https://www.scmp.com/rss/506267/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com The Korea Times The Korea Times Long a staple in Filipino desserts, ube has become the newest obsession in South Korean cafes. The root crop, also known as purple yam and commonly exported from the Philippines, is turning up in everything from creamy desserts to colourful drinks as its popularity spreads worldwide. Ube first went viral for its visual appeal as it gives off a distinct violet hue when added to desserts and drinks, taking the place of the long-reigning green of Japan’s matcha. The starchy tuber is now a mainstay... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3351302/how-viral-ube-drinks-and-desserts-are-taking-over-south-korean-cafes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3351302/how-viral-ube-drinks-and-desserts-are-taking-over-south-korean-cafes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:15:08 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam The last few years have seen chilli crisp grow in international fame, with the crunchy, oily, umami-packed condiment being drizzled over eggs, folded into ice cream and debated with an intensity that borders on obsession. In 2024, that fervour bubbled over into a lawsuit when chef David Chang of the Momofuku restaurant empire claimed “common law” rights to “chili crunch” after acquiring the trademark for “chile crunch”, sparking outrage across the food world and ultimately forcing the company to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3351158/not-just-home-lao-gan-ma-guizhou-where-chinas-chilli-culture-was-born?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3351158/not-just-home-lao-gan-ma-guizhou-where-chinas-chilli-culture-was-born?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:45:08 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam This Mother’s Day (May 10), whether mum dreams of a Mediterranean brunch, Michelin-star French fare with harbour views, a Spanish buffet or contemporary Chinese flavours, there is a table in town with her name on it. Read on for where to book these and plenty of other indulgent options. 1. Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic Following its recent upgrade to two Michelin stars, Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic is delivering a Mother’s Day feast worthy of the most important woman in your life. Sunday... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3350998/11-best-mothers-day-2026-menus-hong-kong-special-treat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3350998/11-best-mothers-day-2026-menus-hong-kong-special-treat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:15:08 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer Golden Gip, the fourth outpost from Censu Crew visionary Shun Sato, opened its doors on Wellington Street in Central in January 2025, following a four-month pop-up called Prelude in Sai Wan Ho. This lively spot channels an elevated dai pai dong vibe, blending Asian cuisines with bold Korean twists in a wabi-sabi space, alive with neon signs, collaborative art and a “gip” (Korean for home) atmosphere that draws crowds for shareable plates. Sato hails from Sendai in northern Japan and was born... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3350478/dish-focus-fxxking-peace-out-mapo-tofu-golden-gip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3350478/dish-focus-fxxking-peace-out-mapo-tofu-golden-gip?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:55:46 +0000 Charmaine Yu Charmaine Yu For many people of the Asian diaspora, food provides a tangible link to heritage that can sometimes feel distant. Soy sauce is one of the best examples. While familiar red-capped, mass-produced bottles of soy sauce dominate supermarket shelves, a small community of artisans is choosing to make the condiment in different, slower ways. Ramona Lee – also known as “The Soy Sauce Lady” – and Mike Fung of Cinwaan Soy Sauce are hand-crafting the liquid gold in rainy Sweden and sun-drenched Australia,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3351073/soy-sauce-artisans-making-chinese-condiment-dash-attitude?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3351073/soy-sauce-artisans-making-chinese-condiment-dash-attitude?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:45:07 +0000 Andrew Sun Andrew Sun Originally from Hong Kong but now based in Macau, Sammy Wu is the assistant vice-president of food and beverage at Galaxy Macau. He has written articles for the Michelin Guide and a book on hospitality management. He spoke to Andrew Sun. I’ve always approached food with both curiosity and discipline. Growing up with Cantonese home cooking in Hong Kong, I learned early to appreciate balance, restraint and familiarity at the table. For a simple lunch, I often go to Coloane Pier Ribbon Soup Shop... