Several consumer brands are facing renewed scrutiny following revelations by celebrity chef Im Seong-keun, a contestant from Season 2 of Netflix’s cooking competition “Culinary Class Wars,” that he has been convicted of driving under the influence on three separate occasions over the past ten years. Im, who rose to popularity for his sharp wit, confident… Continue reading Brands Reassess Ties After Celebrity Chef Admits to Multiple DUI Offenses
Category: Food & Beverages
Bacha Coffee Brings Old-World Elegance to Tokyo’s Ginza
Stepping into a Bacha Coffee café feels less like entering a coffee shop and more like being transported into a carefully curated world of luxury. Polished surfaces gleam, ornate details catch the light, and every element seems designed to elevate the simple act of drinking coffee into a refined ritual. The Singapore-based brand has built… Continue reading Bacha Coffee Brings Old-World Elegance to Tokyo’s Ginza
Sakemaking Finds New Soil Beyond Japan, From India to Southeast Asia
Sake has long been synonymous with Japan, shaped by centuries of tradition, climate and craftsmanship. Yet today, the iconic rice-based drink is quietly establishing roots far from its birthplace. From Southeast Asia to South Asia, a growing number of brewers and chefs are experimenting with sake production, adapting it to local ingredients, cuisines and drinking… Continue reading Sakemaking Finds New Soil Beyond Japan, From India to Southeast Asia
Korea’s Winter Cod Is Disappearing — And So Is a Seasonal Tradition
For generations, winter in Korea has been inseparable from cod. As temperatures dropped, the cold-loving fish would migrate south through the East Sea, filling coastal waters and markets with one of the season’s most cherished ingredients. From home kitchens to neighborhood soup houses, cod signaled the arrival of winter meals meant to warm the body… Continue reading Korea’s Winter Cod Is Disappearing — And So Is a Seasonal Tradition
The Korean flavour winning over New York
“I became interested after seeing actor Lee Kwang-soo on a variety show. In Japan it is even introduced as a must-try course,” Haru, a 26-year-old visitor from Okayama, said as she picked out two palm-sized glass bottles from a narrow alley shop in central Seoul on Jan. 2. The store was not selling K-pop merchandise… Continue reading The Korean flavour winning over New York
Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Inflation is increasingly reshaping daily life for young people in Japan, with higher food costs forcing many to rethink how much — and how often — they eat. A recent survey suggests that rising grocery prices are placing particular strain on those at the early stages of their working lives. According to research conducted by… Continue reading Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Tokyo Dining in 2025: Where Tradition, Innovation, and Value Collided
Tokyo’s dining scene in 2025 reflected the city itself — restless, resilient, and constantly reinventing. From quietly refined sushi counters to experimental kitchens pushing the boundaries of technique, the year delivered both excitement and uncertainty for chefs and diners alike. Rising costs, global trade pressures, and a surge in inbound tourism created real challenges, yet… Continue reading Tokyo Dining in 2025: Where Tradition, Innovation, and Value Collided
Chipotle Targets Protein-Hungry Consumers With New Snack-Size Menu
Chipotle Mexican Grill is expanding beyond its traditional burrito-and-bowl format as it rolls out a new “High Protein Menu,” including grab-and-go cups filled with chicken or steak. The new offerings, launching this week in the U.S. and Canada, are designed to tap into the growing demand for protein-focused snacks rather than full meals. The move… Continue reading Chipotle Targets Protein-Hungry Consumers With New Snack-Size Menu
The Rise of the ‘Appetizer Economy’ as Diners Cut Back
Food inflation is reshaping how Americans dine out, with many consumers opting for smaller, lower-cost menu items instead of full meals. New restaurant supply-chain data shows appetizer orders are rising sharply, even as sales of entrees and desserts stagnate or decline — a trend industry watchers are calling the “appetizer economy.” According to Buyers Edge,… Continue reading The Rise of the ‘Appetizer Economy’ as Diners Cut Back
Tokyo Extends Its Reign as a Global Dining Capital in the Michelin Guide 2026
Tokyo has once again reinforced its reputation as one of the world’s most influential food cities, retaining its top position in the latest Michelin Guide. The newly released 2026 edition highlights the extraordinary depth and diversity of the Japanese capital’s dining scene, awarding Michelin stars to a total of 160 restaurants across the city. In… Continue reading Tokyo Extends Its Reign as a Global Dining Capital in the Michelin Guide 2026