No Reservations Season 2 Episode 10 India (Kolkata/Bombay)

The season 2 episode 10 of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations takes us on a journey to two of India's most vibrant cities- Kolkata and Bombay. Tony and his crew first arrive in Kolkata, where they are greeted with a smorgasbord of local delicacies and Bengali hospitality.

Tony begins his food explorations by visiting a traditional Bengali sweet shop, where he samples an array of mouth-watering desserts made of chenna, sago, and jaggery. He then visits a bustling fish market, where he learns about the importance of fish in Bengali cuisine and is invited to try a local specialty - hilsa fish curry.

From there, Tony heads to one of Kolkata's ubiquitous tea stalls, where he chats with locals and tries the iconic chai and samosas. He also explores the city's street food scene, trying puchkas (Kolkata's version of golgappas) and Kolkata's famous kathi rolls.

In the second part of the episode, Tony travels to Bombay (now Mumbai), where he continues his culinary expedition. He visits a Parsi restaurant, where he tries the traditional dish Dhansak - a slow-cooked lamb curry made with lentils and served with rice. He also visits a local temple where free meals are served to hundreds of worshippers every day, and learns about the legacy of the dabbawalas - the famous tiffin box delivery system.

Tony also explores Bombay's street food scene, visiting iconic eateries like Bademiya and K Rustoms. He tries kebabs, kulfi, and Bombay's famous vada pav - a street food sandwich made with a spiced potato patty, coriander, and tamarind chutneys, and served with a bread bun.

Throughout the episode, Tony is mesmerized by the vibrancy and complexity of Indian cuisine, as well as the warmth and hospitality of the Indian people. He is also reflective of the inequalities and poverty he witnesses, and the impact of colonialism on Indian culture.

In this episode, Tony's passion for food is matched only by his curiosity and respect for the cultures and people he encounters. Along the way, he shares his insights into the history and politics of the regions he visits, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.