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3350822/top-macau-restaurants-soup-noodles-portuguese-ribs-pork-resort-fb-boss-picks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3350822/top-macau-restaurants-soup-noodles-portuguese-ribs-pork-resort-fb-boss-picks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:45:08 +0000 Wee Kek Koon Wee Kek Koon It was a familiar situation that I found myself in. I was one of two Singaporeans among half a dozen or more Malaysians, and predictably – and almost always unprovoked – the trashing of Singapore’s food began, especially its supposed unoriginality and blandness vis-a-vis Malaysian fare. I have learned to grin and bear it, recognising that these barbs are less about food than the complex emotions Malaysians harbour towards their southern cousins, which are shaped by history, resentment and a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3350239/what-ancient-chinese-dish-can-teach-people-about-proper-way-eat-dishes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3350239/what-ancient-chinese-dish-can-teach-people-about-proper-way-eat-dishes?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:15:08 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times A South Korean woman in her thirties is facing child abuse charges after allegedly feeding her two-month-old infant tteokguk, or rice cake soup, with the case coming to light through photos she posted online. The dish, commonly eaten to mark the new year in South Korea, is considered inappropriate for infants, whose digestive systems are not yet developed enough to process semi-solid foods. According to the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency on Friday, the unidentified woman is being... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3350407/south-korean-mum-faces-child-abuse-charges-feeding-rice-cake-soup-2-month-old-baby?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3350407/south-korean-mum-faces-child-abuse-charges-feeding-rice-cake-soup-2-month-old-baby?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:36:08 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer As Hongkongers flock to Kai Tak for the Sevens this weekend, the city’s dining scene delivers the perfect match day sides. Think a free-entry rugby village, an ideal spot to recharge over the action-packed weekend; a nourishing luxury sea cucumber set menu at The Murray hotel; and a pop-up featuring famed Singaporean brand Tiong Bahru Bakery for Sunday recovery. For more dining ideas, see the 2025 100 Top Tables Guide – and watch this space for the 2026 edition. Friday, April 17 For a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3350139/your-hong-kong-sevens-weekend-food-guide-april-17-19?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3350139/your-hong-kong-sevens-weekend-food-guide-april-17-19?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:49:08 +0000 Andrew Sun Andrew Sun Michael Larkin is the co-founder of French bistro Lala in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood. He spoke to Andrew Sun. My dad is Irish, my mum is Romanian. We grew up mostly in Romania, where the food was super hearty, super rustic and very flavourful. In the winter, we had a lot of stew and soups; in the summer, we had a lot of barbecues. At home, my mom could burn cereal, so she never cooked for us. My dad, on the other hand, worked in food and beverage, and he taught me how to cook. As for what... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3350013/best-pasta-really-authentic-vietnamese-french-bistro-boss-top-hong-kong-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3350013/best-pasta-really-authentic-vietnamese-french-bistro-boss-top-hong-kong-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:45:08 +0000 The Korea Times The Korea Times On a recent Tuesday evening in Seoul, the Myeongdong branch of Bantianyao Kaoyu, a Chinese restaurant specialising in whole simmered fish dishes, is already filling up well before the dinner rush. Inside, large trays of whole simmered fish arrive one after another, each landing in a bath of deep-red chilli-laced broth, sending up a cloud of steam over the tables. Despite it only being 5.30pm – early enough at most restaurants to avoid the usual queues of hungry commuters – almost all of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3349535/why-are-young-koreans-going-crazy-chinese-restaurants-inside-growing-trend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3349535/why-are-young-koreans-going-crazy-chinese-restaurants-inside-growing-trend?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:45:08 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer This weekend, the city’s tables swing from heritage glamour to fragrance-led indulgence and innovative Vietnamese flavours. From Happy Valley’s caviar revival to a musk-inspired afternoon tea and a thoughtful Saigon-to-Central debut, this foodie schedule likely requires booking ahead. For more dining ideas, see the 2025 100 Top Tables Guide – and watch this space for the 2026 edition. Friday, April 10 For a Friday night filled with old-school glamour, head to Happy Valley’s Amigo, where the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3349374/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-april-10-13?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3349374/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-april-10-13?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:35:21 +0000 Lisa Cam Lisa Cam Okinawa is famous today for its pristine waters, gaudy Orion beer T-shirts, stone lions and dishes such as taco rice, but in centuries past it was better known as the centre of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, which thrived as a maritime trade hub from 1429 to 1879. The Ryukyu Kingdom connected Southeast Asia, China and Korea with Japan through trade, which included Chinese ceramics and Japanese silver. Over 450 years, these exchanges led to the development of the kingdom’s unique culture. Ryukyu... