Vietnam was famously one of Anthony Bourdain’s greatest loves, a country whose chaotic energy and extraordinary food continually drew him back. In season 5 of No Reservations (2009), he returned to explore the central and southern regions, cementing his belief that the nation’s culinary soul is found not in fine dining, but on low plastic stools in bustling markets and alleyways. This episode was a passionate ode to the vibrant, uncompromising flavors of Vietnamese street food. Bourdain’s itinerary focused on the staggering variety and complexity of everyday meals, from the legendary noodle bowls of the central coast to the sizzling crepes and rich broths of Ho Chi Minh City. He sought out the masters of singular dishes—the vendors who have spent a lifetime perfecting a specific soup or banh mi. It was a celebration of food that balances intense aromatics, fresh herbs, and profound depth of flavor. Here’s a look at the iconic spots and street-side setups that delivered the authentic Vietnamese experience he cherished.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Vietnam 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 5, episode 10. It first aired on March 9, 2009.
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DISH – Bánh Xèo
WHAT IS IT?
They had Bánh Xèo or Vietnamese crepes made of flour, coconut juice, pork, shrimp, saffron and beans.
“It’s a wonderful mutation of the classic leftover from the cruel and evil French.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Bánh Xèo 46A
46 Đinh Công Tráng, Tân Định, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
NOTES
Unfortunately, this restaurant has since closed its doors.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN HANOI : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
DISH – “Vietnamese Street Food”
WHAT IS IT?
They had butter snails with tamarind sauce, chicken feet, freshwater crabs and beer.
“This is America’s favorite flavor, I mean, grilled chicken, there’s nothing more beloved by Americans…but that chewiness is very difficult for–for a lot of people who didn’t grow up with it even for me in the beginning but I’ve–I’ve got used to it quickly.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
Unfortunately, the exact name and location of the restaurant is unknown.
DISH – “Vietnamese Soup Dish” – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
WHAT IS IT?
They had a soup with pork blood, pork bones, beef bones, sliced beef and pork, pork leg, pork feet, coagulated pig’s blood, onion, ginger, rice noodles and other spices.
“In this case, it’s all about the stock. There’s a lot going on here. I–I’m hittin’ neighborhoods with this soup you know. It’s like discovering new neighborhoods.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
The Lunch Lady (Nguyen Thi Thanh)
Lô C1 Chung Cư 1A1B, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
DISH – Cao Lau – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
WHAT IS IT?
They had Cao Lau or VIetnamese noodle bowl made of noodles, water from the central well, lime, pepper, vinegar, garlic, shallots, fresh greens, pork slices, fried pork skin and spicy broth.
They also had banh mi made of liver pate, cucumber, ham, basil, fish paste, mayonnaise and fried egg after eating cao lau.
“That was a reasonably sized, fully satisfying breakfast. Under ordinary circumstances, it would be enough.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Vietnamese Central Market
Vietnam
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
Unfortunately, the exact name and location of this market is unknown.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN VIETNAM : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON NO RESERVATIONS
This particular return to Vietnam underscored Bourdain’s profound connection to the country and its people. He famously propelled the “Lunch Lady” of Ho Chi Minh City to international stardom, proving his influence and his deep respect for the mastery found in humble street food stalls. The episode highlighted the incredible regional diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, from the unique noodles of the central region to the robust flavors of the south, emphasizing that the best meals are often enjoyed on the street. His sheer joy in slurping a perfect bowl of noodles remains one of the most enduring images of his career. When you visit Vietnam, embrace the chaos, pull up a plastic stool, and eat exactly where the locals are eating.
