Mexico City 

One of my favorite places to go pick up some crazy vintage finds for my wardrobe, for shows, editorial, etc. All range of prices and for every taste. And a very friendly treatment.

This is a traditional comida yucateca restaurant, hidden in a building downtown. The best southern food I’ve ever had in CDMX.

This kitschy house belonged to the famous Mexican songwriter Roberto Cantoral, who composed for big recording artists such as José José. He wrote a very beautiful song with a trio he had called ‘’El Reloj’’ and the music sheets are sculpted in the main entrance door. This used to be around the corner on the neighborhood I grew up in. It’s kind of a suburban zone but it gives perspective to the more touristic areas in CDMX.

This is little hidden Japanese ‘’fondita’’ in the heart of Roma Sur that offers a daily Japanese full meal menu at an amazing price. This is my favorite place to take new friends. Their matcha cake - it’s unbelievable!

It’s an old mansion that used to be property of a famous Mexican golden-era movie director and was also used as a set in many of his movies. Fun fact: he was actually the model for the Oscar’s award statue. My aunt used to know his granddaughter and they opened the house for us. Now it's a museum and you can actually schedule a visit.

Mexico City with Girl Ultra

Paris

Ask for the round table next to the bar, a Negroni with Armagnac from the bartender Marc and mushroom ravioli

You will have a good laugh, tell them I sent you

Before coming call and ask if Alban is around, if yes, ask him to order for you

Probably the place I have eaten the most in Paris, best shrimp when it’s the season. Don’t dare leaving without trying the clamatarte

In Paris or anywhere in the world, follow their IG account to know when and where!

[Get the] steak with black pepper sauce - FYI sometimes I order and eat between emails

Where to Dine Out in Paris with Silencios' Guillaume Sanchez

Melbourne

Share a gukbab soup with a pal. Dump the rice in when it rocks up, adjust flavour with pickled shrimp and sauces.

Best ramen in the city, though the childish will use the long lines as an excuse to argue. Show up at 3pm for quickest seats at a table.

Book ahead, order the "shao long bao" and go hard on the chef's recommendations.

Visit with a group of three or more and ask for the pork set. Kimchi jjigae is included.

My favourite Thai street food in the CBD can be a bit tricky to find because it's literally in a carpark.

Quick Indonesian. Can't go wrong with a balado or a bakar. Get a combo and ration the teh for spicy moments.

Best char siu bao and dou sha bao if you need a cheap snack on the go.

The fit-out is stunning, but so is the broth. Go easy on the hot sauces and remember, mild is still spicy in the Sichuan universe.

Outstanding Korean fried chicken, and it's open late.

Melbourne’s Best Spots for Asian Food by Yeo

Bianco

Tokyo

We start this guide with a special place. We go to Yakumo in Nakameguro. A great neighbourhood and insanely good ramen with some extra good wonton. My job as a trend researcher and many interviews with Tokyo streetwear designers, shop managers and so on have always brought up this name. I don’t know what it is, but the streets seem to love this shop. It's a fancy place, but offers real ramen love. Perfect wontons and a smooth soup that will delight you.
If you want way more read my big guide.
Matane motherfuckers.

Again one of my absolute favourite places in this town and a high percentage to find me here when in Tokyo. I live very close to this shop and go there at least once a week together with my girl. This shop is insanely good. From their clear chicken ramen with Japanese citrus to their Tsukemen and their chiso miso ramen that adds extra cheese to heavy miso ramen. All bowls are god level, and the shop has a really laid back atmosphere. Say hi if you see me.

Yamaguchi Ratsushiki is one of these places and they are Bib Gourmand famous for their special Mabo Mazesoba. Same as Mabo Tofu, this dish holds a lot of Sichuan Pepper that will numb your lips, tongue, and mouth like crazy over time. I think the first time I tried this pepper I referred to its effect as a big spoon full of Charlie going down your throat. This still might make sense, I am a good guy now... I don’t know. So Yamaguchi Ratsushiki manages to really balance these levels and turn this ride into a good one. Loads of coriander and pork belly cubes and slices help, the extra egg, too. All in all, this is a real love affair, and Mazesoba is something you def should not miss at all.
If you bring enough time go to Yamaguchi Ratsushiki a bit away in Koto and enjoy this lovely hood and bowl. Oishii.

