Famous food personality Anthony Bourdain was spotted in Taipei a few months ago, because he was shooting an episode for his show "The Layover", which is about what one can experience and eat within 48 hours in a city in a very concise and focused travel experience. The show introduces some very interesting spots in and around Taipei, such as the Keelung Night Market, beef noodles, Taipei 101, Beitou, Maokong, shaved ice with mango, funeral strippers, James Kitchen in Daan, scooters, Raohe Night Market, a bus turned restaurant in Neihu, shrimp farm, Modern Toilet, tai chi, Dihua Street, bubble tea, Din Tai Fung, National Palace Museum and Longshan Temple. It's probably one of best Taipei Guides out there and definitely worth to spend 42 minutes to watch. Bourdain is my favorite food and travel personality and he definitely knows how to show the best parts of a place he visits - he succeeded once again with Taipei. This is a video you should not miss, if you are a Taipei fan.
The show was aired on January 21st, here is a video in full length:
The show was aired on January 21st, here is a video in full length:
If this video doesn't work, check this one.
If you're interested to get to know more about Taipei, check my guide and use my overview of all the interesting spots in the city for your travel planing.
5 COMMENTS:
Maybe I was too excited about this episode but though I liked it, I was a little disappointed... I don't know, I just feel that the show didn't fully capture the vibrant spirit of Taipei. I mean, on a layover in Taipei, would you really trek it out to Keelung? And it feels like Bourdain didn't really click with the people who accompanied him or they didn't quite get his interests, so the show made that up by showing more clips from locals recommending stuff, than usual. Kind of remind me of his Layover in Amsterdam and one dude took him off on a boat to go on an island, you could tell Bourdain did not really enjoy that. I'm not familiar with Taipei, but I've been following your blog and other Taipei blogs for a while now, and it feels like the Taipei show could have been a lot more interesting.
wow. bourdain is getting old...
Ain't he the Humphrey Bogard of the food critics? Love Anthony Bourdain of his grumpiness, and a very lovely heart, which is hidden underneath. ;) Thank you for the share!!!
@Anonymous at 2:22AM: I found it was fine all together, despite agreeing with you, that he didn't click with them well. It's probably hard to meet everybody's expectation, when making such show, but I think those who don't really know Bourdain and his previous shows will still like this episode.
@Jeremy: I'm glad you liked it :)
Agreed with Anonymous at 2:22am. I liked the episode as a whole but there could have been a few more locations off the beaten track at the expense of tourist friendly spots such as 101, Yongkang Street and the National Palace Museum. I realize it's not 'No Reservations' and there probably needs to be a balance but a number of segments looked like they were sponsored by the Taiwanese bureau of tourism. Although Bourdain's witty commentaries were awesome as always. Especially the one about taking the first date out for sea urchin. Ha!
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