Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Season 2, Episode 7: Japan

Asia Special: China & Japan

In this special two-hour season two premiere, Tony's culinary journey takes him to the main hubs of Asian cuisine: Japan and China. In Japan, he visits Osaka, where he learns all about the Hanshin Tigers-Yomiuri Giants baseball rivalry; to Japan's version of vaudeville, manzai; and to kuidaore (eating oneself to ruin) where he samples takoyaki, okonomiyaki and later sushi. From there, Tony meets up with an old friend, Michiko, and they travel to Kisoji for a water purification ritual; learn the exchange of meishi and help celebrate Obon. Later, Tony attends a Hanshin Tigers game. In China, a country Tony has never visited, he attempts to tackle as much of its cuisine and culture as he can in a short period of time. Beijing is Tony's first stop, where he samples Peking duck, the nasty bits of a sheep, and a variety of noodles at a noodle house. Tony gets a lesson in Chinese calligraphy and visits a doctor for some traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture, fire cupping, and electroacupuncture. From there, Tony is off to Sichuan province, where he receives an unorthodox ear cleaning, visits the Jianfu Temple, center of Taoism during the Tang Dynasty, and samples Szechuan hotpot. He ends his visit in a village outside of Chengdu for a family dinner that uses the old methods of Chinese cooking.

45 min

South Florida

Tony begins his exploration of outer Miami in the vibrant Creole enclave of Little Haiti. Later, he heads out to the vast subtropical preserves of the Everglades. And in South Beach he visits a dive bar, Club Deuce.

45 min

Peru

Tony meets famous Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, tries Peruvian Ceviche and goes sightseeing in the capital city, Lima. Then he travels to a village in Tambopata, the Peruvian jungle, and tries piranhas and goes through unique experiences. Finally he visits the city of Cusco to try new stuff in a local market and Machu Picchu, where he tries to find peace of mind.

45 min

Quebec

Anthony visits a duck farm/processing plant to see how foie gras is made, teaches a class at the Montreal Culinary Institute and plays hockey with a local university hockey team.

45 min

Sweden

Tony travels to Sweden for a taste of all it has to offer. Along the way he hopes to get past the stereotypes of blond bombshells, meatballs and bad music–ABBA.

45 min

Puerto Rico

Tony and Andy, a native, dine on roasted pig in Caicay, attend a posh party at a hacienda, search for a Chuppacabra in the jungle, meet the undefeated boxing champion, Miguel Cotto, and travel to Ponce to take in the Festival of the Virgin Mary.

45 min

U.S./Mexico Border

Tony visits Southwest Texas bar and grill; nachos in Piedras Nigras; boat tour of the Rio Grande River.

45 min

India (Rajasthan)

India is a land of color, aroma, kind people, and delicious cuisine. Anthony heads off to the more desolate region of Rajasthan in the northwest corner of the continent where he attends a birthday party and explores life in this magical region.

45 min

India (Kolkata/Bombay)

Over the years, Tony Bourdain has fallen in love with India. The culture, the cuisine, the communities - it's all delicious and enchanting. Tony travels to Kolkata and Mumbai, formerly Calcutta and Bombay, to rediscover the magic of this beautiful land.

45 min

Korea

Tony gives in to pressure from one of his office staff and travels to Korea. His condition? Nari (the assistant) must come with him and guide him through Korean cuisine, customs and culture.

45 min

Indonesia

Tony explores the lush culture of Indonesia to discover what makes ex-pats want to stay. Along the way, he discovers the rich history and cuisine of Jakarta and Bali.

45 min

Beirut

Anthony Bourdain and his crew travel to Lebanon. They discover a beautiful country filled with proud, generous people and delicious food. However, they find themselves in the middle of a tense, uncertain, and violent conflict.