Let's head to Ikebukuro and eat at Kinkanbo. This neighbourhood is a bit like Shibuya just without all the tourists. It's famous for its various ramen shops, and Kinkanbo is one of the legendary shops in these streets. They do a crazy good and spicy miso ramen, with an incredibly tender piece of pork meat on top and extra optional coriander and spicy levels. If you can take it. The whole shop has a lovely design and is full of devil masks and dark-red walls. It's a one of a kind experience. Go to hell and enjoy it.

Time for another heavyweight champion and the place with probably the longest waiting time in this list, but the good guys at Tsuta are… good guys and invented a ticket system. Come early, pick a ticket and then come back later and just wait a bit on top. Don’t worry about spending too much time in front of the shop and instead check out the beautiful Rikugien Garden near Tsuta and eat a Kaki Gori (shaved ice) in there while you wait for the magic doors to open up for you. Tsuta really is one of a kind. The whole shop is quiet as fuck, and the ramen is incredibly tasty and finessed with some truffle paste. It's hard to explain what all happens in this bowl, but let's just say it was the first ramen that got a Michelin and those rich fucks only give stars to the best food, I guess.

Fuck, I love this shop and I love this neighbourhood. By now you can prove if you really came here for ramen. 'This shop is a bit far off the usual routes and only a few that love good food and the real Tokyo will go for it. The rest can take the same pictures and walks the same roads as the million other tourists before. We getting emotional here. For real, Matador Gyukostu is my absolute favourite. Maybe the best ramen I ever ate. It's a very rare beef ramen - you don’t find it that very often. It combines thin slices of beef, minced meat and a lot of other good things that will make your taste buds explode. I salute everybody who makes it out there. Be aware that there might be a long line on the weekend, so come early.

Let's go to Ueno, one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo. Next to a banging bowl of ramen, you will find the Ameyoko Market here, that will sell you everything you can think of. It starts with cheap souvenirs and ends with a golden Rolex. Believe me, they got everything you can imagine in between these two products. On top of that, there is Kamo To Negi. A ramen specialised in healthy vibes and duck meat. No artificial flavours, a light broth and a perfect piece of duck meant. Yes, a perfect piece and perfect bowl. Believe me.

We stay in Ueno, and we go from duck to crab. Sanji sells special crab ramen that is super super deep in flavour and has an optional option to add as many qualm eggs as you want to eat (3 cost 50 yen). The taste is one of a kind. 100% unique and nothing you will ever get anywhere else in the world. It's hard to put in words, just go there and eat their 'crazy crab' bowl.

The next ramen sends you right to Ginza, Tokyo’s very posh and high-class shopping district. KAGARI is specialised in Tory Paitan ramen, which is the best chicken soup you will probably eat in your whole damn life. KAGARI is world famous for their soup, and after this bowl, you will probably, never enjoy ramen outside of Japan again. It's def worth it. Go for it.

Let's end with one of my favourite bowls deep down in Shibuya. A lucky one for you cause you probably don’t have to go too far since your Airbnb or hotel or whatever might be close. But you gotta come early, cause Hayashi gets sold out quick. Come a bit before they open at 11AM and enjoy the most comfortable ramen machine of them all. If you did not know that yet, you buy your ramen at a machine/get a ticket. And usually, they have a million options, all in Japanese. Hayashi is different. Three buttons that just change the number of extras. Get the biggest one, and don’t talk that much. This shop is quiet, everybody enjoys his or her bowl. Shut up and enjoy the definition of an OG, extraordinarily good ramen.

Bianco’s Guide to Ramen in Tokyo

GUAPDAD 4000

Oakland

Brazilian / Asian / soul food fusion spot. I know the chef personally and this food is VERY well prepared and upscale.

THE FILIPINO SPOT WITH HANDS DOWN THE BEST CHICKEN WINGS. GOTTA GET THE G FIRE CHICKEN WINGS. NO EXCUSES!

A dimly lit, very sexy, very tucked away sushi spot. Believe me when I say this is some of the best cuts of fish in the whole of the Bay Area

This is a nod to secret speakeasy spots. The hidden restaurant, the bar and the wings and burger are amazing and not to be missed.