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3348777/how-food-japans-okinawa-evolved-chinese-influences-become-truly-unique?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3348777/how-food-japans-okinawa-evolved-chinese-influences-become-truly-unique?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:15:08 +0000 Wilson Fok Wilson Fok In 2024, the inaugural Chinese Wine Awards took place in Macau. The event was the first of its kind in the city, showcasing wines produced in China judged by a panel of international experts and critics. The awards have since expanded in scale, featuring a larger panel of judges, and this year included activation events in Beijing leading up to the judging sessions and award ceremony. Macau is the ideal spot for such an event: not only famous as a Unesco City of Gastronomy, but also for its... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3348625/chinese-wine-awards-elevate-ao-yun-and-other-labels-world-stage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3348625/chinese-wine-awards-elevate-ao-yun-and-other-labels-world-stage?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:12 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Stinky tofu is no longer on the menu at Golden Leaf restaurant in San Gabriel, Los Angeles, after the city received complaints about the dish’s aroma. But the family behind the restaurant is fighting to bring back the street food, which is popular in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan and prized for its distinct, potent stench. “The scene of stinky tofu in Taiwanese night markets is an invitation to community and tradition,” owner David Liao says. The dish is “a cherished taste of home and a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3348652/forced-stop-selling-stinky-tofu-taiwanese-restaurant-fought-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3348652/forced-stop-selling-stinky-tofu-taiwanese-restaurant-fought-back?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:15:11 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu A new solo dining trend among Chinese people is boosting the success of Japanese diner brands such as Sushiro. The conveyor belt sushi chain opened its first mainland shop in Guangzhou in southern China’s Guangdong province in 2021. Its popularity boomed when the brand opened its first shop in Beijing in 2024. It was reported that there was a queue of up to 1,500 tables. When Sushiro entered Shanghai in December 2025, there were already 700 groups of people waiting before its first opening.... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3348481/japan-solo-dining-chain-surges-popularity-china-hours-long-wait-times-lead-scalpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3348481/japan-solo-dining-chain-surges-popularity-china-hours-long-wait-times-lead-scalpers?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Lee Hill-choi Lee Hill-choi Macau has long been a city of intersections – East and West, old and new, tradition and reinvention. As a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, it is now staking a claim to another kind of convergence: a place where world-class fine dining and genuine environmental responsibility are not in tension, but in lockstep. That ambition takes centre stage at this year’s International Cities of Gastronomy Fest, which for the first time extends beyond Fisherman’s Wharf into a new satellite venue in the... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3348524/macaus-culinary-festival-highlights-luxury-dining-alongside-sustainability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3348524/macaus-culinary-festival-highlights-luxury-dining-alongside-sustainability?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:00:30 +0000 Hei Kiu Au Hei Kiu Au Marco Polo once wrote that for every shipload of pepper reaching Alexandria, a hundred docked in Quanzhou. Centuries later, that pepper still lingers – sprinkled over bowls of beef soup, simmered with seafood, woven into the city’s kitchens. It is a taste of the maritime trade routes that once made Quanzhou the “emporium of the world”. In 2021, Quanzhou received Unesco World Heritage status for its role as the eastern terminus of the Maritime Silk Road. Four years later, in October 2025, it... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3348506/quanzhou-maritime-silk-road-unesco-creative-city-gastronomy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3348506/quanzhou-maritime-silk-road-unesco-creative-city-gastronomy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:18:48 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer Hong Kong is buzzing this week, with Art Basel and Art Central kicking off. Meanwhile, the 14th edition of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony will also take place – the first time it will be held in Hong Kong. With that buzz comes plenty of exciting culinary events to look forward to. Those that demand swift reservations include two top-chef collaborations and a feast that’s set to break a world record. For more dining recommendations, see our 2025 100 Top Tables Guide – and stay... