Ep 11. Cobra Heart-Food That Makes You Manly

A Cook's Tour season 1 episode 11 is titled "Cobra Heart-Food That Makes You Manly". In this episode, host Anthony Bourdain travels to Vietnam to explore the country's bizarrely unique culinary scene. He visits the city of Hanoi, where he delves into the exotic world of snake delicacies, which is considered to be one of the most famous and distinctive foods in Vietnam. Bourdain meets with a snake farmer, who prepares a cobra for him.

The farmer demonstrates how to properly kill and skin a cobra, and Bourdain observes the entire process. Afterward, the farmer offers Bourdain a shot of cobra blood mixed with rice wine, which is believed to provide an instant energy boost and an aphrodisiacal effect. Bourdain takes the shot and shares his reaction with the viewers.

Bourdain then heads to a snake restaurant, where he samples snake and rice wine soup and snake spring rolls, among other dishes. He also watches as a snake is prepared live at the table and then consumes its still-beating heart. Bourdain describes the heart as having a rubbery texture and a taste that resembles oysters.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain explores the cultural significance of snake meat in Vietnam, beyond its supposed nutritional and medicinal properties. Along the way, he has conversations with locals who share their personal experiences and perspectives about the delicacy.

In addition to snake meat, Bourdain also explores other Vietnamese dishes, such as bun cha (grilled pork noodle soup) and banh mi (baguette sandwiches). He visits local markets, street food vendors, and restaurants, experiencing the cultural diversity of the Vietnamese cuisine.

The episode provides an insight into the Vietnamese culture, as well as the unique gastronomic experience that the country offers. It also raises ethical and animal welfare concerns relevant to the consumption of snake meat.

Overall, "Cobra Heart-Food That Makes You Manly" is a fascinating and thought-provoking episode of A Cook's Tour, which explores the interconnection between food, culture, and tradition.