The best thing since Philly cheesesteaks fact check me

In the Dubs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best banh Mi !!!!! Exxxtraa latte


Oakland's Top Food Joints with Rapper, GUAPDAD 4000

During Covid-19 Seo Ju Park and Sofia Acosta, both from Mexico City, started their Kimchi project because they felt Mexico City lacked a good Kimchi and K-Food project.

Dooriban is a dark kitchen family style K-food project by Mamá Park, using Seo Ju Park's mom's recipes for the best Korean food experience.

Makan is a Singaporean bites and wine bar space owned by Singaporean-born Maryann and her Mexican partner Mario.

Founded by Thai-born Somsri Raksamran and her Mexican husband, Galanga Thai is one of the most known Thai restaurants in Mexico City.

Tachinomi Desu is one of Mexico city's coolest bars offering a large array of Sakes from Japan and some even made in Mexico. The bar is part of Edo Kobayashi's group. Edo is a Japanese-Mexican who owns several of the city's most iconic Asian spots.

Bao Bao is a Taiwanese eatery owned by Taiwanese-Panamanian Kathy Fong who opened this spot to best represent the diverse gastronomy of this tiny Asian island.

Vietnamese restaurant chain that opened in 2019 and now has three open restaurants in Mexico City and one upcoming in Cancún with Mexico's best Vietnamese food.

Go upstairs to the little steak Japanese joint they run. It’s a hidden entrance to the side of the actual restaurant and kind of an insider thing.

Asian-Owned Businesses in Mexico City

Amsterdam

This is the spot for anyone who is serious about tea. The owner Amanda is a real authority in the tea world. She has been appointed by the Chinese government as the European ambassador of Pu-erh tea. Formocha also does traditional tea ceremony and the upstairs seating area is a real oasis within the Jordaan area. They specialise in tea from China, Taiwan and Japan.

Is a 'by reservation only', vegan ramen restaurant - don't be put off by the 100% plant based ramen. It is incredible.

The real ones in Amsterdam know this is THE late night dining spot. Tell me where else you'll be able to get a Hong Kong-style typhoon shelter fried lobster and some Tsingtaos in the AM's.

An amazing Korean florist, they also host workshops on floral arrangement techniques.

Hands down the best Chinese supermarket in Amsterdam.

Assort is a Japanese hair salon with locations all over the world. The staff are the best and are extremely creative.

Great Filipino bakery, their ube cake is banging!

A hidden gem, some of the best sushi in Amsterdam. They also make their own ice cream.

Honestly one of my favourite spots in Amsterdam, really tasty Malaysian food. Everything on the menu is great but their Sambal Lady Finger's (Okra), Laksa and Hainanese Chicken Rice are must haves.

Asian-Owned Businesses in Amsterdam

Simran Randhawa

London

The queues are always crazy for dinner, so try get there before 6:30PM (LATEST). It's sooo worth the queue, some of the most authentic Malaysian food in London. You gotta get the roti (duh) and mamak mee noodles to share.

It's a major major trek, but honestly forget Dishoom; this is the BEST spot for Indian food in London. PERIOD.

Best place to grab lunch, healthy and light and SO peng.

Best place to stop for coffee and cake, the owners are SO lovely and they always have different cake flavours on rotation to keep it fresh. Also if you go during warmer months make sure you try their soft serve!!! It's SO good!

Again, it's probably a little out the way (though I think they have one near Trafalgar Sq) but pop in here if you want amazing, cheap, filling Indian food. 90% of my food pictures on my gram are from here, and 2 people could easily eat for less than £20. Bargain.

London with Simran Randhawa

Benji B

If I could move in here and (afford to) eat lunch and dinner every day I would. Italian-based food with locally sourced ingredients in a great setting - tastefully done and a special night out but not overly fancy. If it's nice weather sit in the small garden. Food is absolutely banging. I’ve always liked this neighbourhood too.
Who to ask for: Johnny
What to order: Everything on the menu.

One of my favourite local West Indian spots in North London.
What to order: fish stew or curry chicken w/ rice and peas & a veg pattie 
Who to ask for: Don’t ask for anyone, just get in line. Talking of which, if you are in a rush and it's lunchtime this ain't the place for you. Just know that all good things come to those who… wait in a long queue.

