Recommended eats during a layover in New York: Celebrity host Bourdain picks Taiwanese gua bao

Text by MOOK Travel Life Network, Li Xinyi, compiled and reported　

The well-known TV host Anthony Bourdain, who previously visited Taiwan discreetly, was spotted by the media enjoying seafood at Keelung Miaokou. It turned out he was filming his brand-new series “Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” The show introduces a whole new way to travel, making layovers more than just killing time in transit hotels. Instead, travelers can make the most of their 24 to 48 hours in transit by indulging in local cuisine and exploring foreign cultures. As a true New Yorker himself, in the New York layover episode, he actually highly recommended the Taiwanese gua bao—peanut powder paired with tender braised pork belly left him calling it heavenly.

During a layover in New York, Bourdain said that since the public transport system at the airport is absolutely terrible, when heading from the airport to Manhattan, it’s better to take a taxi. The fixed fare is reasonable, and getting to downtown New York from the airport costs less than NT$1,700—a great way to avoid the nightmare of getting lost. Want a convenient snack? Skip the classic American hot dog; he suggests trying the Taiwanese gua bao, which is also the trendiest new food choice on the streets of New York these days. Bourdain also warns not to make direct eye contact with New Yorkers while walking—locking eyes might provoke someone and get you into trouble.

In addition, when traveling in Singapore, Bourdain believes you shouldn’t automatically order a Singapore Sling just because you’re in Singapore, as locals don’t even like it. Singaporean food is generally quite good, so there’s no need to worry about having a bad meal. If you want to enjoy the views of Singapore, and you have a fear of heights, Bourdain says there’s no need to queue up for observation decks—just head to the “Revolution Bar,” where you can have a drink and enjoy some of the best views of Singapore. In Hong Kong, Bourdain takes you to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred eatery—the “Tim Ho Wan” dim sum restaurant. Here, you must try the char siu buns and crystal shrimp dumplings. Even though you’re in a food paradise, he secretly reveals that the Chinese-Western fusion Hong Kong-style breakfasts highly recommended by locals are actually not to his taste—whether it’s tomato soup with borscht-style macaroni or canned meat with two fried eggs, this combo reminds him of his college late-night snacks.

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