Ep 9. Mozambique

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 11 episode 9 takes viewers on a culinary adventure through Mozambique, a Southeast African country with a unique fusion of Portuguese and African flavors. Bourdain explores the country's rich history, scenic beauty, and vibrant culinary culture, sampling delicacies like prawns, piri-piri chicken, and cashew nut cake.

The episode begins with Bourdain introducing Mozambique as a country that has faced its fair share of hardships, including a long civil war and rampant poverty. However, he notes that despite these challenges, Mozambique has a strong sense of culture and pride, which is reflected in its food.

Bourdain starts his journey in the bustling capital city of Maputo, where he visits the fish market and is blown away by the abundance of fresh seafood. He samples a variety of prawns, cooked with garlic, butter, and lemon juice, which he proclaims to be some of the best he's ever had.

Next, Bourdain travels into the countryside to a remote village where he meets an elderly woman who prepares a traditional Mozambican meal using a variety of local ingredients, including cassava and cocoyams. He is moved by the warmth and hospitality of the villagers, who welcome him with open arms.

As Bourdain continues his journey, he visits the Gorongosa National Park, one of the most biodiverse and untouched wildlife reserves in the world. He goes on a safari tour and marvels at the beauty of the animals and landscape.

But the focus of the episode remains on food, and Bourdain visits several local restaurants and cafes to sample the country's best dishes. He stops at a small eatery in Maputo where they serve piri-piri chicken, a spicy grilled chicken dish that is a specialty of Mozambique. He also visits a local bakery that makes delicious cashew nut cake, which he washes down with freshly brewed coffee.

One of the most memorable parts of the episode is when Bourdain joins a group of fishermen at Inhaca Island, just off the coast of Maputo. The group sets out early in the morning to catch octopus, prawns, and crab, which they prepare on the beach with some freshly baked bread. Bourdain is struck by the simplicity and beauty of the experience, and remarks that it's moments like these that make him love his job.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain also highlights the strong influence of Portuguese cuisine on Mozambican food. The country was a Portuguese colony until 1975, and many dishes, such as peri-peri sauce and Portuguese-style grilled fish, are popular throughout Mozambique.

As the episode comes to a close, Bourdain reflects on his time in Mozambique and how its rich culinary culture has left a lasting impression on him. He notes that despite its hardships, Mozambique is a country full of heart and soul, and encourages viewers to visit and experience it for themselves.

Overall, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations season 11 episode 9 is a vibrant and engaging exploration of Mozambique's unique culinary culture and its fusion of African and Portuguese flavors. From bustling cities to remote villages, viewers are taken on a culinary journey that showcases the warmth, hospitality, and resilience of the Mozambican people.