Sometimes only Ranoush Juice will do. More of a takeaway snack spot than a sit down place, although there are a few tables if you want to eat and go. Sometimes I realise it's on route to somewhere I’m headed and I’ll divert to make a stop, sometimes I’ll just make the trip especially. I go there for one specific item: the Ranoush Juice Shawarma wrap: one is never enough and two is too much.
What to order: Chicken Shawarma wrap and a fresh carrot juice

Just off Shaftesbury Avenue near Chinatown, serving a Middle Eastern menu inspired by Israeli cooking, Southern Spain and North Africa, the food here is fresh and good for lunch or dinner and is made in the open kitchen, right in front of you.
Who to ask for: Well, if you remember Layo and Bushwaka - The DJ duo closely associated with The End Nightclub in London, this is Layo’s place! So you could ask for him, or shake his hand and say good job.
What to order: Fattoush Salad, Persian Lemon Chicken, Tomato Labneh and plenty of Baharat Farmhouse Bread.

Low-key cafe breakfast spot that keeps it simple and gets it right. Breakfast also might be my favourite meal of the day to be honest.
Who to ask for: Elliot.
What to order: Scrambled eggs on 2 toast with parmesan shaving on top, hash browns and a cup of tea (I don’t eat red meat but if you like your bacon and all that theres plenty of that too).

Had to put a Japanese spot in this list and there are loads I could have chosen but I’m going with Dinings because it is top level Japanese food in an understated place. Was originally started by ex-Nobu chefs in 2006. I’ve eaten there from time to time over the years and it has maintained its quality.
What to order: Hamachi Tar Tar Chips, Unagi Nigiri, Miso Aubergine, Black Cod.

Top floor of the Standard in Kings Cross in London. Mexican and Spanish influenced menu. Environment posh but city vibe, feels like you’re in New York, lighting and design on point, definitely good for a night out. With the location being in Kings Cross, it gives a good mix of people -- and views. Food and drinks top level. Definitely not cheap tho.
Who to ask for: Thomas is the boss.
What to order: Cauliflower Tacos, Spanish Tortilla, Day Boot Fish. A Negroni before or an Old Fashioned after, depending on which way round you do it. Bartenders know what they are doing.

Feels like it would be rude not to include this classic. The OG Arcola street Mangal 1. What is there to say other than that I’ve ended up in here more than few times over the years. I respect this place a lot, the environment in the neighbourhood around this place has changed so much but this place has remained. There are undoubtedly loads of amazing Turkish places in London but this place is a classic.
What to order: Cacik, Tavuk Sis or Moussaka.

Classic Italian family run vibe not tryna be a cool spot but with a classic traditional feel. In a way this is the random one on the list - not sure why I like it so much but I do. Has a casual family feel to it, even if it ends up feeling a bit posh because of where it's located (Marylebone) and who goes there. I think I went in by chance once and I ended up going back. Not on the foodie cool list, you might go there and think “huh?” - but I like it for a secret straight up traditional Italian.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, followed by Sea Bass.

This place been open for years and years but its hard to tell sometimes which nights it opens. Very simple environment - not a “night out” but good if you want a simple home cooking feel. Low key and casual, sometimes with shared tables. 
What to order: Fresh Bread, Banjon Borani, Lavand-e-murgh.

Benji B's Favourite Restaurants in London

LEISURE 

Auckland 

My favourite place after potentially one too many the night before; breakfast burger, a flat white and jam donut will set you on your way!

Easily my favourite beer in the world, straight from the tap, the feijoa sour is amazing! I would recommend a tasting paddle and go from there.

Our local spot in West Auckland the best smashed beef burgers and whanau vibes, bring extra dollars for a t-shirt.

My favourite west coast beach getaway, incredible views and bush walks. Please make sure to read the trespassing signs, respect the locals land and be cautious of swimming on rough days (stick to the river).

The cheapest and most authentic Japanese Ramen spot in Auckland, make sure you have plenty of room as the portions are a decent size and you’ll want to slurp every drop.

A lovely gallery / shop hosting incredible work from top Māori creatives, lovely staff who are generous with the backstories of the work and it’s creator.

Best coffee in the world, easily the best flat white! Make sure to grab a bag of beans to go.

