New Mexico is a land of stark contrasts, where ancient Native American traditions, deep-rooted Hispanic culture, and the mythical allure of the American West collide. In 2013, during the second season of Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain journeyed into the heart of the “Land of Enchantment” to explore a culinary landscape defined by its fierce independence and undeniable heat. This wasn’t a trip about delicate flavors; it was an immersion into a food culture where the green and red chile dictate the rhythm of life. Bourdain’s perspective on New Mexico bypassed the typical tourist traps of Santa Fe, seeking instead the raw, unvarnished soul of the state. He wanted to understand the cowboys, the indigenous communities, and the everyday people who find comfort in the spicy, hearty dishes that have sustained generations. From humble roadside taco trucks along Route 66 to iconic diners serving up legendary heat levels, the episode showcased a cuisine that is unapologetically bold and uniquely American. Here’s a breakdown of the spots that delivered the authentic New Mexican fire Bourdain was looking for.
The great Anthony Bourdain left his mark everywhere he went. When his death was announced to the world in June 2018, media throughout the globe chimed in and listed all the great things he had done for their respective city, town, province, country. Whereas before, tourists would shy away from exotic foods, thanks to him, travellers now go the extra mile to find and try local bites. With this in mind, here are all the restaurants Bourdain visited and the dishes he tasted when he shot Anthony Bourdain New Mexico for his show, Parts Unknown Season 2 Episode 4 (originally aired September 29, 2013):
DISH – Asada Taco, Al Pastor Taco and Lengua Taco – Anthony Bourdain New Mexico
WHAT IS IT?
Asada Taco – flank steak taco; Al Pastor Taco – spit-grilled pork taco; Lengua Taco – braised beef tongue taco.
WHERE IS IT?
El Taco Loco
100 Cagua Dr NE
Albuquerque, NM, United States
READ MORE: TOP 8 MEXICAN RESTAURANTS IN MONTREAL
ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW MEXICO NOTES
El Taco Loco is a taco truck that Anthony Bourdain spotted along Route 66 on his Parts Unknown New Mexico road trip.
READ MORE: HISTORICAL SITES IN MEXICO CITY: 11 PLACES TO VISIT
DISH – Frito Pie – Anthony Bourdain New Mexico
WHAT IS IT?
Canned Hormel chili and Day-Glo processed orange cheese dropped into a bag of Fritos.
WHERE IS IT?
Five & Dime General Store
58 E San Francisco St
Santa Fe, NM, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW MEXICO NOTES
In the words of Anthony Bourdain: “There is, buried deep inside this ordinary looking Five & Dime, something truly authentic” – the Frito Pie.
DISH – Enchilada with Carne Adovada, Pozole and Sopaipilla – Anthony Bourdain New Mexico
WHAT IS IT?
Enchilada with Carne Adovada – cubed pork in red Mexican chili sauce with beans and rice; Pozole – stew made from soft hominy and pork; Sopaipilla – fried bread like a spoonbread or Johnnycake.
WHERE IS IT?
Horseman’s Haven Cafe
4354 Cerrillos Rd
Santa Fe, NM, United States
ANTHONY BOURDAIN NEW MEXICO NOTES
It is said that a special kind of chili is grown exclusively for use at Horseman’s Haven Café. Here, Anthony Bourdain also sampled their Level 3 green chili.
READ MORE: ANDREW ZIMMERN MEXICO CITY: ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS PICKED ON DELICIOUS DESTINATIONS
The New Mexico episode of Parts Unknown is a masterclass in challenging preconceived notions about American regional cuisine. Bourdain demonstrated that genuine culinary heritage isn’t just found in upscale restaurants; it’s thriving in general stores, humble cafes, and food trucks parked on dusty roads. The episode memorably highlighted the Frito Pie—a dish he famously defended against its detractors—proving his belief that comfort food, no matter how low-brow it might seem to outsiders, holds profound cultural value. His appreciation for the uncompromising heat of authentic Southwestern food spoke to his larger ethos: embrace the local flavor, even if it burns a little. If you’re heading to the Southwest, ditch the fancy reservations and seek out the places where the locals go to get their chile fix.
