"Parts Unknown" in Taiwan: Anthony Bourdain says Taipei isn't pretty, but hides beauty!

Bourdain stayed true to his candid style, sharing his unfiltered views on Taipei in the new season of "Parts Unknown." During his 48-hour layover in Taipei, he took a train to Keelung to try clams, and raved about the smooth, velvety texture of fresh sea urchin, calling it a must-have date dish: "Order sea urchins for dinner, and if she loves them, you’re in for a great night." Also a must-try in Taipei: classic xiaolongbao. Bourdain marveled at how their intricate preparation could be replicated across branches without losing taste, calling it nothing short of science. And never one to hide his love for pork, when visiting the National Palace Museum and seeing the intricately carved Meat-Shaped Stone, he enthusiastically declared: "This is the best tribute to pork — that’s my dream pork!" He even brought a souvenir replica home for his wife.

 

Apart from Keelung clams, xiaolongbao, and the National Palace Museum, night markets are also a Taipei highlight. Bourdain loved them so much, he skipped his five-star hotel, saying: "I think we should’ve stayed in a nearby hotel and eaten there for three days to do this night market justice!" To truly understand Taipei, don’t just follow guidebooks. Bourdain tried his first-ever shrimp fishing at Wai Shuangxi, a popular local activity. Upon hearing the shrimp are raised in sulfur hot spring water, he wrinkled his nose and asked: "So does the shrimp taste like farts?"