An incredible old movie theatre which hosts classic movies nights and some of the best live local music in town. Either option is a blast! LEISURE performed 2 nights here for our second album Twisters release.

Leisure's Guide to Top Spots In Auckland

New York City 

Even if everybody knows about Procell, for me it's the ultimate cultural hub in terms of vintage. I’ve been going to this shop for a long long time now and it always feel so inspiring. Prices range is between $80 and more but every piece is extremely well selected, full of history and in the best condition. Its like going to a museum.

I actually just discovered this one, it’s a few blocks away from our place and it's my new favourite one to stop in every week. The selection is awesome, it specialises more in Vintage tee shirts, work wear, hats, designer sunglasses. You can always get away with a piece and prices are so good for vintage in NYC. Definitely one that I recommend so much!

A classic stop for any New Yorker and specially Brooklyn based people, but this one in Bushwick is has a particularly good selection, mainly focusing on designer, new designer and real vintage pieces. Beacon's Closet is a buy, sell, trade place with amazing prices, if you come early enough, you can dig through all the gold. Its really one of the places that Im so excited to visit for a shopping day!

L Train in Bushwick houses lots of vintage spots and is a must go but my favourite one is this one, at the corner of Urban Jungle. The selection is based on real vintage, tee shirts, americana, work wear, army, some modern pieces as old vintage become rare. I always find some of my best army pieces or graphic tee shirts here. 


This one is like a museum, people will think I’m just picking a classic vintage store but I prefer to acknowledge the quality of what’s in it. Diving more into Americana for Stella Dallas, their selection is like travelling back in time. I’m always excited to touch real fabric - heavy cotton, linen, wool, denim, leather, real work wear. Vintage is about history and that's what I like about this spot. 

For your more Y2K dreams and needs, run to this dead mall in Chinatown. My favourite area in Manhattan and the trip to 75 EAST BROADWAY is always amazing. After the pandemic, this location saw some amazing brands and vintage seller coming back to it, it's definitely a magical place in NYC. From designers to more Y2K picks, you can spend hours going through every shop. This would be my number two stop...after Procell.

The Best Vintage Clothing Stores in NYC, Chosen by Miley Serious 

Joyce Wrice

Los Angeles 

One of my favorite Japanese/Korean restaurants located around Palms. Beef tongue, Thai glass noodle, daikon nori nori, shishito peppers, shumai, tom yum ramen and some hot sake will have you in your baaaaaaaaaag

This is a Nigerian restaurant in Inglewood! I really like their okra stew! It's so spicy. I would go here and make sure to have a couple hours to spare because sometimes it takes a while to get your food

This is a Thai restaurant in Gardena! I love savory and spicy burn-your-stomach type of food. Their tom yum soup is my favorite!

This museum is in mid city. It has movie nights in their purple garden and a beautiful bookstore with vinyl, clothing, and candles. You can also just hang out in the garden to read, write, listen to music etc.

This is a really good breakfast, lunch, dinner soul food restaurant in Inglewood and they play great r&b!! I love their pork chops and free mimosas on Sunday I believe ;) Get there early because it gets pretty crowded

Delicious egg bread french toast! Beautiful memorabilia. This space used to be the spot many artists, poets, and black panther party members gathered at to hold open mics at in the 1960s

Joyce Wrice's Guide to LA

Independent coffee shops are where you should be spending your time and your money. The eponymous cafe is a place of eclectic trinkets, amazing coffee and a hub for the east London cool cats who actually have something to say and contribute.

Waste is a radically independent punk/lifestyle store collaborating with artists and most importantly upcycling garments. The store itself is a visceral mosaic of subculture references, amazing finds and, as Sheerah mentions, a manifestation of what lives in her head rent free.

Aurum recently opened in Netil Markets community and is a women-owned and run shop providing people with pure gold piercing. The shop itself is stunning and Karly is such a dream. Aurum buys your gold, resells pure gold and its beautiful aesthetic of vintage gold is stun.

Across of Aurum is one of the market's most well-curated designer vintage shops. An industrial display of fashion house finds and rave culture mixed with some of the most important artefacts from culture is second to none. Also hang out for a bit to get to know the owner; she lives and loves her items as much as we love culture.

