Anthony Bourdain was never one to hold back his opinions, and Henry Kissinger was one figure who felt the full brunt of the late chef’s criticism. Known for his culinary adventures and raw honesty, Bourdain didn’t limit his outspokenness to just food and travel. His sharp tongue extended to politics, where his disdain for Kissinger was crystal clear. For Bourdain, the former U.S. Secretary of State wasn’t just a controversial figure—he was, in the chef’s view, a war criminal whose actions had far-reaching, devastating consequences.
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The Origins of Bourdain’s Criticism: Cambodia and Beyond
Bourdain first unleashed his fury toward Kissinger in his 2001 book, A Cook’s Tour: In Search of the Perfect Meal. While the book was largely a travelogue chronicling Bourdain’s pursuit of the world’s best food experiences, it took a dark and serious turn when discussing his time in Cambodia. For Bourdain, Cambodia symbolized the horrific aftermath of U.S. foreign policy under Kissinger’s watch, particularly during the Vietnam War and the bombing campaigns that destabilized the region, paving the way for the rise of the Khmer Rouge.
Bourdain didn’t mince words when describing Kissinger’s role in these tragedies. “Once you’ve been to Cambodia, you’ll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands,” Bourdain wrote. “You will never again be able to open a newspaper and read about that treacherous, prevaricating, murderous scumbag sitting down for a nice chat with Charlie Rose or attending some black-tie affair for a new glossy magazine without choking.”
For Bourdain, Kissinger was more than just a former diplomat; he was a symbol of everything wrong with elite society’s willingness to overlook moral failures for the sake of political or social convenience. The chef’s experiences in countries deeply scarred by U.S. interventions shaped his worldview and, by extension, his harsh stance on Kissinger.
Unrelenting Criticism: Bourdain Doubles Down
Even as the years passed, Bourdain’s anger toward Kissinger never softened. In fact, he remained as defiant as ever, frequently reiterating his disdain in interviews and social media. In a 2017 interview with The New Yorker, Bourdain blasted journalists and elites who cozied up to Kissinger, saying, “Any journalist who has ever been polite to Henry Kissinger, you know, f--k that person.”
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By February 2018, Bourdain made it clear that he hadn’t regretted his words. He tweeted, “Frequently, I’ve come to regret things I’ve said. This, from 2001, is not one of those times.” For Bourdain, the issue was about more than personal grudges—it was about holding powerful figures accountable for actions that had devastating human costs.
Bourdain’s Legacy vs. Kissinger’s Silence
What’s striking is that, despite Bourdain’s very public attacks, Kissinger never responded. The diplomat, who lived to be 100 years old, was no stranger to criticism, yet he never addressed Bourdain’s remarks. Perhaps Kissinger, who was accustomed to being critiqued by political analysts and historians, simply dismissed the words of a celebrity chef. Regardless, Bourdain’s condemnation resonated with many who shared his views on the lasting damage of Kissinger’s policies.
A Stark Reminder of the Consequences of Power
Anthony Bourdain was a man driven by curiosity, empathy, and a desire for authenticity. His travels brought him face to face with the impact of decisions made in faraway boardrooms and government offices. For him, Henry Kissinger represented the darker side of American foreign policy—one that prioritizes geopolitical strategy over human lives.
While Bourdain’s critique was brutal, it was also a reflection of his broader belief that the powerful should be held accountable, no matter how much time has passed. Bourdain’s legacy as a truth-teller, unafraid to speak his mind, lives on. His unflinching words about Kissinger remain a testament to his commitment to standing up for what he believed was right, even when it was uncomfortable or controversial.
As we remember both men—Bourdain for his contributions to culture and Kissinger for his indelible mark on history—their contrasting legacies remind us of the complexity of power and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths.
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