Ep 10. China
- TVPG
- March 1, 2006
- 42 min
In Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 1 episode 10, Anthony Bourdain travels to China to explore the local cuisine and culture.
Bourdain begins his journey in Shanghai, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant food scene. He visits a night market and tries a variety of street food, including scallion pancakes and fried pork buns. He also visits a tea shop to learn about the art of tea drinking and tries several different kinds of tea.
Next, Bourdain travels to Sichuan province, which is known for its spicy cuisine. He visits a local market and samples dishes like hot pot and mapo tofu. He also participates in a traditional tea ceremony and visits a local distillery where he tries baijiu, a popular Chinese spirit.
Bourdain then heads to Hunan province, where he samples dishes like smoked pork ribs and steamed fish with ginger and scallions. He also visits a rice farm and learns about the labor-intensive process of growing and harvesting rice.
Next, Bourdain travels to Yunnan province, which is known for its diverse ethnic communities and unique cuisine. He visits a traditional market and tries dishes like sour fish soup and fried goat cheese. He also learns about the culture and traditions of the local Bai people.
Finally, Bourdain ends his journey in Beijing, where he explores the city's famous street food scene. He visits a noodle shop and tries hand-pulled noodles, and then heads to a local restaurant to try Peking duck, a famous dish that originated in Beijing. He also visits the Great Wall of China and learns about the history and significance of this iconic landmark.
Throughout the episode, Bourdain provides insight into the complexity and diversity of Chinese cuisine and culture. He also reflects on his experiences traveling through China and shares his appreciation for the country and its people.