Ep 6. Ukraine

In Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 11 episode 6, viewers are taken on a journey to Ukraine. Bourdain travels around the country, showcasing the food, culture, and people that make up this unique and fascinating destination.

One of the highlights of the episode is Bourdain's visit to Lviv, a city in western Ukraine that is known for its historic architecture and vibrant café culture. Here, Bourdain sits down with locals to enjoy traditional dishes like borscht, varenyky (dumplings), and salo (cured pork fat). He also learns about the city's rich coffee culture, which dates back to the Austro-Hungarian era.

In addition to exploring the food scene in Lviv, Bourdain takes a trip to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster. Bourdain meets with a guide who takes him on a tour of the abandoned city of Pripyat, which was once home to thousands of residents but is now a ghost town. Bourdain also speaks with locals who were impacted by the disaster and explores the ongoing efforts to clean up the area.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain also delves into Ukraine's complicated political history, speaking with activists and journalists about the Euromaidan protests of 2014 and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. He visits a military training camp where volunteers are preparing to fight against Russian-backed separatists, and speaks with a journalist who has been critical of the government's handling of the war.

Despite the country's challenges, Bourdain is struck by the warmth and hospitality of the Ukrainian people, as well as the richness of the country's culture and history. From the beautiful Carpathian Mountains in the west to the lively city of Kyiv in the east, Bourdain takes viewers on a journey that showcases both the beauty and complexity of this fascinating destination.