Ep 3. Cobra Heart-Food That Makes You Manly

In A Cook's Tour season 1 episode 3, titled Cobra Heart-Food That Makes You Manly, host Anthony Bourdain travels to Vietnam in search of exotic and unusual dishes. He begins his journey in Ho Chi Minh City, where he visits a street market and tries a variety of local foods, from pho to skewered pork.

Bourdain is on a mission to find the ultimate manly dish, and he believes that he might have found it in Vietnam. He has heard that the locals eat cobra heart as a way to boost strength and virility, and he is eager to try it for himself.

The episode follows Bourdain as he travels to a remote village where he can try the cobra heart. He watches as a cobra is caught and killed, and then the heart is removed and placed in a glass with rice wine. Bourdain is hesitant at first, but he eventually works up the courage to try the concoction.

As he drinks the rice wine, Bourdain notices a strange sensation in his throat. He describes it as a feeling of the heart still beating, which he finds both unsettling and exhilarating. He notes that the cobra heart is believed to be an aphrodisiac and wonders if there is any scientific basis to this claim.

After his cobra heart experience, Bourdain continues his journey through Vietnam, trying a variety of other local delicacies along the way. He learns about the Vietnamese approach to cooking, which emphasizes using fresh ingredients and balancing multiple tastes and textures in each dish.

The episode also touches on the history of Vietnam and its complex relationship with the United States. Bourdain visits a war museum and reflects on the impact of the Vietnam War on both countries.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain provides his trademark wit and commentary. He is not afraid to mock himself or the situations he finds himself in, and he always approaches each experience with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

By the end of the episode, Bourdain has experienced a wide range of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. While the cobra heart may not have turned him into a super macho man, he concludes that the experience was a valuable one that taught him a great deal about Vietnamese traditions and beliefs.

Overall, Cobra Heart-Food That Makes You Manly is a fascinating and entertaining episode that offers a glimpse into a different way of life and a unique approach to food. Bourdain's infectious enthusiasm and irreverent humor make it a must-watch for fans of his work.