of his beloved recipes after this advertisement:
Anthony Bourdain’s favourite recipes:
1. Vietnamese Pho
Bourdain had a special love for Vietnam and its cuisine, particularly pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. Pho is made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, usually beef or chicken. Bourdain appreciated the complexity and depth of flavor in a well-made pho.
Ingredients: Beef bones, star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, ginger, onion, rice noodles, beef (brisket, flank, or meatballs), fish sauce, fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil), bean sprouts, lime wedges.
Preparation: The broth is simmered for several hours with the spices, ginger, and onion to develop a rich flavor. The soup is then assembled with cooked noodles, thinly sliced beef, and garnished with fresh herbs and lime.
See our story History, Variations and Health Benefits of Pho Soup
2. Pasta alla Genovese
Bourdain often spoke about his love for Italian food, especially pasta dishes. Pasta alla Genovese, a classic Neapolitan dish, was one of his favorites. It features slow-cooked beef and onions, creating a rich and hearty sauce served over pasta.
Ingredients: Beef chuck, onions, celery, carrots, garlic, white wine, olive oil, pasta (typically ziti or rigatoni), Parmesan cheese.
Preparation: The beef is slowly braised with a large quantity of onions, along with celery, carrots, and garlic. The long cooking time allows the onions to break down and form a savory sauce. This sauce is then tossed with cooked pasta and topped with grated Parmesan.
3. Roast Pork
Bourdain had a fondness for well-prepared pork dishes. One of his favorites was a simple yet delicious roast pork, which he enjoyed both in professional kitchens and at home.
Ingredients: Pork shoulder or pork butt, garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, pepper.
Preparation: The pork is seasoned generously with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It is then slow-roasted until the meat is tender and the skin is crispy. The result is a flavorful and succulent dish that can be served with a variety of sides.
4. Coq au Vin
This classic French dish was another favorite of Bourdain’s, reflecting his training in French cuisine and his admiration for traditional French cooking. Coq au Vin is a hearty stew made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, and bacon.
Ingredients: Chicken (typically a whole bird cut into pieces), red wine, mushrooms, bacon, onions, garlic, carrots, thyme, bay leaves.
Preparation: The chicken is marinated in red wine and then braised with bacon, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and comforting dish.
5. Roast Bone Marrow with Parsley Salad
One of Bourdain’s signature dishes, bone marrow with parsley salad, showcases his love for rich, indulgent flavors paired with bright, fresh elements. This dish is simple but luxurious, often served as an appetizer.
Ingredients: Beef marrow bones, coarse sea salt, fresh parsley, shallots, capers, lemon juice, olive oil.
Preparation: The marrow bones are roasted until the marrow is soft and spreadable. The parsley salad, made with chopped parsley, shallots, capers, lemon juice, and olive oil, is served alongside the marrow to provide a fresh, tangy contrast.
Anthony Bourdain’s favorite recipes
Anthony Bourdain’s favorite recipes reflect his passion for authentic and flavorful cuisine from around the world. Whether it was the comforting broth of Vietnamese pho, the rich sauce of Pasta alla Genovese, the succulent roast pork, the hearty coq au vin, or the indulgent bone marrow with parsley salad, Bourdain’s love for food was always evident.
These dishes not only showcase his culinary skills but also his appreciation for the cultural stories and traditions behind each recipe.
Our Food and Recipe section has more great meal ideas
Anthony Bourdain’s Books on Amazon
Appetites: A Cookbook Hardcover, 2016 by Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever
World Travel: An Irreverent Guide Paperback, 2024 by Anthony Bourdain, Laurie Woolever
Kitchen Confidential Updated Edition: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (P.S.) Paperback, 2007 by Anthony Bourdain
A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines Paperback, 2002 by Anthony Bourdain
Remembering Anthony Bourdain: A Culinary Icon and Cultural Storyteller
Anthony Bourdain was more than just a chef; he was a cultural ambassador, a storyteller, and a man who brought the world closer together through his love for food. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the hidden gems of New York City, Bourdain’s journey was one that inspired millions. We pay tribute to his extraordinary life, his contributions to the culinary world, and his enduring legacy.
The Journey of a Culinary Maverick
Anthony Bourdain’s rise to fame began in the kitchens of New York City, where he worked his way up from dishwasher to executive chef. His candid memoir, “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,” published in 2000, catapulted him into the spotlight. The book’s raw and unfiltered look at the restaurant industry’s behind-the-scenes chaos resonated with readers, making Bourdain a household name.
A World Beyond the Kitchen
Bourdain’s influence extended far beyond the culinary world. He was a gifted storyteller with a unique ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Through his television shows, “A Cook’s Tour,” “No Reservations,” “The Layover,” and “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain took viewers on a global journey, exploring cultures, cuisines, and the human condition.
His approach was never about mere tourism; it was about immersion. Bourdain sought to understand and appreciate the local traditions, often eating street food and sharing meals with locals. He believed that food was a universal language, a way to break down barriers and foster connections.
The Impact of “Parts Unknown”
“Parts Unknown,” which aired on CNN, was perhaps Bourdain’s most influential show. It was more than a travel and food show; it was a social commentary. Bourdain used his platform to highlight pressing issues, from the aftermath of war in Beirut to the struggles of marginalized communities in Detroit. His empathetic storytelling brought attention to these narratives, shedding light on the resilience and spirit of the people he encountered.
Legacy and Influence
Bourdain’s impact on the culinary and media worlds is immeasurable. He inspired a generation of chefs, writers, and travelers to explore and appreciate the world’s diversity. His philosophy was simple yet profound: be curious, be open-minded, and always seek to understand.
His death in 2018 was a significant loss, but his legacy endures. Bourdain’s work continues to inspire and educate. His shows are still watched by millions, and his writings remain relevant and poignant. He taught us that food is not just sustenance; it is a bridge to understanding different cultures and perspectives.
Celebrating Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain’s life was a testament to the power of curiosity and the importance of storytelling. He showed us that the world is vast and varied, full of flavors and stories waiting to be discovered. As we remember Bourdain, we celebrate his contributions to the culinary arts and his role in bringing the world a little closer together.
In a world that often seems divided, Bourdain’s message of unity through food and shared experiences is more important than ever. His legacy reminds us to embrace the unknown, to savor every bite, and to always be willing to listen to the stories of others.
Thank you, Anthony Bourdain, for the adventures, the lessons, and the inspiration. You are dearly missed, but your spirit lives on in every meal shared and every story told.
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