When in doubt, always stop for oysters. Fin & Flounder is a family-run fishmonger and they are so sweet to keep our oyster addiction at bay. Get it... oyster bay?!

Okko is a Broadway Markets iconic sushi and Japanese restaurant whose chile margaritas are like that spicy nice taste of summer. If you are there for a short while grab some tacos, but if you have some time try the incredible rolls and fusion treats.

Sheerah has been meaning to stop by here for ages and it’s a treasure trove of belts, buckles and S&M NRG. We raided the place and got ourselves bespoke belts made on the spot and fell in love with the owners and staff.

This new hot spot on Well Street in E9 was recommended by our mate Shimmy. Irish and Punjabi is a combo I never thought I’d hear, but it’s a taste you’ll forever crave. They had Irish oyster remixed Panjabi MC-style and the cauliflower cheese paratha was heaven in a mouthful. You must try it!

Exploring East London’s Independent Spots With Ryan Lanji and Sheerah Ravindren

ANONIE

The silkiest noodles. Hope you have a strong grip.

Next door to Mala Project. If you are feeling cheeky get the Mala Beef Rice Noodle.

If hugs were a food, it would be pho from Hanoi House.

Get the braised meatball noodle soup. The eight spices crispy tofu is a must.

I am really bad with spicy food. But I’ll eat the rice cake hot pot from Her Name is Han through tears if I have to (I want to).

Let’s not forget about ramen. Try the thin rye noodles like Tokyo Shio."

NYC’s Best Noodle Spots with Anonie

Keem De Peralta

This is where I first met the people I am involved with creatively right now. Some friends and people that I know used to throw the sickest parties here. The place has a pingpong table, a few couches, and a mad soundsystem. It's pretty sick too because it's kind of hidden, as it is located in a kind of abandoned building. Had some pretty crazy nights here before.

This place has the best uni pasta in all of Tokyo! Creamy and full! They also serve a bunch of rare stuff like Basashi (Horse meat) and Malaysian Duck! Super hidden and pretty exotic. The beef shank stew is to die for!

Whenever I crave for Mexican food, I would always go here. Tacos are the best, and the cactus ceviche!

2nd best Thai joint in the city. Won't tell the other one cause thats my ace lol. This place has the best thai curry, pork dishes and rice dishes

Out of all the commercial Japanese curry spots, Go go curry is the best because the flavour is not very strong, but very savoury and a little bit sweet. You can get the Omori size, it has tonkatsu, ebi katsu, sausages, and curry that'l feed 2-3 people.

My favorite Japanese dish of all time is a dish from Nagoya's "Hitsumabushi"! Its unagi (eel) on top of rice with a very bomb ass soup that you mix with the rice to make a rice porridge! Hitsumabushi is definitely the best out here in Tokyo.

Great Sashimi with an amazing view. I usually take dates here when things get serious lol.

Tokyo with Keem De Peralta

Nabihah Iqbal

If the weather permits, walk up to the top and sit there and look out on the city. It’s quite central but at the same time it’s really chilled. I grew up next to Primrose Hill so for me it’s an integral part of my childhood, and my London experience. It’s just a nice way of looking at the whole city.

If you’re into genres from different parts of the world this is your spot. It has a lot of jazz and they’ve got a big second hand jazz section and books.

It’s just a little shack, but it’s been there my whole life and the same woman still works there that did when I was about 10 years old. I used to go there in my karate suit and she’d know what time it was. The queue can be a madness, but it shows you people are dedicated to the cause - they stand there even in the winter. It’s the best crepe I’ve eaten and definitely better than anything in France (French people agree too). So go there!

Always a staple. Good value for money Japanese food. They’ve got a few branches around central.

Nabihah Iqbal's London Guide

RAMENGVRL

Jakarta

Probably the closest literal definition of “hole in the wall”. It’s in the 3rd (or 4th?) floor of a shady looking old building in South Jakarta. The elevator looks kinda eerie too, but they have one of the best goma (sesame) ramen in town in my opinion, and they have tons of Japanese magazines too.