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3347798/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-march-26-29?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3347798/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-march-26-29?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:45:08 +0000 Vincenzo La Torre Vincenzo La Torre The Bund – the waterfront area facing the Huangpu River – is home to some of Shanghai’s most prestigious hotels, including Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, housed in a heritage Renaissance-style structure dating back to the early 20th century. With its sweeping views of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline across the river and colonial buildings dotting its charming streets, the area is a popular place to stay, especially for first-time visitors to the city. It is also relatively close to the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3347788/waldorf-astoria-shanghai-qiantan-introduces-you-another-side-city-new-bund?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3347788/waldorf-astoria-shanghai-qiantan-introduces-you-another-side-city-new-bund?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:12 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A Japanese food company has transformed tofu with a “manly” twist, attracting younger consumers and generating over 6 billion yen (US$38 million) in annual revenue. Tofu, introduced to Japan from China during the Tang dynasty (618–907), boasts a rich historical lineage. During the Edo Period (1601–1868), the shogunate implemented austerity measures to combat a financial crisis, directing the samurai class to adopt cotton attire and consume economical tofu for sustenance. Since then, tofu has... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3347676/japan-food-company-rebrands-boring-tofu-making-it-manly-appeal-young-customers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3347676/japan-food-company-rebrands-boring-tofu-making-it-manly-appeal-young-customers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:15:08 +0000 Charmaine Mok Charmaine Mok China’s 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide awards were announced on March 23, just days after the star rankings for the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau were unveiled on March 19, and before the coming ceremony for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants to be held in Hong Kong on March 25. The guide, often referred to as China’s answer to France’s century-old restaurant ranking system, awards venues using a three-tiered “diamond” system as opposed to Michelin’s star ratings. Similarly, Black Pearl... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3347594/2026-black-pearl-restaurant-guide-awards-hong-kongs-chefs-top-honours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3347594/2026-black-pearl-restaurant-guide-awards-hong-kongs-chefs-top-honours?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:34:58 +0000 Wilson Lau Wilson Lau Macau’s culinary identity is a deliciously unruly map of the world: a centuries-old laboratory of creative fusion where spices, techniques and stories collide. Long before “fusion cuisine” became a trend, Macanese cooking was already inventing itself at the crossroads of oceans – an everyday experiment in adaptation, improvisation and joyful hybridity. What began as practical substitutions and ingenuity has evolved into a living tradition that prizes sustainability, originality and a renewed... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347312/macau-gastronomy-fest-unites-39-unesco-cities-chengdu-lucknow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347312/macau-gastronomy-fest-unites-39-unesco-cities-chengdu-lucknow?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:36 +0000 Josiah Ng Josiah Ng It is a sign of our modern, interconnected times that the Macao Government Tourism Office has named British YouTubers Joshua Carrott and Oliver Kendal – usually known simply as Josh and Ollie – as keynote speakers for this year’s International Cities of Gastronomy Fest. The duo, better known for their YouTube channel Korean Englishman, rose to prominence by offering a fresh lens on the Korean Wave. While most online audiences rode the Hallyu wave via K-pop and dramas, Carrott and Kendal were... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347299/why-korean-englishmans-josh-and-ollie-are-perfect-gastronomy-fest-ambassadors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347299/why-korean-englishmans-josh-and-ollie-are-perfect-gastronomy-fest-ambassadors?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:26 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer At the World Food Forum (WFF), a United Nations-backed platform where gastronomy bridges cultures and drives agrifood systems transformation, Flora Igoe leads the Youth Culture Programme. Based in Rome at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), she guides young chefs in safeguarding intangible food heritage – family recipes, ancient farming practices and time-honoured techniques – while connecting their work to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “Food often creates connections between... