Anthony Bourdain Quotes About Life, Travel, and Food

These Anthony Bourdain quotes will inspire you to travel and enjoy life more. Here's 50 of the best quotes by Anthony Bourdain about life, travel, and food.

A collection of Anthony Bourdain Quotes

Anthony Bourdain Quotes

Chef, author, and traveler Anthony Bourdain may no longer be with us, but he left behind some truly insightful and inspiring quotes.

This collection contains Anthony Bourdain quotes about working in a restaurant, travel, life, and food. We hope you enjoy reading these quotes as much as we did listing them all here in one place!

Basic cooking skills are a virtue… the ability to feed yourself and a few others with proficiency should be taught to every young man and woman as a fundamental skill

Food and Travel Quotes

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Food is everything we are. It’s an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It’s inseparable from those from the get-go.” – Anthony Bourdain


I’m a big believer in winging it. I’m a big believer that you’re never going to find perfect city travel experience or the perfect meal without a constant willingness to experience a bad one. Letting the happy accident happen is what a lot of vacation itineraries miss, I think, and I’m always trying to push people to allow those things to happen rather than stick to some rigid itinerary.


“You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” – Anthony Bourdain Quote


“To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.”

– Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain Quotes: “To me, life without veal stock, pork fat, sausage, organ meat, demi-glace, or even stinky cheese is a life not worth living.”


“Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.” Quote by Anthony Bourdain

Related: Road trip food ideas


“Your body is not a temple. It’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Your body is not a temple. It’s an amusement park. Enjoy the ride.” – Quotes by Anthony Bourdain


“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”

– Anthony Bourdain

Anthony Bourdain Quotes: “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.”


“Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it’s a start.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it’s a start.” – Anthony Bourdain BBQ Quote


“In America, the professional kitchen is the last refuge of the misfit. It’s a place for people with bad pasts to find a new family.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“In America, the professional kitchen is the last refuge of the misfit. It’s a place for people with bad pasts to find a new family.” – Anthony Bourdain on Kitchen Staff


“I travel around the world, eat a lot of s—, and basically do whatever the f— I want.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“I travel around the world, eat a lot of s—, and basically do whatever the f— I want.” – Anthony Bourdain Travel Quote


“I’d put aside my psychotic rage, after many years being awful to line cooks, abusive to waiters, bullying to dishwashers. It’s terrible — and counter-productive — to make people feel like idiots for working hard for you.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“I’d put aside my psychotic rage, after many years being awful to line cooks, abusive to waiters, bullying to dishwashers. It’s terrible — and counter-productive — to make people feel like idiots for working hard for you.” – Anthony Bourdain


Anthony Bourdain Travel Quotes

We begin this second section of quotes and phrases with a truly beautiful one about travel and adventure.

“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.”

– Anthony Bourdain

Travel quote by Anthony Bourdain: “Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.”


“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.”

– Anthony Bourdain

Quote about travel: “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain


“To be treated well in places where you don’t expect to be treated well, to find things in common with people you thought previously you had very, very little in common with, that can’t be a bad thing.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“To be treated well in places where you don’t expect to be treated well, to find things in common with people you thought previously you had very, very little in common with, that can’t be a bad thing.” – Anthony Bourdain


Anyone who’s a chef, who loves food, ultimately knows that all that matters is: ‘Is it good? Does it give pleasure?

–Anthony Bourdain

Food lover quote: Anyone who’s a chef, who loves food, ultimately knows that all that matters is: ‘Is it good? Does it give pleasure? –Anthony Bourdain


“I don’t have to agree with you to like you or respect you.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“I don’t have to agree with you to like you or respect you.” – Anthony Bourdain quote


“The way you make an omelet reveals your character.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“The way you make an omelet reveals your character.” – Funny quote by Anthony Bourdain


“No one understands and appreciates the American Dream of hard work leading to material rewards better than a non-American.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“No one understands and appreciates the American Dream of hard work leading to material rewards better than a non-American.” – Anthony Bourdain


“What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?”

– Anthony Bourdain

“What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?” – Anthony Bourdain


“It’s very rarely a good career move to have a conscience.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“It’s very rarely a good career move to have a conscience.” – Anthony Bourdain quotation


“Context and memory play powerful roles in all the truly great meals in one’s life.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Context and memory play powerful roles in all the truly great meals in one’s life.” – Anthony Bourdain


Anthony Bourdain Quotes About Life

As with any good quote or saying, this next section can be applied to different areas of your life. A really good quote gives insight into life and human nature itself.

“Luck is not a business model.”

– Anthony Bourdain

 Quotes by Anthony Bourdain: “Luck is not a business model.”


“Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom…is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Maybe that’s enlightenment enough: to know that there is no final resting place of the mind; no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom…is realizing how small I am, and unwise, and how far I have yet to go.” – Anthony Bourdain


“When dealing with complex transportation issues, the best thing to do is pull up with a cold beer and let somebody else figure it out.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“When dealing with complex transportation issues, the best thing to do is pull up with a cold beer and let somebody else figure it out.” – Funny Anthony Bourdain quote


“Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Without experimentation, a willingness to ask questions and try new things, we shall surely become static, repetitive, and moribund.” – Anthony Bourdain


“I am not afraid to look like an idiot.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“I am not afraid to look like an idiot.” – Anthony Bourdain quotes


“I, personally, think there is a real danger of taking food too seriously. Food should be part of the bigger picture.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“I, personally, think there is a real danger of taking food too seriously. Food should be part of the bigger picture.” – Anthony Bourdain quote about food


“Without new ideas success can become stale.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Without new ideas success can become stale.” – Anthony Bourdain


“Don’t lie about it. You made a mistake. Admit it and move on. Just don’t do it again. Ever.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Don’t lie about it. You made a mistake. Admit it and move on. Just don’t do it again. Ever.” – Anthony Bourdain


“I always entertain the notion that I’m wrong, or that I’ll have to revise my opinion. Most of the time that feels good; sometimes it really hurts and is embarrassing.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“I always entertain the notion that I’m wrong, or that I’ll have to revise my opinion. Most of the time that feels good; sometimes it really hurts and is embarrassing.” – Anthony Bourdain


“The journey is part of the experience – an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.”