Actually owned by a friend, but these words are all mine. It’s become one of the hottest “unknown” bars in Jakarta since the pandemic, funny enough. It has a very “weeb” vibe (the walls are donned in anime posters—mostly One Piece) and they serve umeshu (Japanese plum wine), highball, and soju too. Fun fact: you can queue a song on Youtube via their computer, one thing tho: it’s gotta be Japan-related (be it AKB48, or Sailor Moon opening song, or YOASOBI). If you play Simple Plan be sure you’re gonna get apprehended. And this is literally written in one of their posters.

Not really a “hole in the wall” coz everybody knows this already, but that’s exactly why it’s a great visit—it’s one of the safest bet in Blok M whole area (it’s like Jakarta’s own Little Tokyo) for great izakaya style menu. Every seat is separated by this wood partition and some kind of noren
(fabric dividers) so you get that sense of privacy (unless your neighbors are pretty loud).

If you want cheap no fuss but authentic sushi, go here. The place is quite small and to be honest it doesn’t look very convincing, but trusssst the food’s good, and i’m not just talking about sushi (although I gotta give credit to the THICK cut of the salmon sashimi—that’s rare here). Try their yasai hot plate. Yasai = vegetables. It’s SO good, which is surprising for a person like me.

Not many know about this, but this is the best karaoke place if you’re specifically looking for Japanese songs (from the obvious ones to the anime openings to the more “obscure”). Not only those from Japan but from China and Korea too. If you’re worried they don’t have the song, you
can just message them on Facebook prior to your visit and they’ll add it. Omotenashi game on point.

Not exactly hole in the wall but people might forget that THIS is the spot if you’re looking for grocery shopping, but make it Japan. They have almost everything, like cheap sushi, shoyu sauce, even that special sauce you use to make homemade chawan mushi. I usually just go for the sweets—Japanese sweets are on a different level.

Usually when people want a “Harajuku haircut” they’d go to a on-brand Japanese salon, but I—after many failed attempts at many salons—personally only trust Rey (@reyhairstylist) in W2 Salon. He studied in Japan and I think Taiwan too and had really honed his skill until he can take over his family salon, but apart from that he’s also in tune with the hottest “Asian hairstyle” (for lack of better word) and is also a weeb himself. If you love One Piece or play Phoenix Wright you’re gonna have a blast talking with him.

A Guide To Jakarta’s Best Ramen With RAMENGVRL

Orange Culture

Lagos

For great breakfast, pop by craft gourmet.

If you want to enjoy an amazing time bouncing - stop by the indoor trampoline park and connect with your inner child.

Fun arcade games, bowling and the option of three different restaurants including one with a rooftop view.

Stop by or order in for great shawarma and fries.

Discover Nigerian contemporary art at its best at Rele in the heart of Lagos.

Catch a beautiful history, beautiful Adire and beautiful conversations with Mama Nike at the Nike Art Gallery. It is truly an experience.

If you want to try delicious suya for the first time, stop by Bukka Hut in the evening.

For super facials, mani peds and relaxing massages, pop by Bnatural in Victoria island, Lagos.

For great spoken word, live bands and delicious food, stop by Bogobiri to enjoy a rich artistic and Afrocentric experience.

If you want to enjoy Nigerian food in a beautiful, architectural space with great vibes stop by NOK. Weekends are great with DJs and bands sometimes hosted while you enjoy great food.

Try the longest bridge walk/canopy walk and also enjoy a nice picnic outside during dry season. Stay hydrated and carry your camera to capture the beautiful experience.

Amazing Japanese food and the option of a beautiful beach view while you sip on a delicious cocktail. Shiro is definitely the spot. At night the music gets really good and you have Hard Rock Cafe in the same compound for a great night out.

Fine dining - this is the place to visit. Steak is amazing.

Lagos with Orange Culture

Ysa Pérez

More Williamsburg shit. Five Leaves is one of my FAVORITE restaurants, mmm truffle fries, good for dinner but sick for brunch. It's in a prime spot so can get busy

Cheap ass falafel right off the Bedford L stop, Oasis, Williamsburg staple, not the fanciest, but solid for price and just on the go when you tryna eat quick

Definitely check out The Lot. Opened a few summers ago in this abandoned lot no one was using. Now it's a place to chill outside grab drinks, think that weird park ting in Shoreditch, same vibes... there are DJs playing all day

All your vintage needs, this Japanese place plays tight ass music and has hella gear