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347293/uns-world-food-forum-building-new-generation-changemakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347293/uns-world-food-forum-building-new-generation-changemakers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:20 +0000 Douglas Parkes Douglas Parkes In an increasingly globalised world, culture is the common thread that binds communities together. For over two decades, the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) has worked to weave loose local threads into a cohesive global fabric, bringing together urban centres from all over the world. Its goal is to champion creativity in a way that helps make that sometimes ambiguous force a concrete driver of sustainable development, placing it at the heart of urban policy and international... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347274/how-unescos-creative-cities-network-redefining-urban-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/100-top-tables/topics/100-top-tables-cities-gastronomy/article/3347274/how-unescos-creative-cities-network-redefining-urban-development?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:15 +0000 Wee Kek Koon Wee Kek Koon I recently enjoyed a delicious dinner at a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that specialised in Hakka cuisine. Hakka restaurants have long existed in the city and elsewhere in Malaysia, but anecdotal evidence suggests their numbers have been growing rapidly in recent years. Less widely known than Cantonese and several other Chinese regional cuisines, Hakka food may be enjoying its moment in the sun, at least in Malaysia, where the Hakka population numbers around 1.25 million. They form the largest... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3347186/how-hakka-spread-china-and-beyond-their-cuisine-reflecting-hard-lives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3347186/how-hakka-spread-china-and-beyond-their-cuisine-reflecting-hard-lives?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:15:09 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer At Sol, the contemporary Korean restaurant by Solstice Culinary Space on Lyndhurst Terrace, head chef GwanJu Kim’s French training and Korean roots come together in one poised menu. Growing up on a family farm outside Seoul with both his mother and grandmother laid the foundations for Kim’s ingredient-driven cooking. He later honed his technique at one-Michelin-starred L’Amant Secret in Seoul and three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore. At Sol, Kim blends Western methods with the flavours of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3347115/dish-focus-jeonbok-sol?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3347115/dish-focus-jeonbok-sol?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 07:15:13 +0000 Mavis Teo Mavis Teo Despite the high crime rates that dogged Johor Bahru from the 1980s to the 2000s, the closest Malaysian city kept luring Singaporeans with its cheap seafood and groceries – and even petrol. The crowds still descend, but these days the capital of Johor state draws visitors for a variety of other reasons. Even in-the-know foreign tourists to Singapore slip across the 1km-long causeway for a change of scene – undeterred by the traffic jams. The five-minute ride on the KTM Shuttle Tebrau train,... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3347037/insiders-guide-johor-bahru-malaysia-hipster-fashion-desserts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3347037/insiders-guide-johor-bahru-malaysia-hipster-fashion-desserts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:00:37 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer This Friday is the spring equinox, and the weekend’s eating spans the full sweep of the season – from an ultrarefined tasting menu at Mosu Hong Kong, to lazy harbour-side brunches at Dedica and a long Italian dinner at LucAle’s bright new home in Sai Ying Pun. For more dining ideas, see the 2025 100 Top Tables Guide – and watch this space for the 2026 edition. Friday, March 20 Mosu Hong Kong head chef Bruno Jeong Jin-hwan is leaning into the first flush of spring at the Korean-led fine dining... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3346962/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-march-20-22?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3346962/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-march-20-22?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Significantly underrated compared with its Southeast Asian neighbours Vietnam and Thailand, Cambodia is a culture vulture’s paradise. Though the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap still attract millions of visitors every year, the city surroundings – as well as the country’s capital, Phnom Penh – are considerably less overrun with tourists than nearby megacities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. Here are some destinations worth checking out on your next visit to Cambodia, if you choose... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3346288/beyond-angkor-wats-allure-discovering-cambodias-hidden-gems-siem-reap-and-phnom-penh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3346288/beyond-angkor-wats-allure-discovering-cambodias-hidden-gems-siem-reap-and-phnom-penh?