Rest in peace, Tony.
Last Friday, the world suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of celebrity chef, acclaimed writer, and beloved television personality, Anthony Bourdain. The travel documentarian entered the homes and hearts of millions of people worldwide by way of his Emmy-award winning series: the Travel Channel’s No Reservations and CNN’s Parts Unknown.
Bourdain was considered a champion of Filipino cuisine. On more than one occasion, he declared lechon “The best pig, ever!” Bourdain’s love for sisig is also well-documented, calling it “casual, accessible, and exactly what you need after a few beers.”
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source, he predicted Filipino food would win the hearts and minds of the world as a whole. Many believed Tony’s recognition of local delicacies like adobo and halo-halo, and even Jollibee were what jumpstarted the global trend, shining an international spotlight on the country’s cuisine each time he visited.
Fun Fact: Tony has visited Manila a number of times. The first was in 2008 for No Reservations, followed by another stay in 2016 for Parts Unknown. His final visit was for an affair as speaker at the World Street Food Congress in 2017.
We pay tribute to Anthony Bourdain by retracing his steps in our own Manila:
Sarsa Kitchen + Bar – various branches
Sarsa was created on the premise that Filipinos love eating food with accompanying sauces or condiments. Bacolod-bred chef JP Anglo has said Bourdain praised the flavors of Sarsa’s grilled offerings like isaw and liempo. We think the Sizzling Kansi, Bangus Belly Salad, Pritchon Pancake, and Piaya Ice Cream Sandwich are also worth trying!
Insider Tip: Download Booky to enjoy Buy One Get One Inasal Sisig for only ₱350!
Jollibee – various branches
The first restaurant on this list needs no introduction, it’s only the country’s most popular fast-food chain. Jolly Spaghetti and Chickenjoy are all-time favorites for countless Filipinos, here and abroad. It’s no surprise that the chubby, cheerful, red-and-yellow bee has become an internationally recognized icon! Anthony Bourdain called it “the wackiest, jolliest place on Earth.”
Reservations are not accepted
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View their Instagram account
Zubuchon – various branches
Zubuchon is Cebu’s famous lechon restaurant offering menu favorites like Sinuglaw, Zubuchon Sisig, and their very own version of Lechon – dubbed as “the best pig ever” by Anthony Bourdain. Zubuchon also offers a wide array of desserts like biko, banana turon, ube cheesecake and guinumis.
No reservations accepted
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Bale Dutung – Pampanga
Bale Dutung (meaning ‘house of wood’), by the famous Chef Claude Tayag and wife, Mary Ann, offers a unique four-hour, 10-course degustation dining experience with three standard menus to choose from: Kapampangan Spread, Lechon 5 Ways, and the Anthony Bourdain menu.
Reservations are required
View their Instagram account
Villa Gloria Subdivision, Angeles City, Pampanga
(045) 888-5163
Cafe Chosun – Malate
A nondescript 24-hour Korean restaurant, Cafe Chosun offers grilled meat with unlimited sides and soup. We heard that the iconic Anthony Bourdain visited this restaurant last year and ordered Dungsim, Galbisal, and Hangjeosal.
Reservations are not accepted
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Unit 220 Ramona Apartment, 1555 Pedro Gil cor. M Adriatico St, Malate, Manila
(02) 256-3641
Oarhouse Pub – Malate
Known for being a regular haunt of local and foreign journalists, Bourdain featured this watering hole in the Manila episode of Parts Unknown. It’s a great place to knock back a couple of beers and a sizzling hot plate of sisig.
Reservations are not accepted
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1688-B Jorge Bocobo St, Malate, Manila
Tanabe – Malate
According to an article by Rogue, Bourdain racked up a total bill of ₱7,684.94 at the Japanese restuarant in Malate after a chance encounter with Tanabe’s sushi chef Ferdie Caliguia. He reportedly enjoyed a sushi dinner consisting of uni, chutoro, unagi, saba, and hamachi.
Reservations are not accepted
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553 Remedios St, Malate, Manila
Apart from those mentioned in the list, he had also been spotted in Ermita's famous Hobbit House, Super Six Grille House in Malete, and Farmers Market Dampa in Cubao.
Tony Bourdain will always be remembered as a rebel who brought an iconoclastic attitude— but also a deep humanity— to every thing he did. Because of him, many of us dared to dream of exploring new places, cultures, and food and worked to make it a reality.
To the man who had no reservations and truly saw the world as his oyster, thank you. You will be missed.