Best Southern food + cheap, chill ass, dive, Williamsburg, hipster bar

Sweets! Milkshake that tastes exactly like cereal, next door to The Commodore

Ysa Pérez's Guide to NYC 

Sobhhï

Dubai

Dubai with Sobhhï

This year, I went on a mission to create a soul food fusion concept, Bando Belly with co-founder Alex Sintunayake. London is the world’s biggest melting pot and living in the capital means fusion is everywhere - food, music and of course the people. How many places in the world would an English, Turkish and Indian man all know the appropriate response to wagwan?!!
Bando Belly is about taking that exact energy and putting it on a plate; I have created a menu to highlight a diverse selection of flavours from all around the globe to reimagine London’s soul food.

A cute cafe serving classic Vietnamese dishes, they know me here as the woman who orders a table full of food. Don't miss the BÁNH XÈO Crêpe filled with pork or chicken, prawns, onion, bean sprouts and salad. CÁNH GÀ CHIÊN BƠ chicken wings with garlic butter and lemongrass. All their Pho are delicious or BÚN TÔM XÀO king prawns on rice. 

A Filipino food truck station outside Peckham library. They have been serving banging tender beef in adobo and marinated grilled chicken over rice with green and spicy sauces. You can grab a large box for £7 I always grab two one for now one for me and brother to fight over later.

Two Nigerian sisters with food as bold as they are. Their spin on Nigerian classics will have your mouth watering and belly full. My go to is the beef suya and prawn fried rice but grab a mixed plate for a taste of everything. 

A family run business with warm friendly service. Serving an array of South American food from tacos to arepas. I always get the beef chachapa, a sweet corn pancake with shredded beef and soft cheese.

A Mediterranean fusion kitchen inside a new bar that has a banging playlist full of amapiano bangers. Their portions never leave you hungry, there’s a tapas style menu and some great mains. I’ve had the thick sea bass fillet several times but I’m dying to try the confit duck and bean puree.

A traditional Eritrean restaurant serving vegan/ veggie delights tasty fish dishes and my favourite kulwa, which is lamb fried in ghee, onion and green chilli. Everything comes with Injera, a teff flour sourdough pancake. For first timers I suggest the combos based on how many people you're with, selections picked by the chef made for sharing. Great for date nights or group visits, make a night of it by trying the traditional honey wine and end with the authentic coffee ceremony.

Huge Peruvian restaurant with great outdoor seating for a spot of people watching. The cocktails are strong, and food packed with flavour. I have unashamedly ordered the same thing every time, grilled beef heart in aji amarillo and cod ceviche. The softness and deep flavour of the beef heart is unforgettable.

Master Chefs 2011 winner’s Japanese fusion restaurant serves great Japanese classics with sprinkles of Caribbean flavours. My go to is the Leopard ramen, a super thick creamy pork broth with parmesan and scotch bonnet or the extraordinary lazy goat ramen boneless curry goat with noodles, that one is a spice girl for sure!

This hole in the wall in Brixton a mother and daughter serving Colombian street food. Seeing a girl walking down Brixton high street with a massive snow cone piled with fruit and I had to stop her to ask where I could get one. Think fruit salad in fruit juice covered with a mountain of shaved ice and condensed milk and syrup. There's a lot going on but oh my there's a lot more to love. A super sweet summer treat. If its a hot day be ready to wait up to 30 mins.

A great fun Korean BBQ restaurant, a huge menu to choose from. This place you can take anyone, and they will enjoy. Don't go too crazy with the starters the wings and beef short ribs are my favourite or you'll have to come back twice like me to try the BBQ. Always order a bottle of soju and a pot of makgeolli, the milky, off-white, and lightly sparkling rice wine, get a cab home you will need it!

The Best Food in South London with Naz

Rainmaker 

Medellin

Versalles is one of the traditional meeting points of the city, I have eaten at Versalles for more than 10 years now. I first discovered it whilst my parents brought me to “Juninear” (go to Junín, a neighborhood in the center of the city, to have a snack in the afternoons). I highly recommend the Milanesa.

The UVA or Articulated Life Units are a project that seeks to take advantage of water storage spaces to unite the community around water, light and landscape There are a total of 12 UVA throughout the city, in each of them there are cultural and recreational events. My favorite for its view is the UVA of Imagination.

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