Anthony Bourdain’s 10 Favorite Foods Made Vegan

The world was stunned by the passing of culinary icon and Parts Unknown host Anthony Bourdain in 2018. Bourdain was a world-traveler and intrepid culinary explorer. He was also a human rights champion. He redefined what it meant to be an international citizen, and through cuisine, showed us how our differences can be exciting, and how our desire for joy, friends, and good food is something all of us have in common.

Before he passed, Bourdain made a mark on the world through the places he visited, the people he met, and the foods he loved. Bourdain may not have been vegan, but he had the right idea when it came to plant-based meats. We decided to honor his memory by sharing the foods he enjoyed most famously in a way everyone can enjoy them. Bon Appetite!

1. Carving Board Seitan ‘Pastrami’ 

Bourdain adored Pastrami. One of his favorites from his home The the US of A. Joni Marie Newman‘s Carving Board Seitan ‘Pastrami’ brings tasters to the New York City flavor of which Bourdain was so fond.

2. Sweet and Spicy ‘Pork’ 

In his travels, Bourdain went to Ibu Oka in Ubud, and gushed about the sweetness of their swine. Natasha Condie imagines the Sweet and Spicy Pork of Bourdain’s travels in the same enticing candied style.

3. Homemade Vegan Sausage 

One fact that sums up Bourdain’s appetite… He joked that he considered sausage a ‘light lunch’. This Homemade Vegan Sausage by Elinor Kugler would have been wolfed down just as easily.

4. Thai Chickpea Stew

Asian food held a dear place in Bourdain’s stomach. This Thai Chickpea Stew by Lisa Andersson and Erik Huss pays homage to the stew he adored from Vietnam’s Legendary Lunch Lady.

5. Dim Sum Soy Sauce Chow Mein Noodles

During his many trips to China, Bourdain fell in love with Dim Sum. These Dim Sum Soy Sauce Chow Mein Noodles by Molly Patrick are a Dim Sum classic we’re confident Bourdain would have twirled around his chopsticks.

6. Jackfruit Fried Chicken

Something that made Bourdain unique was how unpretentious he was. To him, a good fast-food meal could rival a four-star restaurant if it tasted good enough, and boy did he have some nice things to say about Popeye’s Chicken. This Jackfruit Fried Chicken by Annabelle Randles pays homage to Bourdain’s love of soul food.

7. Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi

If given 24 hours to live, Bourdain said he would go to Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. This Roasted Sweet Potato Sushi by Bianca the Green Creator may not be as traditional as Jiro’s, but it’s still delicious none the less.

8. Shake Shack Copycat! Cashew Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger

It’s true, Bourdain had a soft-spot for Shake Shack. Rebekah Waters‘s Shake Shack Copycat! Cashew Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Burger will make anyone see why!

9. Easy Khao Soi Thai Noodle Soup

Reminiscent of the famous meal he shared with Barack Obama, this Easy Khao Soi Thai Noodle Soup by Debbie Dine will show everyone why Bourdain chose this dish for such a momentous meal.

10. Rigatoni Pie With Spicy Pomodoro Sauce 

When TMZ asked Bourdain about his top three favorite meals of all time, he said “Spaghetti Pomodoro in a cracked bowl anywhere.” Ashley Hankins rounds out our list with her take on the Rigatoni Pie With Spicy Pomodoro Sauce.

The food world may never again see a giant quite as tall as Bourdain, but we can honor him in the way he would like, by eating the best food and savoring every good thing life has to offer.

You can find more vegan burger varieties by downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead Image Source: Shutterstock