Ep 8. China

No Reservations is an American travel and food television show hosted by Anthony Bourdain. In season 6, episode 8, Bourdain takes viewers on a journey through China, exploring the country's rich and diverse culinary traditions.

The episode begins in Beijing, where Bourdain visits a local market and samples a variety of street foods, including scorpions, sea urchins, and lamb skewers. He also visits a restaurant that specializes in Peking duck, a dish that is synonymous with Beijing. Bourdain watches as the chef prepares the dish, which involves roasting the duck in a wood-fired oven for several hours before serving it with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Next, Bourdain travels to Sichuan province, known for its spicy cuisine. He visits a restaurant that specializes in hot pot, a communal cooking experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a pot of boiling broth at the table. Bourdain tries a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles, all cooked in the spicy Sichuan broth.

Bourdain also visits a small village in the Yunnan province, where he learns about the Bai people and their unique cuisine. He visits a local market, where he tries a fermented tofu dish and samples various herbs and spices. Bourdain also watches as a local woman makes rice cakes by hand, a labor-intensive process that involves pounding rice into a paste and steaming it in bamboo baskets.

The episode also highlights the importance of tea in Chinese culture. Bourdain visits a tea market in Yunnan, where he learns about the different types of tea and the rituals surrounding its preparation and drinking. He also visits a tea plantation and watches as workers pick and process the leaves.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain emphasizes the importance of food in Chinese culture. He interviews local chefs and food vendors, who discuss the history and significance of their dishes. He also reflects on the impact of globalization on Chinese cuisine, noting the growing popularity of fast food and western-style restaurants in the country.

In typical No Reservations fashion, the episode is not only a culinary exploration but also a cultural exploration. Bourdain interacts with locals and takes part in traditional customs, from drinking tea to participating in a dance performance. He also reflects on his own experiences as a traveler and his evolving perspective on food and culture.

Overall, No Reservations season 6, episode 8 provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse and complex world of Chinese cuisine. From street food to haute cuisine, traditional dishes to modern trends, Bourdain takes viewers on a journey that is both informative and entertaining.