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer From city views to Côte d’Azur daydreams and full-on burger bravado, this weekend covers just about every craving. Start with a Shanghai-themed buffet at W Hong Kong, slip into springtime with French Riviera vibes at La Petite Maison (LPM) on Saturday, then round things off on Sunday with a high-stakes Gourmet Burger Challenge at The Murray. For more foodie suggestions, see our 2025 list in the 100 Top Tables Guide, with the 2026 guide to be released soon. Friday, March 13 Kitchen at the W... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3346182/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-march-13-15?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3346182/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-march-13-15?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:25:00 +0000 Jianne Soriano Jianne Soriano In Ali Nuraly’s words, meeting fellow Kazakhs Xeniya Tregubenko and Marat Zakaryayev in Hong Kong, of all places, was his “destiny”. The trio are the founding team behind Yurt, the new modern Central Asian restaurant in Hong Kong. Located on Elgin Street, in Central, it’s an ode to the cuisines of the region that comprises Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Each had vastly different reasons for moving to Hong Kong: Tregubenko came for university and stayed to work... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3345679/yurt-hong-kong-restaurant-putting-central-asian-cuisine-map?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3345679/yurt-hong-kong-restaurant-putting-central-asian-cuisine-map?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:00:09 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service Named the “ingredient of the year” for 2026 by The New York Times, vinegar can have many uses and personalities far beyond its generic role in a salad dressing or as a decorative balsamic reduction. You can use a splash as a finish to lentil soup or chilli to add depth. Some bartenders are throwing it into mocktails. Some folks use raw vinegar for its supposed health benefits. It can even be lightly sprayed onto cookies. Long before its current moment in the spotlight, Filipinos used vinegar as... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3345360/how-vinegar-has-given-filipino-food-sour-kick-centuries-adobo-dipping-sauce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3345360/how-vinegar-has-given-filipino-food-sour-kick-centuries-adobo-dipping-sauce?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:45:51 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer With family celebrations winding down and regular routines creeping back in after Lunar New Year, this weekend is made for quieter meals. Ease into it on Friday night with a heritage-rich Hokkien feast at Ming Pavilion’s Beng Hiang pop-up, then trade brunch crowds for a contemplative harbour-view afternoon tea at Jija by Vicky Lau at Kimpton. End on a slow and sweet note with head pastry chef Eve Minialai’s new celebratory cake collection at Louise. For even more dining suggestions, read the 100... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3344293/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-february-27-march-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3344293/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-february-27-march-1?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer As lanterns begin to come down and red packets are tucked away, the post-Lunar New Year lull is the perfect excuse to eat purely for pleasure again. This weekend, trade family banquets for a harbour-view steakhouse reset at Morton’s, dive into carb-laden comfort with new pasta plates at Twist, and close things out with numbing spice and old-world glamour at Grand Majestic Sichuan’s Sunday brunch. Read our 2025 100 Top Tables Guide for more dining recommendations. Friday, February 20 When you’ve... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3343477/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-february-20-22?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3343477/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-february-20-22?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Victoria Burrows Victoria Burrows Hospitality is a notoriously stressful profession, and for chefs and restaurant managers operating at the highest levels of excellence, the pressure to perform perfectly can be intense. For couples who work together in a restaurant, they must do this while also negotiating the everyday bothers of life and endeavouring to keep the spark of romance alive. Despite the challenges, the gastronomic world has numerous dedicated duos running their own restaurants who, over the years, often develop... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3343173/atomix-ta-vie-how-couples-restaurants-turn-kitchen-pressure-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3343173/atomix-ta-vie-how-couples-restaurants-turn-kitchen-pressure-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:15:11 +0000 Gayatri Bhaumik Gayatri Bhaumik Singapore’s vibrant dining scene is a legacy of the city’s rich multicultural heritage. One night, you’ll enjoy a feast infused with the flavours of Malaysia, India and China at a hawker centre; the next, French fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant and cocktails at a New York-inspired speakeasy. But the best way to explore Singapore’s culinary smorgasbord is to venture into its hidden corners at under-the-radar spots like the five below. Side Door The brainchild of bartender Bannie Kang... