If you enjoy reading books by Anthony Bourdain then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Anthony Bourdain's fearless honesty, Hunter S. Thompson's writing could be a great match. Thompson is known for his raw humor and unapologetic style, especially in his classic book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Like Bourdain, he's not afraid to break rules and push boundaries as he explores wild adventures and unconventional people.
Bill Buford has a way of putting you right in the middle of the action, similar to how Anthony Bourdain does. His storytelling is personal, insightful, and often funny.
In his book Heat, Buford shares the experience of leaving behind his life to dive headfirst into cooking at a high-level restaurant in Italy. If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes perspective and passion for food Bourdain often shared, Buford offers another fascinating journey.
Fans of Anthony Bourdain's honest voice and clear-eyed judgment may find Gabrielle Hamilton's writing very enjoyable. Hamilton's memoir, Blood, Bones & Butter, is straightforward and sharp.
It's a candid look at her journey through tough kitchens and the ups-and-downs of running her restaurant. Like Bourdain, she writes with an authentic personal perspective on food, family, and the reality behind the restaurant business.
If Anthony Bourdain's thoughtful commentary on food and restaurants resonates with you, Ruth Reichl's work is worth exploring. Reichl has a warmth and wit to her writing, blending vivid restaurant scenes and thoughtful reflections.
In her memoir Kitchen Confidential—no relation to Bourdain's famous book of the same title—she describes her experiences as an undercover food critic in lively detail, offering revealing insights into food culture.
M.F.K. Fisher writes with eloquence and deep appreciation for food as both nourishment and emotional connection. Her style is lyrical yet approachable, often weaving personal memories with reflections on eating and hospitality.
In The Art of Eating, Fisher presents food not just as sustenance but as a fundamental way of experiencing life.
If you're drawn to Anthony Bourdain's more thoughtful moments about the meaning of food in our lives, Fisher's writing provides a thoughtful, quieter reflection on similar themes.
Calvin Trillin writes with humor, warmth, and an inviting curiosity about food, travel, and culture. His essays capture the joy of exploring cities through their local dishes and the lively personalities he meets along the way.
In American Fried, Trillin takes readers on a tasty road trip across America, celebrating diners, street carts, and local eateries with light-hearted charm. Fans of Anthony Bourdain's enthusiastic approach to food and storytelling will find a similar pleasure in Trillin's work.
Eddie Huang writes boldly, honestly, and humorously about his experiences growing up as a Taiwanese-American. Passionate about food, identity, and cultural fusion, Huang's style is raw and unfiltered.
His memoir, Fresh Off the Boat, shares his journey from childhood rebellion to becoming the chef behind New York's Baohaus. Readers who appreciate Anthony Bourdain's unapologetic openness and deep dive into food culture will enjoy Huang's vibrant writing.
David Chang combines sharp insights and personal reflection in his exploration of food, authenticity, and identity. Known as the innovative chef behind Momofuku restaurants, Chang approaches his subjects with honesty, curiosity, and thoughtful intensity.
In his memoir, Eat a Peach, he reveals personal struggles, restaurant life, and his thoughts on food culture. Similar to Anthony Bourdain, Chang gives readers an insider's look at the complexities of cooking, fame, and identity.
P.J. O'Rourke offers witty and adventurous journalism filled with satire and sharp social commentary. While his focus isn't specifically food, his style is irreverent and observant, connecting with readers who value sharp humor and candid observations about modern life.
In Holidays in Hell, O'Rourke reports from conflict zones and troubled regions, using comedy and curiosity to highlight absurdities. Readers who appreciate the frankness, wit, and world's-eye-view in Anthony Bourdain's books might appreciate O'Rourke's entertaining approach.
Jon Krakauer writes clearly, passionately, and thoughtfully, often taking readers on intense journeys that reveal human ambition and nature's difficulties.
His nonfiction style blends careful reporting and vivid storytelling, just as Bourdain approached his travels with candid curiosity and thoughtful commentary.
In Into the Wild, Krakauer tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who went alone into Alaska's wilderness, exploring adventure, risk, and the complexity of human drive.
Readers drawn to Anthony Bourdain's stories of entrance into unknown territories and human experiences in challenging environments might appreciate Krakauer's sensitive and honest approach.
Michael Ruhlman explores cooking and food culture with a down-to-earth passion and curiosity that fans of Anthony Bourdain will appreciate. His writing blends personal experience, storytelling, and deep respect for culinary tradition in a clear, approachable style.
In The Making of a Chef, Ruhlman shares his own journey through the renowned Culinary Institute of America, giving readers an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and passion involved in mastering the culinary arts.
If you enjoy Anthony Bourdain’s fascination with how food shapes culture and the world, Mark Kurlansky offers similar insight. He combines history, geography, and vibrant storytelling to illuminate the influence of food on societies.
Take a look at Salt: A World History, a surprising exploration of how the simple mineral has impacted economics, politics, and culture around the globe.
A.J. Liebling writes with humor, insight, and affection about cuisine, travel, boxing, and life in general. Like Bourdain, Liebling has a street-smart sensibility and a storyteller's knack for capturing vivid details of people and places.
In Between Meals: An Appetite for Paris, Liebling recounts his love of French food and culture, mixing humor with thoughtful observations about the pleasure and meaning found in good eating.
Elizabeth Gilbert shares Anthony Bourdain’s adventurous spirit and his openness to exploring unfamiliar cultures and traditions. Her writing is candid, engaging, and reflective as she chronicles personal discoveries through travel.
Her famous memoir Eat, Pray, Love offers readers insight into the joys and struggles of seeking meaning, comfort, and transformation through travel, food, and self-reflection.
Paul Theroux takes an observant and often incisive approach to travel writing, similar in style to Anthony Bourdain’s honesty and cultural curiosity. His writing is vivid and direct, without idealizing subjects or shying away from tough realities.
His classic The Great Railway Bazaar is an engrossing narrative of a long train journey through Europe and Asia, highlighting the people, places, and challenging situations he encounters along the way.