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7 ways to celebrate Anthony Bourdain Day (in the style of the famous chef himself)

Today, June 25, 2025, would have been Anthony Bourdain’s 69th birthday. Instead, we commemorate that today marks seven years since the famous chef and world traveler passed away. How do we pay (extra) tribute today to the man who gave us so much? On International Anthony Bourdain Day, we celebrate his legacy with food, drinks, travel (even if only in our minds) and a healthy dose of guts. Here are 7 ways to do it in a Bourdain-worthy way.

Foto van culinair journalist Sharon van Lokhorst

door Sharon van Lokhorst

Anthony Bourdain Day isn’t about sadness, but about curiosity. About guts. About truly tasting. So raise your glass, serve yourself, look beyond your plate and let yourself be guided by the finest motto he left us: “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can.”

1. Drink a Negroni (or two)

Bitter, complex and bold – if Tony were a drink, he would be a Negroni. It makes sense that it was his favorite drink, and therefore the perfect way to kick off International Anthony Bourdain Day. Negroni is rightly a classic with style, and here’s how to make one.

2. Read Kitchen Confidential (and more)

Haven’t read it yet? Do it now. Kitchen Confidential is the raw, hilarious, unfiltered story that made Bourdain world-famous. No saccharine chef glamour, but the hard reality of working in a restaurant kitchen. Or try his book World Travel; the travel guide that takes you to the most bizarre restaurants in the world.

3. Binge-watch his best episodes

From No Reservations to Parts Unknown – Tony knew better than anyone how to bring culture, politics and food together. Definitely watch:

Beirut (Parts Unknown S5E8): the episode that earned him his first Emmy.
El Bulli (No Reservations S7E2): behind the scenes at the legendary restaurant.

And try to watch Roadrunner: A Film about Anthony Bourdain, one of the highest-rated documentaries on Netflix. It isn’t available everywhere, because the streaming service has kicked it off in the Netherlands, just like many other Bourdain documentaries (WHY?!)

4. Try something weird (or simply something new)

Tony ate swallow’s nests, cobra hearts and many more unbelievable things. But it wasn’t about shocking people. It was about being open to flavors, people and stories. So order something from the menu that you don’t know. Go to that Afghan place on the corner. Let yourself be surprised. Or head into the kitchen yourself with this recipe for stuffed camel.

5. Treat yourself to a bucket-list meal

Tony loved street food, but also fine dining. You don’t need an excuse to go all out for once. Think of restaurants such as Noma or Maido, or simply that one address in the Netherlands you’ve been dreaming about for months (tip: two-Michelin-starred restaurant Spectrum in Amsterdam). Make a reservation, dress up and enjoy.

6. Find the best street food in your city

Can’t afford Noma? I get it, and that’s no problem. Bourdain knew that good food doesn’t have to be expensive. Do your research, ask around, seek out food trucks, market stalls and culinary festivals. The Crispy Honey Butter Chicken burger from KID at Bite? I’m still dreaming about it! That Vietnamese place on the corner? It might be the best thing you eat this month. One more tip: at the new Satay Club, you can eat the tastiest satay in Amsterdam.

7. Cook a Bourdain favorite

His cookbooks, including Les Halles Cookbook and Appetites, are packed with wonderful dishes. We love Anthony Bourdain’s legendary French fries. And what about Anthony Bourdain’s shells with chorizo?