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3342901/unsung-eats-5-best-places-eat-and-drink-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3342901/unsung-eats-5-best-places-eat-and-drink-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:00:13 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer Sep arrived in Hong Kong in 2022, presenting chef Dobee Lam’s vision of Vietnamese cuisine through the lens of Hong Kong’s restless culinary energy. Tucked into the heart of the city, the interior of the restaurant channels the lantern-lit streets of central Vietnam while leaning into local ingredients and live-fire cooking. Lam, whose career spans some of Asia’s top kitchens, helms the wood-fired ovens with a craftsman’s focus, delivering tasting menus that balance bold flavours with technical... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3342064/dish-focus-ga-quay-hoi-sep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3342064/dish-focus-ga-quay-hoi-sep?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:00:37 +0000 Andrew Sun Andrew Sun Previously with Hong Kong Cantonese restaurants Art of Canton, Lei Garden and Duddell’s, Eric Chan is now the executive chef at Pedder Chinese in the historic Pedder Building in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood. He spoke to Andrew Sun. I grew up eating Chinese cuisine, especially Chiu Chow food. It is part of my roots, as my ancestors are from Chiu Chow. The flavours I love most are clean, delicate and ingredient-driven, such as fresh seafood, light broths and dishes that bring out the natural... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3342104/hong-kong-chefs-favourite-restaurants-oysters-congee-instant-noodles-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3342104/hong-kong-chefs-favourite-restaurants-oysters-congee-instant-noodles-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 08:15:38 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer As February’s first weekend rolls in, the city’s afternoons are made for lingering – whether over stone-milled matcha cruffins and velvety lattes in Sai Ying Pun, or a flan-tastic afternoon tea in Tsim Sha Tsui – before closing the weekend with a unique Italian twist on the classic British roast dinner, high above Admiralty. This guide has all you need for a long and leisurely weekend, filled with delicious bites ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations. For even more dining suggestions, head to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3342220/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-february-6-8?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3342220/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-february-6-8?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:00:38 +0000 Elaine Wong Elaine Wong The rhythmic hiss of gas burners from Sek Si Mei Sek’s kitchen cuts through the chatter as we take our seats. Once a modest street stall, this now-roofed eatery retains its dai pai dong soul: wobbly plastic stools, the syncopated clang of woks and the intoxicating aroma of white pepper-laced bone broth swirling around the table. Macau’s 24/7 rhythm, fuelled by its casino economy, sustains a late-night dining culture where 100 pataca stir-fries share pavements with casseroles three times the... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3341273/macaus-best-late-night-eats-according-chefs-tam-kwok-fung-julien-tongourian-and-pan-sihui?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3341273/macaus-best-late-night-eats-according-chefs-tam-kwok-fung-julien-tongourian-and-pan-sihui?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:39 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer As January comes to an end and February ushers in the Year of the Horse, this weekend’s guide closes the month on a high with Wan Chai’s Tuscan lunch, a Japanese brunch and student-powered grab-and-go classics before the Lunar New Year festivities begin. If you need more dining suggestions, head to the 100 Top Tables Guide and read our 2025 list. Friday, January 30 Associazione Chianti in Wan Chai introduces a new Friday-only lunch, channelling Florence’s end-of-week trattoria spirit through a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3341400/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-january-30-february-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3341400/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-january-30-february-1?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Jan 2026 04:30:08 +0000 Reem Khokhar Reem Khokhar On winter mornings in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, vendors gather near the Gol Darwaza gateway as the city stirs. They hover over high tables crowned with large basins, which are heaped with what looks like whipped cream. Early customers gather as the vendors dole out these pale yellow clouds in pattals (leaf bowls). They are topped with shards of silver varq (edible foil) and crushed pistachios or chironji, a nutty seed. The foam dissolves immediately on the tongue – a fleeting sweetness,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3341256/these-pale-clouds-are-lucknows-favourite-winter-dessert-and-modern-restaurants-have-noticed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3341256/these-pale-clouds-are-lucknows-favourite-winter-dessert-and-modern-restaurants-have-noticed?