– Anthony Bourdain

Journey Quotes: “The journey is part of the experience – an expression of the seriousness of one’s intent. One doesn’t take the A train to Mecca.” – Anthony Bourdain

Food and Drink Quotes

“People are generally proud of their food. A willingness to eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice… they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“People are generally proud of their food. A willingness to eat and drink with people without fear and prejudice… they open up to you in ways that somebody visiting who is driven by a story may not get.” – Anthony Bourdain on food and drink


“There is no Final Resting Place of the Mind.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“There is no Final Resting Place of the Mind.” – Anthony Bourdain


“Sometimes the greatest meals on vacations are the ones you find when Plan A falls through.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Sometimes the greatest meals on vacations are the ones you find when Plan A falls through.” – Anthony Bourdain vacation quote


“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” – Anthony Bourdain


“An ounce of sauce covers a multitude of sins.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“An ounce of sauce covers a multitude of sins.” – Anthony Bourdain


“Our movements through time and space seem somehow trivial compared to a heap of boiled meat in broth, the smell of saffron, garlic, fishbones and Pernod.”

– Anthony Bourdain

“Our movements through time and space seem somehow trivial compared to a heap of boiled meat in broth, the smell of saffron, garlic, fishbones and Pernod.” – Anthony Bourdain


“It’s been an adventure. We took some casualties over the years. Things got broken. Things got lost. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

– Anthony Bourdain

 “It’s been an adventure. We took some casualties over the years. Things got broken. Things got lost. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” – Anthony Bourdain quote


“Practicing your craft in expert fashion is noble, honorable and satisfying. And I’ll generally take a standup mercenary who takes pride in his professionalism over an artist any day.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“Practicing your craft in expert fashion is noble, honorable and satisfying. And I’ll generally take a standup mercenary who takes pride in his professionalism over an artist any day.”― Anthony Bourdain on being professional


“For me, the cooking life has been a long love affair, with moments both sublime and ridiculous. But like a love affair, looking back you remember the happy times best.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“For me, the cooking life has been a long love affair, with moments both sublime and ridiculous. But like a love affair, looking back you remember the happy times best.”― Anthony Bourdain cooking quote


“I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“I know what I want. I want it all. I want to try everything once.”― Anthony Bourdain quote


Quotes About Food, Travel, and Life

“Food had power. It could inspire, astonish, shock, excite, delight and impress. It had the power to please me . . . and others.”

― Anthony Bourdain

Quotes about food: “Food had power. It could inspire, astonish, shock, excite, delight and impress. It had the power to please me . . . and others.”― Anthony Bourdain


“Good food and good eating are about risk. Every once in a while an oyster, for instance, will make you sick to your stomach. Does this mean you should stop eating oysters? No way.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“Good food and good eating are about risk. Every once in a while an oyster, for instance, will make you sick to your stomach. Does this mean you should stop eating oysters? No way.”― Anthony Bourdain


“Whatever had the most shock value became my meal of choice.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“Whatever had the most shock value became my meal of choice.”― Anthony Bourdain


“Looking at these photographs, I know that I will never understand the world I live in or fully know the places I’ve been. I’ve learned for sure only what I don’t know – and how much I have to learn.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“Looking at these photographs, I know that I will never understand the world I live in or fully know the places I’ve been. I’ve learned for sure only what I don’t know – and how much I have to learn.”― Anthony Bourdain


“I think people lose sight of the fact that chefs should be ultimately in the pleasure business, not in the look-at-me business.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“I think people lose sight of the fact that chefs should be ultimately in the pleasure business, not in the look-at-me business.”― Anthony Bourdain


“Food, it appeared, could be important. It could be an event. It had secrets.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“Food, it appeared, could be important. It could be an event. It had secrets.”― Anthony Bourdain quote about food


“Once you embark on a career dictated by the need for immediate cash flow, it never gets any easier to get off the treadmill.”

― Anthony Bourdain

“Once you embark on a career dictated by the need for immediate cash flow, it never gets any easier to get off the treadmill.”― Anthony Bourdain business quote


“I had always believed that if somebody who worked with me went home feeling like a jerk for giving their time and their genuine effort, then it was me who had failed them—and in a very personal, fundamental way.”

“I had always believed that if somebody who worked with me went home feeling like a jerk for giving their time and their genuine effort, then it was me who had failed them—and in a very personal, fundamental way.” Bourdain Quote


“Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.”

― Anthony Bourdain

 “Food may not be the answer to world peace, but it’s a start.”― Anthony Bourdain on world peace


“I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.”

― Anthony Bourdain

Food and culture quote: “I think food, culture, people and landscape are all absolutely inseparable.”― Anthony Bourdain


If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.

FAQ About Great Food Quotes

If you love food, these ideas for captions and quotes might help:

How do you caption food?

‘There's nothing better than comfort food to warm the soul!' ‘Wherever you go, there will always be someone selling something delicious' ‘Eating life' ‘I love food. Food loves me back.'

What is a good food quote?

You don't need a silver fork to eat good food.

What is a quote for travel?

‘Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.' ~ Gustave Flaubert.

What are some quotes for food?

‘People who love to eat are always the best people.' ‘To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.' ‘We all eat, an it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.' ‘If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart.'

More Travel and Adventure Quotes

Looking for more inspirational quotes about adventure and travel? Check out our other collections of quotes: