By MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
The well-known American travel and food show host Anthony Bourdain shockingly died by suicide on June 8. (Photo / anthonybourdain Instagram)
At the time, Bourdain secretly visited Taiwan to film the TLC travel lifestyle show "No Reservations." The episode aired starting November 2, 2013, showcasing how to make the most out of layovers in 10 global cities including Taipei, Paris, and Toronto. Speaking about Taipei, Bourdain said, "Taipei isn't beautiful, but it hides a lot of wonderful things. It’s a city with depth, and I’d be happy to visit again anytime!" — words that have now become a bittersweet memory.
Bourdain once enjoyed a seafood feast in Keelung. (Photo / Anthony Bourdain's Facebook)
During his 48-hour layover in Taipei, Bourdain not only took a train to Keelung to try clams, but he was also highly impressed by the smooth and creamy texture of fresh sea urchin, hailing it as a must-have date dish: "Order sea urchin for dinner, and if she digs in, you’re in for a great night."
Bourdain was amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), which could be replicated across different branches without losing quality, praising it as a display of science. (Image provided / TLC Travel & Living Channel)
Additionally, in Taipei, one must not miss the classic xiaolongbao. Bourdain was astonished that the delicate craftsmanship of the dumplings could be consistently reproduced across various locations, calling it nothing short of science. A self-proclaimed pork lover, Bourdain also visited the National Palace Museum and, upon seeing the intricately carved Meat-Shaped Stone, enthusiastically remarked, "This is the best tribute to pork — that’s my dream pork!" He even took a Meat-Shaped Stone souvenir home as a gift for his wife.
During a past visit to Taiwan, Bourdain went shrimp fishing in Waishuangxi with his friend Angela. (Image provided / TLC Travel & Living Channel)
Bourdain’s love for night markets was so strong that he was willing to skip his five-star hotel stay. He said, "I think we should have stayed at a nearby hotel and eaten there for three days to do this night market justice!" To truly understand Taipei, you can’t just follow a travel guide. Bourdain tried shrimp fishing in Waishuangxi, a local favorite, for the first time. Upon hearing that the shrimp were raised in sulfur hot spring water, he wrinkled his brow and asked, "So does that mean the shrimp taste like farts?"
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