Vietnam was the electric, chaotic, and deeply intoxicating muse that forever changed the trajectory of Bourdain’s life and career. Featured early in No Reservations Season 1 (2005), Tony’s exploration of Hanoi and the northern regions cemented his absolute devotion to Southeast Asia. This is a culinary landscape defined by vibrant street food, balancing fragrant herbs, searing chilies, and the savory depth of fish sauce. Unlike the sanitized versions of Asian cuisine found in Western food courts, Bourdain sought out the raw, unadulterated reality of dining on tiny plastic stools in humid alleyways. From slurping complex, life-affirming bowls of noodles to braving controversial local delicacies—most notably, the infamous “squeasel” (porcupine)—his approach was rooted in total surrender to the culture. This episode proved that the best meals are often found far from fine china and white tablecloths. For those ready to brave the motorbike traffic and intense heat, here are the essential stops from his foundational Vietnamese adventure.
When Anthony Bourdain visited Hanoi, Mai Chau and Tuan Chau, in 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 1, episode 4. It first aired on August 15, 2005.
READ MORE: MY IMPRESSIONS OF HANOI: THIS COUNTRY SHOULD COME WITH A WARNING
DISH – Bun Cha – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
WHAT IS IT?
They have Bun Cha or rice with marinated grilled pork with greens and hot peppers on the side along with condiments like pickled garlic and lime juice.
“To the Vietnamese – as with many Asian cultures – loud slurping of noodles is not rude at all. In fact, it’s a sign you’re enjoying your meal. And I can slurp with the best of ’em.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Bún chả – Nem rán
Hanoi, Vietnam
NOTES
Unfortunately, the exact location of this restaurant is unknown.
DISH – “Squeasel” and Vietnamese Moonshine – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
WHAT IS IT?
They had a “squeasel”, an animal which was fried and boiled. It turns out that the accurate translation of the name of the animal is “porcupine”.
This scene has become one of the most famous in Anthony Bourdain’s career.
“What does this taste like? Uhh… Waiter, there’s something sharp in my soup. Ohh, porcupine!” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
Mai Chau, Vietnam
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
Unfortunately, the name and exact location of the restaurant is unknown.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN HO CHI MINH CITY AND MEKONG RIVER : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
DISH – “Special Vietnamese Dinner” – No Reservations Vietnam
WHAT IS IT?
Anthony Bourdain went to an island in Vietnam called Tuần Châu.
First: Spring roll made of cabbage, bean shoots, pork, shrimp and eggs, wrapped in rice paper then cooked.
Second: Salad made of chicken, onion, and chili.
Third: Stir-fried squid breaded with corn flour and fried then served with sauce.
Fourth: Charcoal-grilled clams.
“This whole island is the government’s idea of a tourist wonderland. Designed to lure westerners like… well, you and me.” -Anthony Bourdain
WHERE IS IT?
“Island of Mr. Sang”
Tuan Chau, Vietnam
NOTES – Anthony Bourdain Vietnam
Unfortunately, the exact location of this restaurant is unknown.
READ MORE: ANTHONY BOURDAIN HO CHI MINH CITY AND MEKONG RIVER : ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON A COOK’S TOUR
No country captured Tony’s heart quite like Vietnam. This 2005 episode laid the groundwork for his entire worldview: that dropping your guard and eating what the locals eat is the fastest way to understand a foreign land. His slurp-heavy, joyous immersion into Hanoi’s street food culture helped demystify Southeast Asian cuisine for millions of Western viewers, replacing decades of war-torn imagery with a vibrant, sensory celebration of daily life. The controversial “squeasel” scene, blending humor with genuine culinary curiosity, remains one of the most iconic moments in television history. His profound respect for the Vietnamese people and their food was palpable in every frame. Trade your dining room for a busy sidewalk, pull up a tiny plastic stool, and experience the magnificent, chaotic flavors of this incredible country.
