Fueled by an intense, hyper-kinetic energy and a near-religious devotion to garlic, fermentation, and chili, Seoul is a sprawling metropolis that operates at a dizzying pace. When No Reservations arrived in 2006, the goal was to survive the relentless, alcohol-soaked endurance test that constitutes the Korean culinary experience. The food scene here is wonderfully aggressive, built on massive communal feasts, fiery stews, and rivers of potent soju designed to bond colleagues and friends long into the night. Dragged along by his relentlessly cheerful guide, the narrative captures the beautiful exhaustion of trying to keep up with the locals. From the intense, wriggling reality of eating live octopus for breakfast at the Noryangjin fish market to the spicy, challenging street food skewers of chicken offal, the journey is an unabashed celebration of a society that eats and drinks incredibly hard. Perhaps most importantly, it highlights the brilliant necessity of the legendary, restorative hangover soup. To truly understand the manic, wonderful soul of this city, you have to hit the streets. Discover the essential, fiery eateries that defined this spectacular adventure.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Seoul on his show No Reservations, he and his crew picked many restaurants. Here are all the addresses and the dishes showcased in a convenient list.
This is No Reservations, season 2, episode 11. It first aired on Jun 12, 2006.
READ MORE: Seoul Travel Blog: Table of Contents
DISH – Octopus – Anthony Bourdain Seoul
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain and Na-Ri had a fresh octopus with dipping sauce for breakfast at Noryangjin market located at Seoul.
“I’m feeling close to collapse. Na-Ri’s enthusiasm, that boundless energy and good cheer it’s frazzling my nerves. Already crisping up like curly fries.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market
674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak-gu, 서울특별시 South Korea
Seoul, South Korea
DISH – Maeun-tang – Anthony Bourdain Seoul
WHAT IS IT?
Maeun-tang or spicy fish stew made of spicy broth and any fish, clams, crabs.
“That’s impressive and it looks spicy. The giant, bubbling and gurgling cauldron is the Korean’s version of bouillabaisse or cioppino.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Hantan River Fish Restaurant
Seoul, South Korea
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain Seoul
Unfortunately, the exact location of this restaurant is unknown.
READ MORE: FAR EAST TRAVEL: 8 CITIES TO VISIT ABSOLUTELY MANDATORILY
DISH – “Korean Street Food” – Anthony Bourdain Seoul
WHAT IS IT?
They had stir-fried spicy chicken parts like feet, guts, and the anus and also some soju.
“A delighfully edible round of stir-fried chicken feet, can appendage normally nowhere near this tender and rarely this spicy and if the feet is good, the ass is sure to impress. Build up with onions and red hot chilis, unlike most ass I have served to me, sprinkled ever so lightly with sesame seeds.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Seoul, South Korea
NOTES
Unfortunately, the exact name and location of this restaurant is unknown.
DISH – “Hangover Soup” – No Reservations Seoul
WHAT IS IT?
They had a hangover soup which is a steaming bowl of spicy broth with chunks of meat, vegetables and potatoes.
“Hangover Koreans flock here for that spicy goodness that for some reason settles rattled nerves and satisfies the belly.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Hangang
Seoul, South Korea
NOTES
Unfortunately, the exact name and location of this restaurant is unknown.
READ MORE: KOREA: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED BY ANTHONY BOURDAIN ON PARTS UNKNOWN
This early plunge into Seoul remains a hilarious and historically significant episode, perfectly capturing his struggle to match the legendary drinking and eating stamina of the Korean people. In his broader body of work, it is a masterpiece of highlighting how intense, communal dining—complete with challenging textures like live octopus and chicken guts—serves as the ultimate bonding mechanism in an incredibly high-pressure society. His deep appreciation for the restorative power of the spicy hangover soup highlighted a relatable, universal truth amidst the cultural whiplash. It is a highly memorable hour of television that celebrates the fiery, uncompromising spirit of the capital. Brace yourself, pour a generous shot of soju, and let the aggressive, fermented flavors of the peninsula take you for a ride.
