- Categories:
- Arts & Entertainment
- Tags:
- CelebrityPop Culture
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every June 25
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍜
Bourdain Day, celebrated every June 25, honors the profound legacy of Anthony Bourdain, the iconic chef, author, and travel documentarian. Reflect on his adventurous spirit and commitment to exploring cultures through food. Share your favorite Bourdain quotes, try a new cuisine, or plan an unexpected journey.
Want to sponsor Bourdain Day? Learn how
Expected Bourdain Day Deals
While Bourdain Day isn’t typically associated with widespread commercial deals, many restaurants and culinary institutions honor Anthony Bourdain’s memory with special menus, themed dishes, or charitable contributions. Look for independent eateries, especially those focusing on global cuisine, to offer unique dining experiences. Some establishments may donate a portion of their proceeds to mental health awareness organizations, reflecting Bourdain’s own struggles. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and special events as June 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for Bourdain Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BourdainDay. Share photos of your favorite Bourdain-inspired dishes, travel memories, or culinary adventures.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #BourdainDay. Join discussions about Bourdain’s impact on food, travel, and media, sharing memorable quotes or episodes.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Watch clips from Bourdain’s shows or create your own tributes to his adventurous spirit.
Bourdain Day Hero
Anthony Bourdain
Bourdain Day timeline
Bourdain became executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles. He stayed there for many years — eventually becoming what the restaurant called its "chef at large."
Bourdain published his most famous book — "Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly."
War between Israel and Lebanon broke out while Bourdain was shooting "No Reservations" in Beirut.
Bourdain had left his Travel Channel show "No Reservations" in 2012 after a fight with the network.
This will provide grant money to one or more Culinary Institute of America students per year to study abroad.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Bourdain Day
Local restaurants, especially those specializing in international cuisine, can honor Bourdain Day by creating special menus featuring dishes from his travels or offering ‘Bourdain-inspired’ tasting events. Bookstores can set up displays of his books, encouraging customers to explore his literary works. Travel agencies might promote packages to destinations he famously visited, inviting people to follow in his adventurous footsteps. The day is a chance for businesses to celebrate culinary exploration and cultural understanding.
Bourdain Day FAQs
When is Bourdain Day?
Bourdain Day 2026 falls on Thursday, June 25, marking the birthday of the iconic chef, author, and travel host, Anthony Bourdain.
Who started Bourdain Day?
Bourdain Day was initiated in 2019 by his close friends, chefs Eric Ripert and José Andrés, to honor Anthony Bourdain’s birthday and keep his memory alive. They encouraged fans to celebrate his spirit by trying new foods and traveling.
What was Anthony Bourdain's most famous book?
Anthony Bourdain’s most famous book is undoubtedly ‘Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly,’ published in 2000. This raw and honest memoir offered an unprecedented look into the restaurant world.
What was Anthony Bourdain known for?
Anthony Bourdain was known for his candid storytelling, adventurous spirit, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life through food and travel. He demystified global cultures for millions.
How to Observe Bourdain Day
Travel
Perhaps it's best to spend discretionary income on experiences rather than objects. Amazing things can happen when you're in faraway places. Start packing, if you can.
Catch up on "Parts Unknown"
Bourdain's most recent TV series took him all over the world including Berlin, Vietnam, and Antarctica. He's one of the most compelling personalities you'll ever see on television. If you really can't travel, this is the next best thing.
Consider living in a foreign country
An estimated 9 million Americans live abroad. Those include retirees as well as a growing number of so-called "digital nomads" who, thanks to increasingly reliable WiFi in many countries, can work from anywhere. Living overseas, even temporarily, can alter your outlook on everything.
5 "Parts Unknown" Episodes You Need To Watch Immediately
"Rome" (2016)
Bourdain met his future girlfriend Asia Argento during this episode. At one point, they wind up at a boxing match and dine on spaghetti during the fight.
"Kenya" (2018)
TV host W. Kamau Bell joined Bourdain for this one. This was the first episode to air following Bourdain's death. Said Bell during the episode: "The idea that I’m sitting here with you doing this now, knowing where my life and career have come, it’s pretty cool."
"Peru" (2013)
Bourdain and close friend Eric Ripert playfully explore the country — eventually winding up in the Andes where they visit farmers who harvest the cocoa used in the duo’s gourmet chocolate bars. The experience seemed to leave Bourdain somewhat disillusioned about the chocolate business.
"Iran" (2014)
Bourdain met with married journalists Jason Rezaian and Yeganeh Salehi. Both were imprisoned following the episode. While captors released Salehi after a few months, Rezaian, who wrote for the "Washington Post," remained jailed until 2016.
"Hanoi" (2016)
Undoubtedly one of the show's all-time highlights, this episode featured President Obama just six weeks before the 2016 election. They shared a tiny table while eating the pork and noodle dish "bun cha."
Why Bourdain Day is Important
Inspiration
Bourdain gave us the blueprint for a more courageous life. He wanted everyone, especially Americans, to see the world and experience other cultures firsthand. Google Maps only takes you so far.
Struggle
All the success and fame in the world couldn't save Bourdain in the end. It's well known that he battled substance abuse early in his career. He also suffered from depression. Bourdain's death came just three days after New York City designer Kate Spade took her life as well. Mental health issues deserve our full attention.
Hope
Bourdain started out as a restaurant line cook who could barely make the rent. He wound up a celebrity chef, author and television host with mass appeal and a worldwide following. Through it all he achieved a measure happiness — though it unfortunately wouldn't last.
Social Media Tips for Bourdain Day
Individuals
Creators
Brands