Wikiquote prints this sentence in its sourced section for A Cook’s Tour(2001), followed by a longer denunciation of Kissinger’s role in Cambodia. This is a report of Bourdain’s angry travel writing, not a statement of approval by Quotle. An original book page or stable edition-specific page number was not independently confirmed.
“Once you've been to Cambodia, you'll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands” Anthony Bourdain, A Cook’s Tour(2001), as reproduced by Wikiquote; original book page not independently inspected.
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Evoking the world of Anthony Bourdain — American chef and writer. Theme: "Once you've been to Cambodia, you'll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands". Atmospheric and restrained, cinematic directional light, a muted period-appropriate palette, fine grain and texture. Compose with generous empty space for the quote and a small credit line. No lettering in the image itself.
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Wikiquote prints this sentence in its sourced section for A Cook’s Tour(2001), followed by a longer denunciation of Kissinger’s role in Cambodia. This is a report of Bourdain’s angry travel writing, not a statement of approval by Quotle. An original book page or stable edition-specific page number was not independently confirmed. Wikiquote book passage ↗
Documents the 2001 travel memoir and its relation to the television series; metadata, not passage verification. Book background ↗
The containing book is a 2001 publication. Only a very short identification excerpt is reproduced.
Rights status is our research, not legal advice — and copyright varies by country and edition. For commercial or published use, confirm with the rightsholder. See terms.
Context
The setting behind the words
The passage belongs to Bourdain’s travel account of Cambodia and its aftermath. Its continuation attacks Kissinger’s statesmanship in deliberately furious language. This record documents an attributed literary passage and its tone, without endorsing violence. Wikiquote book passage ↗
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Bourdain worked as executive chef at Manhattan’s Brasserie Les Halles before becoming a widely read food writer. His television series, including No Reservations and Parts Unknown, explored food alongside culture and everyday life.
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Source consulted
Anthony Bourdain. A Cook’s Tour. 2001. Source and limits described above.
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Quotle.info. “Who really said ‘Once you've been to Cambodia, you'll never stop wanting to beat Henry Kissinger to death with your bare hands’?” Last verified 9 Nov 2026. https://quotle.info/who-said/once-youve-been-to-cambodia-youll-never-stop-wanting-to/