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:09 +0000 Zinara Rathnayake Zinara Rathnayake Bengaluru, the capital of the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is an adopted home that food stylist and photographer Sanskriti Bist never tires of. Bist, whose recent projects have included learning the techniques of hand-pulled noodles in northwestern China and documenting the kitchens of Berlin, Germany, says her favourite aspect of Bengaluru is the city’s embrace. “People are so welcoming,” says Bist, who moved from Raipur, in central India, to Bengaluru – formerly known as Bangalore –... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3339535/insiders-guide-bengaluru-city-welcomes-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/travel/article/3339535/insiders-guide-bengaluru-city-welcomes-you?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:00:15 +0000 dpa dpa Tiny balls of filling lovingly parcelled up, boiled and served with sauce – whether you know these as tortellini, jiaozi or just plain old dumplings, these are culinary stars worldwide. We enjoy them baked ‌until they are crunchy, gently steamed or fried to golden brown, depending on where we are. Almost every culture has its own version of this versatile food, whether it is Italian ravioli, Lithuanian koldunai, Polish pierogi or ‍Korean mandu. And each reveals wonderful flavours, plus a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3340561/how-dumplings-spread-across-asia-and-europe-and-tips-making-your-own?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3340561/how-dumplings-spread-across-asia-and-europe-and-tips-making-your-own?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 04:15:08 +0000 Phoebe Amoroso Phoebe Amoroso There is a choice to be made at this Tokyo noodle bar, and misjudgment could be painful. The laminated menu lists increasing levels of karasa (heat from chilli oil) and shibire (numbing spice from Sichuan peppercorns) on a scale from one to five. There is a level six, too, but that invites an additional fee; any wanton spice masochism must be paid for in hard cash as well as incidental sweat and tears. This is Szechuan Tantanmen Aun, which has been operating in a corner of downtown Tokyo since... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3340671/how-chinas-dan-dan-mian-noodle-dish-made-its-way-japan-and-became-so-popular?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3340671/how-chinas-dan-dan-mian-noodle-dish-made-its-way-japan-and-became-so-popular?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer Kick off this weekend with Shiro Central’s all-day Japanese debut inside Tai Kwun’s heritage walls. Then, roll into Bourke’s rowdy Aussie Triple J countdown bash on Peel Street, and finish with Bakery by the Grand’s queue-baiting Kowloon expansion at Festival Walk. This means Tokyo-inspired robata and sake sessions, snag-sizzling pub revelry and sourdough-fuelled cafe indulgences in one unmissable Friday to Sunday arc across town. Be sure to read our 100 Top Tables Guide 2025 too – the 2026 list... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3340421/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-january-23-25?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3340421/your-hong-kong-weekend-food-guide-january-23-25?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 04:45:08 +0000 Elaine Wong Elaine Wong For a full year, he was forbidden to touch even a single piece of chicken. Yoshiteru Ikegawa, the yakitori master of the Michelin-starred Torishiki in Tokyo, spent his apprenticeship mopping floors, running errands and peeking over the shoulder of his mentor, Yoshito Inomata, a “Karate Kid” in the world of charcoal and skewers. It was not until his fourth year that he was finally allowed at the grill. Inomata’s logic was brutal, simple and par for the course in Japan: to teach the young Ikegawa... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3339345/why-yakitori-chef-yoshiteru-ikegawa-treats-grilling-endurance-sport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/food-drink/article/3339345/why-yakitori-chef-yoshiteru-ikegawa-treats-grilling-endurance-sport?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:22 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso I never thought I’d confuse the South China Sea for the Mediterranean, but here we are, situated on a cosy strip of sand just outside the charming city of Nha Trang. Villa le Corail, A Gran Meliá Hotel – Spanish luxury hotel chain Gran Meliá’s first property in Asia – is Vietnam’s answer to a southern European escape. Think Mediterranean beach club vibes with local flair and a vibrant holiday experience as colourful as the quintessential Spanish holiday, complete with the unmistakable warmth of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3340085/asian-charm-mediterranean-mood-greets-guests-vietnams-villa-le-corail-resort?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/lifestyle/travel-hotels/article/3340085/asian-charm-mediterranean-mood-greets-guests-vietnams-villa-le-corail-resort?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jan 2026 06:00:14 +0000