If you’re a fan of the late Anthony Bourdain, then you’ve surely watched a ton of his shows like “A Cook’s Tour,” “No Reservations,” and “Parts Unknown.” In those episodes, we’ve seen a ton of restaurants, and sometimes fast food from all over the world. Today, we’re rounding up some of the fast food places that he tried and a few of his favorites so you can dine while traveling on a budget in Bourdain style.
10. Albaik Fried Chicken (Saudi Arabia)
Al Baik Fried Chicken is Saudi Arabia’s version of KFC, which is not surprising since Bourdain himself liked it. In an episode of “No Reservations,” he visited one of Al Baik Fried Chicken’s chain, Bourdain mentioned that he’s loving the chicken in garlic sauce as he bites into it. This local fast food chain serves broasted and fried chicken with various sauces. The chain’s chicken also has 18 secret herbs and spices that were first developed in 1984.
9. Uncle Kentaki (Tripoli, Libya)
Does the name ring a bell? Well, Uncle Kentaki is a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) copycat. The strange establishment has the same colors and a bit of “vibe” from the original KFC. Of course, Bourdain opted to get their fried chicken, which he said was “surprisingly delicious.” In fact, Bourdain also found similar copycats of fast food chains around the area, like a McDonald’s and a Burger King copycat.
8. Wilsenky’s Light Lunch (Montreal, Canada)
In an episode of “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain headed to Montreal, Canada, to try their best delicacies. He headed to Wiksenky’s Light Lunch, which had sandwiches as their specialties since 1932. The Wilseky Special features a pressed beef bologna with salami. They’re paired with a chocolatey egg cream. If you decide to dine here, remember that they have rules: the sandwich is always served with mustard and mustn’t be sliced in two.
7. Jollibee (Philippines)
In another episode of “No Reservations,” Bourdain visited the Philippines, and his first stop was a popular local fast food called Jollibee. He ordered the Jolly Spaghetti and Chicken Joy with rice. For dessert, he had halo-halo, a Filipino dessert made with icy milk and a concoction of fruits, jelly, and mung beans. You don’t need to be in the Philippines to dine at Jollibee, as the chain also has locations in the USA.
6. Lhasa Fast Food (New York, USA)
In an episode of “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain headed to Queens, New York. He found Lhasa Fast Food, a Tibetan specialty place tucked away in a shopping center. He got the Thentuk, a hand-torn noodle soup with chilies and ginger. He also got the Shapta, a chili-fried beef with chili, oil, soy, and Szechuan peppercorns. There are also dumplings called Sha Momo, which are packed with beef.
5. University Café (Glasgow, Scotland)
Big fan of fried-everything food? Drop by University Cefé if you’re in Glasgow. It’s a place that Bourdain visited more than once. He said they’re one of the best places for deep-fried food, and they do it better there than elsewhere in the UK. During his first visit, he tried Haddock & Chips and some of their deep-fried specials like pizza, pickled eggs, and even a Mars bar.
4. King Tacos (Okinawa, Japan)
In an episode of “Parts Unknown,” Bourdain visited Okinawa, Japan, and headed to the Okinawa fast food chain King Tacos with some locals he met. Through American influence, the Taco Rice Bourdain ordered is their specialty. Matsuzo Gibo invented the Taco Rice for his customers of young American soldiers. The meal is filled with taco beef, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes on a pile of rice and taco sauce.
3. Taquería Los Cocuyos (Mexico City, Mexico)
In an episode of “No Reservations,” Bourdain headed to Mexico, where he went to the popular Taquería Los Cocuyos in Mexico City. He got the Taco de Lengua and Taco de Tripa, which are sprinkled with onion, lettuce, cilantro, and a salsa topper. Bourdain liked them so much that the place became their constant crew meal even when the cameras weren’t rolling.
2. Popeyes (USA)
Bourdain is like the rest of us wanting to enjoy a good old Popeyes chicken. In 2018, he shared with People Magazine that “Popeyes is exotica.” Bourdain even frequented a buffet-style Popeyes while filming for his show in Louisiana, which happens to be the chain’s birthplace. During his Popeyes escapades, he would wear a hoodie and order spicy fried chicken with sides of biscuits and gravy and mac and cheese. His choice of drink is a large Dr Pepper.
1. In-N-Out (USA)
We all know that Bourdain loves In-N-Out so much. In fact, he said that the chain is the only fast food he likes and is “reasonably good for the world.” He highlighted the two beef patties in a Double Double burger since they’re thin and give off a “maximum exposure” of meat in your tastebuds. He also praised the “decent bun,” “non-limp and fresh lettuce,” and the “cheese-like substance” of the burger.