The Bronx is often the most misunderstood and overlooked borough of New York City, frequently defined by outdated stereotypes rather than its vibrant, living culture. When Bourdain ventured north in 2014 for Parts Unknown (Season 4), he aimed to correct that narrative. The Bronx is a dynamic tapestry of immigrant communities, and its culinary scene is a powerful reflection of that diversity—heavy on Puerto Rican and Jamaican soul food, enduring Jewish deli traditions, and unexpected coastal flavors. His angle was a deep dive into the borough’s ungentrified, authentic heart. He sought out the legendary, working-class institutions that sustain the neighborhoods. He wasn’t looking for trendy fusion; he wanted the visceral joy of perfectly fried cuchifritos, the intensely spiced comfort of Jamaican oxtail stew, and the nostalgic, unpretentious perfection of a classic kosher brisket. It was a journey to celebrate the resilience and rich flavors of a borough that remains fiercely proud of its identity. Let’s map out the essential, uncompromising spots he discovered in The Bronx.
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 The Bronx in New York for his show, Parts Unknown Season 4 Episode 3 (originally aired October 5, 2014):
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DISH – Puerto Rican Cuisine
WHAT IS IT?
Puerto Rican Cuisine is highly influenced by the culinary traditions of Europe, Africa and the Tainos (indigenous to the Caribbean). A typical Puerto Rican meal includes Cuchifrito (fried pig parts, chunked up and deep fried), Chicharron, Morcilla (blood sausage) and Mofongo (fried plantains mashed with salt, garlic, and oil).
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WHERE IS IT?
188 Cuchifritos
158 E 188th St
The Bronx, NY
ANTHONY BOURDAIN THE BRONX NOTES
In Parts Unknown The Bronx, Anthony Bourdain described 188 Cuchifritos as a “gusher of porky goodness”.
DISH – Jamaican Cuisine
WHAT IS IT?
The cuisine of Jamaica incorporates indigenous Jamaican culinary traditions and those of Spanish, British, Irish, Indian, African and Chinese. Pig tail stew is one of the popular examples of Jamaican Cuisine. Wray & Nephew over-proofed rum is by far the most popular alcoholic drink among Jamaicans.
WHERE IS IT?
Barry’s
707 E 235th St
The Bronx, NY
ANTHONY BOURDAIN THE BRONX NOTES
Barry’s serves Jamaican dishes and this is where Anthony Bourdain had a few shots of Wray & Nephew and a bowl of pig tail stew.
DISH – Caribbean Cuisine
WHAT IS IT?
A fusion of Creole, African, Amerindian, Cajun, Latin American, European, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Chinese culinary traditions – that’s what Caribbean Cuisine is. Curried goat, stewed oxtail, rice and peas, collards, and mac and cheese are typically part of a traditional Caribbean meal.
WHERE IS IT?
Lammy’s
987 E 233rd St
The Bronx, NY
ANTHONY BOURDAIN THE BRONX NOTES
Lammy’s is a counter-service eatery where Anthony Bourdain enjoyed curried goat, stewed oxtail and sides of rice and peas, collards, and mac and cheese in a take-out container.
DISH – Steamers
WHAT IS IT?
Steamers refer to steamed seafood, like striper (striped bass) and snow crabs.
WHERE IS IT?
Sea Shore Restaurant
591 City Island Ave
The Bronx, NY
ANTHONY BOURDAIN THE BRONX NOTES
Sea Shore Restaurant offers a taste of Cape Cod in The Bronx.
DISH – Jewish Cuisine – Anthony Bourdain The Bronx
WHAT IS IT?
Kosher or Jewish Cuisine refers to culinary traditions that follow kashrut or Jewish dietary law, like kosher brisket.
WHERE IS IT?
Liebman’s
552 W 235th St
The Bronx, NY
ANTHONY BOURDAIN THE BRONX NOTES
At Liebman’s, Anthony Bourdain had a brisket entrée with potato latke, apple sauce and vegetables.
DISH – Sliders – Parts Unknown The Bronx
WHAT IS IT?
First coined by the White Castle hamburger chain, sliders are greasy burgers that “slide in” easily. They are usually small, making them easy to eat.
WHERE IS IT?
White Casle
550 E Fordham Rd
The Bronx, NY
ANTHONY BOURDAIN THE BRONX NOTES
While at The Bronx, Anthony Bourdain did not pass up on a chance to stop by White Castle and feasted on a case of sliders.
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This 2014 episode stands as a vital celebration of The Bronx’s enduring, diverse cultural fabric. By highlighting places like 188 Cuchifritos and Liebman’s Deli, Bourdain showcased a borough that has fiercely protected its culinary heritage against the tide of gentrification sweeping the rest of the city. It’s memorable for its warmth and respect, proving that some of the most profound, deeply satisfying food in New York is found far from the glittering skyline of Manhattan. He reminded viewers that the true soul of NYC resides in its working-class neighborhoods. If you want a real taste of New York, hop on the D train, head north, and explore the vibrant, unfiltered flavors of The Bronx.
