We can’t say for sure but the show’s basic premise as explained by National Geographic is Ramsay having a friendly cook-off with local chefs in lesser-known parts of the world.
The concept is similar to late-chef Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown. In Parts Unknown, Bourdain traveled to different albeit unknown parts of the world to try their culinary specialties.
Calling Ramsay’s new show, a rip-off, is not exactly right. The backlash is not due to the concept of the show being similar to Parts Unknown. The part that made people angry is the press release that said “pitting his own interpretations of regional dishes against the tried-and-true classics.”
People don’t believe that Ramsay has the right to change classic cuisines and tell locals how their food should be made. We all are aware of Ramsay’s reputation as a chef and his constant verbal abuse.
People think that Ramsay teaching locals their own food is “culturally insensitive and unnecessary.” After reading the press release, one can assume that Gordon will tell locals that “he can cook their cuisines better than they can.” National Geographic has replied saying that their press release was taken out of context and that the upcoming show is about celebration and exploration. I personally believe we should give them the benefit of doubt and judge the show only after it gets released. The PR team’s marketing was a horrendous mistake. Maybe Gordon will not be his usual chelf(pun intended) in this show.