Ep 5. Houston

In the fifth episode of season eight of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, the culinary adventurer makes his way to the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. Bourdain explores the diverse cultures and cuisines that make up Houston's culinary scene, from classic Southern comfort food to innovative fusion dishes.

The episode starts with Bourdain's observations about the city, its size, and its unique cultural diversity. Bourdain then meets up with fellow Houston chef, Chris Shepherd, at one of his restaurants, UB Preserv. Shepherd and Bourdain chat about the history of Houston's food scene and how it has evolved over time.

Bourdain visits several different neighborhoods in Houston, each with a distinct cultural identity. In the Third Ward, he discovers the rich African American food traditions at the legendary breakfast spot, Breakfast Klub. He also visits the famous Frenchy's Chicken, a beloved Houston institution for their crispy fried chicken, and stops by Spanish Village, where they serve up classic Tex-Mex dishes.

In the East End neighborhood, Bourdain explores the Vietnamese community and their culinary contributions. He visits a Vietnamese bakery, learns how to make banh mi, and indulges in delicious pho. Bourdain also samples some of the city's best Tex-Mex, including handmade tortillas and tamales at the legendary Ninfa's.

One of the highlights of the episode is Bourdain's visit to Houston's refugee communities, where he sees how food has helped immigrants maintain their cultural identity in a new country. He stops by Fufu Cafe, a popular West African restaurant, where he tries traditional dishes such as pounded yams and jollof rice. Bourdain also visits a mosque where he shares a meal with Muslim refugees from Syria.

Bourdain also explores the city's barbecue scene, visiting a popular BBQ joint in Houston's historic Fifth Ward, Burns Original BBQ. He talks to the owner, Roy Burns, about his family's long-standing tradition of using oak wood to smoke meats. Bourdain also visits the iconic, Gatlin's BBQ, a family-owned and operated establishment known for their melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and learns about the history of barbecue in Texas.

As the episode comes to a close, Bourdain reflects on Houston's unique and diverse culinary scene. He marvels at how the city has managed to embrace so many cultures, creating an atmosphere that celebrates inclusiveness, creativity, and culinary experimentation. Overall, the episode is a fascinating look at the city of Houston and its long-standing relationship with food.